Finally got a running 65 C10

[DoubleDingo]

If you want to get better mileage on a regular basis, install a vacuum gauge and shoot for maximum vacuum while cruising down the highway or on long stretches without stops around town. Low vacuum reading, heavy right foot. High vacuum reading, less throttle being applied.

 

[bucket]

You're probably right, he's very picky. My main point is gear ratios, the sm420 1st and 2nd and 3rd with 3.54 rear gears is an extremely fun setup, and the truck will cruise as fast as you want to go in 4th. And will get decent mileage. And and yes, it can be shifted fairly quickly.

So, gear ratios, not just final, but 1st and everything in between need to be factored in. For an sm420, 1st is granny, so 2nd is the take-off gear 99.99999$ of the time. His tire diameter only helps, they look like a 28 or 29 diameter.

I don't think he's being picky, he just wants to be able to shift quickly and easily, without having to work for it. There's some guys that can bang shift a 3 on the tree too, but that doesn't mean that it's anywhere near ideal for a performance application or anything where ease is a concern.

 

[Ricko1966]

Here's a muncie m21 not going to last long
1hour old post

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[DoubleDingo]

Here's a muncie m21 not going to last long
1hour old post

You must be registered for see images attach

That wouldn't get him a better take-off gear, just an extra shift to get to 1:1. Fun factor is higher being a floor shift, but clutch slipping to take off, and no better highway gear.

 

[bucket]

Automatic it is

There are still good options for a manual trans. I mentioned one way back in post #478. @bluex mentioned the NV3500. I also believe a T56 (or variant) would be a great option as well... although more $, it would be the best shifting and by far the most durable.

A well-built automatic will likely be the easiest install though.

 

[DoubleDingo]

Manual, you need a better take-off gear to minimize clutch slippage and maximize launch.

Automatic, that slippage is built-in with torque converter.

 

[Ricko1966]

That wouldn't get him a better take-off gear, just an extra shift to get to 1:1. Fun factor is higher being a floor shift, but clutch slipping to take off, and no better highway gear.

That will depend a whole lot on which saginaw 3 speed he has,there are at least 3 if not 4. Now the m21 was a real good transmission for a 4 speed car. Camaro,Chevelles,442s. I thought his problem was 1st gear was too steep.

 

[1low4x4]

Well I wish I could have grown up driving trucks/cars with these transmissions in them but all were automatics, except my moms 1991 toyota corolla lol (which I learned to drive on), so I have zero experience with any of them.

Yeah I mean I can shift the 3 on the tree as fast as anyone, I've certainly had the practice, and the bushings I made got it smooth, but like I said, those first couple gears dont care how much hp you have, you aint getting out of anyones way. I understand the rear gears play a part too....

I'm not building a race truck either but it needs to be able to move out. Maybe I can youtube videos of guys installing/driving the different manuals to see

 

[DoubleDingo]

That will depend a whole lot on which saginaw 3 speed he has,there are at least 3 if not 4. Now the m21 was a real good transmission for a 4 speed car. Camaro,Chevelles,442s. I thought his problem was 1st gear was too steep.

He has borg warner 3 speed

 

[DoubleDingo]

Well I wish I could have grown up driving trucks/cars with these transmissions in them but all were automatics, except my moms 1991 toyota corolla lol (which I learned to drive on), so I have zero experience with any of them.

Yeah I mean I can shift the 3 on the tree as fast as anyone, I've certainly had the practice, and the bushings I made got it smooth, but like I said, those first couple gears dont care how much hp you have, you aint getting out of anyones way. I understand the rear gears play a part too....

I'm not building a race truck either but it needs to be able to move out. Maybe I can youtube videos of guys installing/driving the different manuals to see

Which is why I go back to sm420 and 3.54.

 

[DoubleDingo]

That will depend a whole lot on which saginaw 3 speed he has,there are at least 3 if not 4. Now the m21 was a real good transmission for a 4 speed car. Camaro,Chevelles,442s. I thought his problem was 1st gear was too steep.

And yes, the Muncie 4 speeds are great.

 

[bucket]

One thing I forgot to mention about the T56, besides being used in many performance cars, it was also used in the Ram SRT-10 pickup. So it is technically a "truck" transmission too, lol.

 

[Ricko1966]

He has borg warner 3 speed

LOL this has gone so many pages I've lost track of too many things. I have no idea why I thought he had a mystery saginaw.

 

[1low4x4]

LOL this has gone so many pages I've lost track of too many things. I have no idea why I thought he had a mystery saginaw.

Don’t worry it’s news to me too

 

[DoubleDingo]

Don’t worry it’s news to me too

And you're the one that rebuilt it...lol...