Hi Everyone- I have seen some great info, but the threads seem to be older and just wanted to see if there is any fresh info out there. . . 1. I want to install a M-22 in the car, I had one in my El Camino, and I just had a ton of fun driving it. . . 2. I know that I am going to need a lot of stuff to make this happen, where should I be looking for the parts? 3. Has anyone had experience doing this before? 4. Any additional resources and info would be great appreciated! Thank you again! Nick
We have a thread posting a list of parts. It is a 3-4K dollar conversion if you use the correct parts.
I have no idea how to post a link here, but if you scroll down to the forum section titled "Driveline and Chassis Tech" Then scroll down to the section that says: " U-Shift Em" Then there is a thread posted by Moleary that has everything you'll need to know including part numbers to swap any 68-72 Buick A-Body from automatic to 4 speed. It's an excellent and very complete write up. Like a step-by-step guide. Good Luck!! Philip T.
Thank you Jim for the quick reply. Would you happen to have the link to the thread? Thank you again for reaching out!
http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/bbb-4-speed-conversion-parts-for-sale.305686/ http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/4-speed-conversion-stuff.265146/#post-2179863
Hi Jim- I appreciate your suggestion on the transmission; in regards to your comment, if I went with a M22 I would need Buick specific parts? But if I went with a 5 speed, I would be able to use more "universal" parts?
1. I want to install a M-22 in the car, I had one in my El Camino, and I just had a ton of fun driving it. . . An M-22 is a great choice. Fits just fine. The originals are a bit pricey. The Autogear M-22's are the way to go. Either way, your spending $2200 or so. A comparable M-21 (same gears without the noise) will run you about half that. 2. I know that I am going to need a lot of stuff to make this happen, where should I be looking for the parts? Some of the stuff is available repro. Like the Z bar. Year One and other vendors sell it for around $175. The big block fork is nearly unobtainium. If you can find one it'll cost you a ton. You can save some money and use the small block fork (442 fork) which will in turn use the readily available adjuster rod. The upper rod for a big block is longer by 3/4" of an inch than the small block/ 442 upper. Your not finding a big block upper clutch rod. You can use the small block upper and make up the difference with the lower. The 9735581 bellhousing is also readily available as well. Driveshaft is different. As far as the speedo, you can use a little Windex on the P R N D L and kind of "erase" them. Its better than spending $200 for a 4 speed speedo. The rest of the parts are readily available- pedals, clutch start switch, clutch start switch harness, 70" speedo cable, etc. Jim is right, by the time the smoke clears, $3500- $4000 is about right depending on what trans you have. The only issue you might have is with the pilot bushing. You'll likely have to turn down the bushing about .100" to fit the automatic crank 3. Has anyone had experience doing this before? Yes, a lot of us have done the conversion. There's plenty of knowledge here about it 4. Any additional resources and info would be great appreciated! Poke around on the site, you find plenty of threads.
No-- either way a lot of Buick parts are involved. For example, the flywheel and the clutch fork. The 5 speed will just help you to drive it at highway speed.
Stumbled onto your post. I bought a 70 Stage 1 parts car a few years ago. I’m pretty sure I still have the four speed stuff, I’ll look if your still needing them. Believe I have the flywheel, bellhousing (with fork) pedal set up. I know I have the dash cluster with the four speed Speedo. Let me know and I will look ... I’m doing a resto on another 70 4 speed right now and was considering a Tremac 5 speed. But after talking to a bunch of GS guys decided against it. Unless your gonna Drive the heck out of it you’ll never get your $ back, plus you may have to hack up the tunnel. Overdrive is nice for sure, so if you drive it often and far that’s a different story.
