Hi all,

I just purchased a 1969 Z11 Pace Car with no motor or transmission. It's a really solid car needing a restoration that shouldn't be too terribly painful. I believe the car to be an original 350 automatic car but since I don't have the original running gear I want to change the car a bit to my likings; a powerful cruiser. I have a 600 + hp 502 and I would like to put a 5 or 6 speed manual transmission behind it. What I need to know is how difficult is it to mate this transmission up? I'm concerned about bellhousing, or other issues I may not be aware of, (do these later model trannies require any special wiring etc...), I would love an overdrive option but is it a can of worms that could get ugly? Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated or if there's a website that might help me eliminate some potential pitfalls that would be great to. Lastly, I also have a 1969 375 hp 4 bolt main block that is a factory CE stamping, (warranty replacement), do you think the 502 and 6 speed will hurt the car's value over a correct dated 396 and munice?

Thanks in advance all!

My opinion is make it how you want it and find the original drivetrain if possible and store it. A beefed up ls1 should bolt right to your application. Really not many problems with the install. Do a search for Mkelky.

So will using Big Block motor mounts cure the header steering box problem? Yes I'm keeping this car for myself, but I also know the reality that sooner or later, (probably MUCH later), it will be sold but I want it the way I like it in the meantime but I don't want to destroy the car either. I want to set it up so it's a simple engine/trans swap and go back vintage stock. Possible?

its worth alot more as an original PACE CAR. i have had my eyes on a 69 z11 396 big block in need of serious body work, but all original. I 've already been rejected up to $20K. I visit it every 6 months and up the offer. I'll either have it or have to forget it within 2007. Meanwhile i enjoy my modified X-44 base car. i wouldn't have the time or motivation to acquire, store and re-do the same car over again, back and forth to mod to original , or vica-versa.
Its a real delemma when the car is so valuable in its original state.

Are you thinking about a used Camaro 6 speed? They use a hydraulic throughout bearing that would require a bracket and slave cylinder. Why not go with a Tremec TKO 600 with the .64 overdrive. A great trans that will bolt right up to your existing bellhousing and use existing bellcrank, etc. Only requires shortening the drive shaft.
I also agree with Joe Dance. The car would be worth a lot more with the 396 and the Muncie. So keep them on the side until you decide to sell the car...if that day ever comes.

Are you thinking about a used Camaro 6 speed? They use a hydraulic throughout bearing that would require a bracket and slave cylinder. Why not go with a Tremec TKO 600 with the .64 overdrive. A great trans that will bolt right up to your existing bellhousing and use existing bellcrank, etc. Only requires shortening the drive shaft.
I also agree with Joe Dance. The car would be worth a lot more with the 396 and the Muncie. So keep them on the side until you decide to sell the car...if that day ever comes.

Take a look at the Dick Harrell 2002 Camaro "Super Car" (see this link (http://www.dickharrell.com/2002camaro.html)). That car comes with a T56.

Hi all,

I just purchased a 1969 Z11 Pace Car with no motor or transmission. It's a really solid car needing a restoration that shouldn't be too terribly painful. I believe the car to be an original 350 automatic car but since I don't have the original running gear I want to change the car a bit to my likings; a powerful cruiser. I have a 600 + hp 502 and I would like to put a 5 or 6 speed manual transmission behind it. What I need to know is how difficult is it to mate this transmission up? I'm concerned about bellhousing, or other issues I may not be aware of, (do these later model trannies require any special wiring etc...), I would love an overdrive option but is it a can of worms that could get ugly? Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated or if there's a website that might help me eliminate some potential pitfalls that would be great to. Lastly, I also have a 1969 375 hp 4 bolt main block that is a factory CE stamping, (warranty replacement), do you think the 502 and 6 speed will hurt the car's value over a correct dated 396 and munice?

PS: hang on to that 396 if you don't go that route.

Thanks in advance all!

I put a first gen big block mated to a T-56 in my 69 Pro Street Z11 (see sig). I'm very happy I did. The only altering to the car is shifter opening in the trans tunnel if you're worried about "cutting up" your car. You just have to open the shifter hole alittle. Everything else is bolt in. So, even if you do go this route, the car could easily be put back to "stock" in the future if you choose. I haven't put too many miles on my car since it is not completely done yet. But, after a few test drives, I'm glad I went with the 6 speed. 5th and 6th gear are both overdriven. So the car cruises nice on the highway (with 4:10 gears). 1st and 2nd are pretty low, so it is not slow off the line either. The best of both worlds IMO. Nothing exotic with the install. All of the parts are readily available. There are a few kits out there. I used a 1997 style T-56 and bell. It's a direct bolt on to the big block. You just need a special flywheel for the application. Other than that I bought a adapter bracket for the clutch master and a custom T-56 crossmember for 1st Gen Camaro's. Not a bad install at all. With the other misc parts, and the trans, the total install cost me under $2500.00.

The tremec seems to be a good complete kit that would pretty easy to install. I think I'm leaning that way, $3000 is not cheap but probably worth it in the long run.

You might find some useful information here: http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=98387

Craig Wright at www.wrightconnection.net (http://www.wrightconnection.net) specializes in exactly this. You might give him a shout and see what he thinks. Hope this helps!