I'm seriously contemplating putting a Keisler 5spd.(Tremec) in my 69Z. My car now has an M21 with a 4:10 12 bolt.

There's nothing wrong with the 12 bolt except the 3k-4k rpm when traveling at highway speeds on the freeway. I would like to make traveling to car shows, etc., a little more comfortable plus, and most importantly, save the wear and tear on the 302.

The Keisler kit looks complete and a relatively easy job, however, I'm curious what to do about the the Z's reverse ignition switch mechanism which obviously has to be disabled after installation. Has anyone done this install before and what are your opinions. Thanks.

the ignition switch part is easy- just get rid of the linkage that goes from the tranny to the steering column, and make sure the lever on the column is all the way up so the ignition switch still works.

Thanks, I thought it might be simple but wasn't sure. Of course the simplest solution to high rpm highway miles is to change the 4:10 to a 3:73. It's cheaper too.

I'd b in the GN on the freeway. I cant afford to drive my car around everywhere so i am going for a turbobuick, u practically already have my dream gararge. I got the camaro now i just need the GN graemlins/thumbsup.gif
Any leads..........

Originally posted by novaderrik:
the ignition switch part is easy- just get rid of the linkage that goes from the tranny to the steering column, and make sure the lever on the column is all the way up so the ignition switch still works. novaderrik,
My car has the original 3 speed tranny but the linkage to the column is missing and the lever will move up or down. What position should the lever be in if it is not hooked up? If I am not mistaken that lever was attached to the linkage so when you parked the car you were to put the tranny in reverse and this would somehow lock the ignition?????

68 Rally, atually, I have a good lede. Steve Pardini, who owns "Steve's Camaro's" in San Bruno, is selling his 87 GN, which has some nice mods and is in pristine shape. I sold Steve my 99Z and Steve wants to unload his 87 GN, so give him a call @(650)873-1890.

Will you have to expand the original shifter hole to accomodate the 5spd shifter?

Here's a link to their page for those who are interested.
http://www.ttcautomotive.com/English/home/home.asp

From what I read here, you don't have to do any mods,..the shifter fits, the driveshaft, yolks, etc. bolt in, the speedometer gear is there, the tranny support....

http://www.keislerauto.com/gm/transmissions/camaro_67-69.asp

Motroman
You may want to do a little research about this tranny's ratios. It's a terrific upgrade but your first gear will be rock climbing basement low with a 4:10 rear end. I would think 3.42 or 3.55's would be best and in a stretch you might get by with 3.73's. I am considering this tranny too.
Jim

[ 04-09-2004, 09:22 AM: Message edited by: GMJim ]

There's one for sale in the "For Sale" section of www.protouring.com. (http://www.protouring.com.) Screaming deal with everything you'll need. $1800.00

Yep,..I agree, maybe forgetting the tranny and going with 3:73's, or even 3:55's. A lot cheaper than the tranny and still able to cruise at freeway speed.

I'm waiting for the Muncie based 5-speed.

3.73's with a 235-60-15 tire will get you about 2900 rpm at 60 mph. I swapped my factory 4.10's for 3.73's a couple of years ago. The 3.73's are ok with the 302 but if you go any lower it kinda knocks the stuffing out of the bottom end of this motor. At least it did with my Z/28. Had I known I was going to put in a temporary 350 ZZ430 i would definately have installed a 3.42 or 3.55 gear. The 3.73's are still a little low for highway cruising with the more powerfull 350.
Jim

I fully agree with Jim. On a 350 or larger engine that makes good power a 3:42 gear should be ideal.

If you are going the overdrive route and the car is already running just stick the tranny in it and see how it does. You can try driving the car and experiment with speed/rpm's to find out what gear will work for you.