69 L78 Tranny question

[Don_Lightfoot]

This is a question that came up months ago on another board with no definitive answer and for some reason I just thought of it again. This is relative to Chevelles. Was the base "Special Three Speed Manual" the standard tranny for a 69 L78 Chevelle? It was standard for the base L35 and optional L34. I have one source book (not the most reliable) that says the 3 speed was still the base tranny on the L78 Camaro and it makes sense it would be for the Chevelle as well. Can't say I've ever seen one first hand, but feel it was.

Appreciate any input.

[Don_Lightfoot]

Anybody have an opinion on this???????

[Chevy454]

Just an uninformed guess here, but I would have thought the M-20 would have been the base manual tranny behind the L-78 for the Camaro/Chevelle/Nova...

[Pantera]

I always thought you ordered them the way you wanted them. if you goofed and forgot to check off the 4 speed you got a std 3 on the tree. I saw a '62 409 collum shift car one time.

[WILMASBOYL78]

I've never seen a 3spd behind a high horse motor. Engine letter codes in Colvins book show 3spd or 4spd as the same code for most cars. Suppose anything was possible from the General in those days. But??? anyone who had the savvy to order an L78 motor wouldn't get a 3spd!! just my thoughts.

Anyone have an original 3spd 375hp car??

[JoeG]

I'M just reading out of a book---the M13(Special three-speed manual trans) was the transmission you would recieve if you were unfortunate not to have checked off a trans option .

[rpoz11]

If I remember correctly, Jeff Leonard's Pace Car was originally a column shift 3-speed 300HP/350 car! I saw this waaaaay back when he bought the car.

[JRSully]

Heard a blurb somewhere that if you ordered the L78 with standard tranny and didn't specify which you wanted exactly, the formula the assembly line used was 3:55 or higher rear gear, M-20, lower than 3:55, M-21. In 69 the M-22 was available, had to be specifically ordered obviously, M-22 was not available in the Nova for 70, never heard of a 3pd in a BB Nova. I have no idea if this is fact, just what I heard. SULLY

[Don_Lightfoot]

Appears I have some additional varying opinions to throw in the pot, thanks for the responses

[supcarbob]

I remember a friend that ordered a 396/375 Chevelle in 1968. Money was tight and I remember his insurance man would not insure a 4-speed for him due to his age(18 at the time). Only options were am radio and L78.Had a 3-speed on floor with bench seat and open rear end(no posi).