New Muncie trannys

[df396]

Have a 69 SS 396 Chevelle, and am about to install a ZZ454 crate motor. Does anybody have any experience with the new muncie 4 speeds? I am also considering a totally rebuilt m20. Any thoughts?
David

[Postsedan]

Dave,

Welcome. Either trans will work just fine. Some important questions first.

What is your intent with the car? Trailer Queen Show Car, Street Car, Drag Car, etc.

Was is the rear gear ratio? What would you like your first gear ratio to be? What bellhousing to use? What clutch? Running street tires? Slicks? What size tire?

All of these questions should be answered and then decide your options.

Good Luck,
Dan.

[RPOLS3]

I have a ZZ454 in my 72 Chevelle - one thing I would definitely recommend from experience is buying the Chevelle specific oil pan that GM sells. It will clear the crossmember much better than the one that comes with the engine. Good luck with the swap.

Jake

Post Sedan has some really (Really) valid points. You pretty much have to figure out the mission before you pick the trans. I wish I had some photos, but in a past life, I experienced a, uhm, catostrophic (vintage) Muncie explosion courtesy of a pretty healthy L88, 4.88 gears, sticky tires and traction. All that was left was the input, the tail shaft and a thin piece of aluminum that joined the two. I drove over what most think was the cluster. Jerry Hemmingson (Mr. Jerico) chortled when I described it to him <g>.

Wayne Scraba

[df396]

Thanks Dan, my biggest concern is that i don't have a case issue with an old unit, We have a very reputable guy that everybody uses for the old muncies and has good luck. He is willing to trade me a rebuilt Muncie for my Doug Nash 5 speed that is all wrong for the car. I am going to leave the motor stock with headers and 2.5in exhaust. It will definetly be a street car with street tires and a 342 rearend, and would rather change the trans so i can get a console back in the car.
Thanks, Dave

[df396]

Thanks for the input, What did you do for exhaust? Headers or manifolds? Shortys or full lengths?

[Keith Tedford]

Check with Wally at www.muncie4speed.com He's a dealer that frequents the www.chevelles.com web site. The aftermarket Muncie is a little beefier. I put in the neighbourhood of 200K miles on the M20 behind our L72 engine. Our L78 car, with the M21, has about 65K showing on the odometer and I'm pretty sure that this is the second time around. We had it freshened up about 5-6 years ago. Neither ever broke. Start using slicks and it might be a different story. For street, and particularly city driving, I prefer the M20. Any of these transmissions would be fine for the street. I've always bought Hedman headers. Hooker tend to hang too low under the car. Of course, there are other headers that work just as well. Be careful in buying ceramic coated headers. Some of the factory coatings are pretty poor. Have them done by a company that does this sort of stuff. Seems to be a better way to go for a reliable finish.

[Postsedan]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks Dan, my biggest concern is that i don't have a case issue with an old unit, We have a very reputable guy that everybody uses for the old muncies and has good luck. He is willing to trade me a rebuilt Muncie for my Doug Nash 5 speed that is all wrong for the car. I am going to leave the motor stock with headers and 2.5in exhaust. It will definetly be a street car with street tires and a 342 rearend, and would rather change the trans so i can get a console back in the car.
Thanks, Dave

[/ QUOTE ]

Dave,

Sounds like you have teamed up with Eric Davidson from Crash Enterprises.

Crash is the Best!

Dan.