Topic: Which 4 speed tranny did the factory use in the 78Trans Am

[RainMan]

I am not having a ton of luck with my search ,but I am trying to learn as much as I can about standard transmissions that came with the 78 T/A . I would have to assume it was the wide ratio version of the super T 10 ? here is a look at the specs I found on one for a GM .  . Did the factory tranny have a 2.64 first gear?

This is the one I found that I thought may be used in the 78 T/A
http://performanceparts.com/part.php?partID=83674
Part Number RIC-1304000069  $1,667.68  
Richmond Gear 1304000069 Super T-10 4-Speed Transmission 2.64 W Ratio 1st-2.64 2nd-1.75 3rd-1.34 4th-1.00 Rev.-2.55 325 FP Torque

I may be able to buy my sisters 4 speed out of her 79 Z28 ,but I thought the Z28 with 3.73 gears came with a close ratio ,but I was reading an article and think I may be wrong ?

 

[Trans am Oz]

Dont know the ratios for the gears but ive read the rear gear for the 4 speed equipped 78's was 3.42 but if im wrong im sure some one will correct me

So what are you thinking of doing Rainman??..questions about your rear end as well..not thinking of a 4 speed for Marty?

[Trans am Oz]

Found the ratio's for you and i can confirm the axle is 3.42
1st 2.43:1
2nd 1.61:1
3rd 1.23:1
4th 1.00:1
reverse gear 2.35:1

[RainMan]

Dont know the ratios for the gears but ive read the rear gear for the 4 speed equipped 78's was 3.42 but if im wrong im sure some one will correct me

So what are you thinking of doing Rainman??..questions about your rear end as well..not thinking of a 4 speed for Marty?

well I have been having my days alright . What peaked my interest is my sisters 79Z28 being rebuilt right now .
They want to go auto and I thought it would be a good time to collect parts for the Marty if I did go standard ,but I gotta say I am thinking maybe just leave the Marty the way she is .
I love standards and I know I will never have the cash or the room for a second T/A unless I win the Lotto . And we all know the odds on the Lotto .
I did not buy the Marty to sell either so in reality what would it really matter if I put a 4 speed in her?
It may be my only chance to own a 4 speed T/A who knows . Ideally I wish I had a project T/A to like a fisher T roof black 4 speed 78 ,but thats just a dream.
I really hate to molest the Marty ,but I sure prefer 4 speeds . I had an 81 Z28 with the factory 4 speed and found it was way more fun to drive than my buddies same camaro with an auto .

I really thought the first gear was going to end up being a 2.64 as I thought it was a wide ratio T10 ?
Wish I could get the numbers off of 4 speed form a 78 T/A so I could get a definate match .
But as I say this is hypothetical ,have my doubts about doing it sometimes

[Rarebird]

If I read my book correctly ( and I may be wrong) for there was only one 4 speed available for the T/A (or Formula for the 78 model year) and that was only for the W72 low altitude cars. That being the SuperT-10 Borg Warner close ratio (option code M21)

[John Witzke]

All 1977-79 T/A 6.6 engine Trans Am and Formula Firebirds with a manual transmission used the 82mm heavy-duty 4-speed transmission called Super T-10, which was produced by Borg-Warner.  The Super T-10 transmission used in the W72 Trans Am and Formula models can be identified by code ZT (1977-78) or UH (1979) was stamped on the rear of the side cover face case.  This transmission used an 11.0 X 6.5-inch clutch with a 2600 lbs. pressure-plate.  The forward gear ratios for this transmission were 2.43:1/1.61:1/1.23:1/1.00:1 with a reverse gear of 2.35:1.  Contrary to popular belief, there were no base L78 400 engine 1977 or 1978 Trans Am and Formula Firebirds produced with this or any other 4-speed manual transmission.

For 1978 you would need code ZT with a case number 6260710.  The factory part number for this transmission is 460859

I can also provide the clutch assembly and flywheel part numbers if needed.

[Trans am Oz]

Thats right Virgil.. on all fronts

In 78 ,if you ordered the M21 it was mandatory that you had to have the W72 motor bolted to it

[Rarebird]

All 1977-79 T/A 6.6 engine Trans Am and Formula Firebirds with a manual transmission used the 82mm heavy-duty 4-speed transmission called Super T-10, which was produced by Borg-Warner.  The Super T-10 transmission used in the W72 Trans Am and Formula models can be identified by code ZT (1977-78) or UH (1979) was stamped on the rear of the side cover face case.  This transmission used an 11.0 X 6.5-inch clutch with a 2600 lbs. pressure-plate.  The forward gear ratios for this transmission were 2.43:1/1.61:1/1.23:1/1.00:1 with a reverse gear of 2.35:1.  Contrary to popular belief, there were no base L78 400 engine 1977 or 1978 Trans Am and Formula Firebirds produced with this or any other 4-speed manual transmission.

For 1978 you would need code ZT with a case number 6260710.  The factory part number for this transmission is 460859

I can also provide the clutch assembly and flywheel part numbers if needed.

John your knowledge never fails to amaze me. If I didn't know better I would say your blood cells are even shaped like the Pontiac crest

[RainMan]

Thanks for all the posts all . John that I believe that is what I needed ,thanks again

[hada76]

rainman... are you saying that if the camaro trans is not exactly like what came in a 78 bird, the whole project is off?

[RainMan]

rainman... are you saying that if the camaro trans is not exactly like what came in a 78 bird, the whole project is off?

No not at all . I would actually like to buy  brand spanken new one ,but can't figure out for the life of me if it can be done . I found a web site that has alot of them but never quite figured out how to match with there numbers .
I now know that it was a close ratio ,that is news to me

[hada76]

dont know all the details but sounds like you have a perfect donor car in the camaro...pedals shifter ect.   heck you can even cut the hump out...that being said its still quite a project

[ta78w72]

Classic sells remanufactured BW Super T-10's for $1,250.  I think the TR212 would be the correct one...but you should check for yourself.  That may seem to be a lot for that transmission but they cost about $1,000 to rebuild....in these parts anyway. 

The flywheel is also a problem.  The hole has to be 2.5 inch rather than 2.75 inch.  Apparently, most of the 400's were 2.75 but from 77 to 79 they were 2.5 (at least on the W72 engine).  You'll need to check that in order to get the correct flywheel.  I had a very hard time finding a new flywheel for my 78 four speed.  I had to contact centerforce and order one from the factory.  It was something like $300.  But it was billet steel and a quality item.  The original flywheels are cast iron and tend to crack.  My original flywheel was so cracked, and the cracks were so deep, they couldn't resurface it.  That's comforting, isn't it?

[RainMan]

Classic ,is there more to that name as I would like to check out there site .

Ok I tried classic industries and I suspect thats the right place ,thanks

[Amtrak]

Ebay  all ta's used close ratio borgwarner s-10's from 76 on  on your build sheet m22