Topic: 4 Speed or No 4 Speed, that is the question!

['78 LadyBird]

Umm, Frank informed me last night that he would love (and is highly considering it) to put a 4 speed manual in C-Ya.

At first I and said "NO WAY"!

Then he kept saying, "Heidi, you always wanted a 4 speed in your other TA's, why not this one?"

I will admit, yes I would have loved to have a manual in my other TA's, but for some odd reason, I don't want it in C-Ya and I don't know why?

I'm sort of feeling guilty since he has done SO much work on her, and maybe I should just let him do it.

Oh and if he does this, what does this do to the so call value of the car?

Help!!

[CT Bird Fan]

It's your car Heidi, do what you want to it and don't worry about value unless you plan on selling it!

There is a lot of parts needed for a swap though, including 4 speed tunnel (hole for shifter) foot pedals, etc.

If you've got the money to do it, go for it!

[jphillips3333]

Keisler TKO 5 speed will get you a better fuel economy and a lower RPM range @ 70mph.  If you're going to do the swap, it seems like something to consider if the money is there.

http://www.keislerauto.com/index.php?/1970-81-camaro/firebird-5-speed-perfectfit-kit-tko-500-auto.html

['78 LadyBird]

I know it's my car, and we have NO intentions of selling her.  I don't know, I am just the type of gal that likes to keep things original and not mess with things.

I hope Frank realizes what is entailed on doing this! haha

[4SPEED]

Well with having a 4 speed , all I will say is its nice to say you have one and nice to look at. 

Be ready for a sore leg.  It is definitely not for slow speed cruising.   I can't wait for my 77 auto to be done.

[HOMER]

i would rathetr have a four speed car, way more fun to drive in my opion, but the temptation to beat the hell outa it is to much for me lol

[Lostsoul]

My cars a 4 speed and I love it...but stop and go traffic with that centerforce gold gets hard on the left leg...when I was 19..no problem....42..glad its not my daily driver.

[y88rick]

i for one like the stop and go and gawking traffic. 4 speeds are not my cup of tea for this. I preffer the auto's just for this reason.

[RainMan]

I have actaully started having second thoughts about having a standard myself .
The clutch is my main concern   , but I wonder if you went with a hydrolic clutch if it would make things alot easier.
I really believe a 85e with computer is the way to go . You can actaully program shift points to be non agressive during normal driving , then change how hard it shifts under hard acceleration   .
Either way you go you may as well make it an overdrive transmission if your going to go to the trouble .  
Frank does realise there is welding involved on the tunnel to install a standard right?

[TAKID455]

no to 4 spd, YES to 5 or 6 spd. if pedal pressure is an issue, you can install a hydraulic T/O bearing. the pressure will be minimal. I run 12" centerforce DF units in my 4, 5 and 6 speed applications. pressure doesn't seem to bother me.

[y88rick]

if you choose a 4 speed. I have a 4 speed hump for the floor board

[Mongo]

As previously said,  Your left leg will regret it and hate you in stop and go cruising.  I will never buy another 4 speed car. I learned my lessons.

[jphillips3333]

You guys that can't handle four speeds just need to start squatting 405.  You'll float up steps and the clutch becomes an afterthought...

   I like TAKids' (Larry?) approach with the hydraulic clutch//slave cylinder.  Best of both worlds - banging gears and not sweating the pedal - not real sure on parts required but I might consider that if I ever find the time/money to do the Keisler in one of the TAs

[Frode_skj]

I'd love to have a 4\5\6 speed in a future project:) but then again, it's your car

[ta78w72]

I have one of each.  The four speed is OK on the highway but with a 3:42 rear end I'm at 3,250 RPM's at 70.  However the automatic has a 3:23 rear end so I'm not going to gain much on the highway.  But in town, I prefer the automatic.  I'm too old and grumpy to be shifting all the time (especially with all the traffic and stop lights around here).  And the BW transmission is a POS in my opinion.  But so is the TH350....

Just do what you want....but the conversion is a hassle and you could probably spend the money on other things.