Re: [AMC-list] early 232 using 258 intake??

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Matt is right on track. The T-96 WILL hold up okay behind a cruiser if you take it easy with. I put one behind a 4.6L  stroker once (I know, "what was he thinking?"). Why? I converted the car from a 196 and had an OD trans. Wanted to keep the stick and OD, figured I could take it easy and make it last a while until I found a V-8 setup. The synchronizer is the weak part -- it lasted about 150 miles. After that it was double-clutch to downshift, but otherwise okay. About a year later the synchronizer ring cracked and spread open, jamming the trans in second gear. I was eight hours away from home, but was going to see a friend and had just got there in town when it happened. Luckily the T-96 (even with OD) isn't real hard to pull out. In a couple hours we had it out, the synchro ring removed, and back in. Drove it another six months before replacing the trans. I had the slightly stronger T-96J.

Didn't find a V-8 three speed/OD torque tube drivetrain close enough to go pick up (would have to change rear axle, torque tube and trans, plus make a bell adapter), and couldn't find a Jeep five speed (second choice). A 2WD AW-4 auto sort of fell in my lap though, and I pulled the torque tube and put in a Comanche rear axle, which was a bit too wide. I needed deeper offset wheels, which was on the near future agenda when the car was hit and totaled. Found another 63 Classic wagon to build (Jeff Reeves found it for me, thanks again Jeff!) and came across a Jag IRS...

The point is I think the T-96 will last a while behind a 232/258. The 4.6L was around 260-270 hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque -- more than twice what the little trans was intended to put up with (close to, if not at, 3x the design limit). The 232/258 will be just above that limit. So it won't go 100K+ miles behind one. Might not make it to 80K, but it will be okay while you look for something else. Or since you're swapping the engine you might just want to swap everything at once. If this is in a 56-66 big car with torque tube that's a good bit of work, but if in an American it's relatively easy. Hardest thing is measuring for the driveshaft to be cut the right length.

One more thing -- if you use the aluminum intake you will need the matching exhaust manifold. The original exhaust manifold won't work.



-------------
Date: Thu, 29 Sep 2011 20:33:21 -0400
From: Matt Haas<mhaas@xxxxxxx>

I would not to expect long life from the T-96. Even the later "beefed
up" version (T-96J) is spindly compared to the T-14 that replaced it.
These trannies just don't last long behind the later sixes.

--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars"
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://www.amc-mag.com
(free download available!)


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