Re: [AMC-list] Thinking 'bout transmissions
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Re: [AMC-list] Thinking 'bout transmissions



While we are on the subject of T14's and T96's:
Is the T14 a floor shift only, or could I keep my T96 column shift and make it work with the T14?
Was the T96 available behind the 232? Or only the 196 and the 199?
I know Frank's stroked 4.0 toasted a T96 in a couple of weeks. Would a T96 survive behind a 2 barrel 232 that was easily driven?

I'm trying to decide between going with a T14 out of a Gremlin and taking the floorshift with it, or hoping the T14 could be column shifted (I really like my column shifter), or getting my T96 rebuilt (which could get costly, and I'd hate to do it twice).

I'm thinking the T5 route might not be the way for me to go. I kind of have a spouse fix it or lose it deadline that limits options.

On 06/18/2012 05:12 PM, Frank Swygert wrote:
There's a shop in Greenville, SC, that can sort through the trans, but it might be pricey depending on what all it needs. It's not going to like being played with a lot either.

Other's have already told you the late 60s T-14 three speed is your best choice of manual that will bolt right up. There is a company in CA that makes adapters for Falcons to mount a T-5. They have told me they will look into making one if I'll send them a bell housing and some engine measurements. The adapter would be about $200 plus shipping. Might be the way to go though. If you want to pursue this send me an e-mail and I'll initiate talks with the guy again. It might take a 2-3 months to get one though. I don't really want to send a bell and get him to make one until someone commits to buying one from them.

You could go with the M-35 auto. Most won't consider it much of an upgrade, but it will take a lot more abuse than the T-96. Tom J. has put his through a lot -- towing in the desert -- and not had any real problems with it. The main thing is making sure the TV cable is good and free in the 63-66 models. 67+ models (M-36 and 37) don't have the TV cable (vacuum modulator) and have provisions for liquid cooling. One of those would be fantastic!

Clifford products are expensive. The first thing I'd do to hop up a 232 is ditch the head and put a 4.0L head on it. Pre 97 models have a nice cast aluminum valve cover, and the 91-99 factory header is good too. The stamped steel 97-99 valve cover is much nicer than the original 232, and the 97-99 heads are a bit better flowing. Junkyard prices -- you can get the three pieces for a lot less than the Clifford parts AND have a better flowing head to boot. The only caveat to this is you need to figure out what length pushrods are needed for the 64-70 "short deck" 199/232. No one has done this yet. I'd try the 4.0L pushrods and see how they fit, and the original 232 pushrods. The originals are likely solid and you need hollow pushrods, but you can check for fit and even run a few seconds with no problem (but not more than 40-60 seconds!!). If neither of those fit right you will need to buy a "checking" adjustable pushrod from someone like Comp Cams and set one cylinder up right, measure the pushrod (and send it back set right) and order the right length. If you do that let me know what length worked! Check the lifters also. They should have an oil hole in the pushrod seat (top), but may not. Lifters are relatively cheap, but I'd replace the cam anyway if the head was off. An Isky Supercam will really wake up a stock AMC six!! Regardless of what you do for intake and exhaust, you REALLY need to upgrade the cam. That will make more power for the least effort even if all other parts are stock -- but will be best with improved intake and exhaust to really let it reach its potential.

--------------
Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2012 17:18:40 -0400
From: BruceG<bruce.griffis@xxxxxxxxx>
To:amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I need to find a transmission shop to sort through the T96.

But while I'm thinking about it - the 232 is in the Rambler. There seems
to be plenty of headroom to go with the Weber carb. I might want to play
a little with the engine if I can find Clifford parts at a decent price.
(that Clifford intake, header, Holley carb and Clifford valve cover in
Nashville seemed awesome! But a bit of a drive. But awesome!) What would
be some good alternatives for a manual transmission that should bolt to
a '68 232? Or if I were to take the car to a good shop that works with
AMCs - trying to decide if I should rebuild the T96, or go with
something a little sturdier.

I know there aren't a lot of Falcon, Chevy II, Valiant or Dart sedans
out there - but I'd like to pretend my Rambler could hold it's own with
them.


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