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.
Back to the Home of the AMC Gremlin