i now have an M20 in my L72 car, it was rebuilt but is a leaker. since i need to pull it i want to swap to a M21, as was original. it had 4:11 gears and the previous owner put in 3:55 gears and an M20.He still has the 4:11 gears. i want to go back to the 4:11 gears (it is the original FB rear) but i am wondering about the drivability until i get the 4:11's in. i want to wait until after carlise since it is a 500 mile trip, but i do not want to deal with a leaking trans until then. you will all probably think i am insane but i want to teach my 17 yr old daughter how to drive it soon and worried that the trans rear combo will pose a problem. advice would be apreciated.
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Re: advise need on trans choice for 66 L72
Not like a smallblock, once you get the feel of getting it off the line, won't be a problem. My stepdaughter learned to drive a 4 speed using my '65 fuel car! That was a challenge!Bill Clupper #618 -
Re: advise need on trans choice for 66 L72
it's funny you said "learn a 4 speed" because teaching her stick is what i am doing. she used to sit on my lap in my 67 camaro conv and shift for me up and down our 1/2 mile drive when she was 2. her mother drove my 66 427 coupe at 19. the clutch is suprisingly smooth and managable for a 427.Comment
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Re: advise need on trans choice for 66 L72
Hi Bill
She won't be pulling any 2nd gear starts from a stop sign, but, with a little practice, she will do just fine.
HaNDComment
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Re: advise need on trans choice for 66 L72
William,
For what it's worth.
I remember reading a Restorer Article about a 1967 Corvette FSO built for Mr. Bob Wingate. (green/black leather, white stripe over the roof and rear, Good Year blue streak tires on ARE Torq Thrust wheels, no front bumpers, 6 tail lights, 427-435HP....M20....3.55 rear!!)
All modifications were done at the St. Louis assembly plant.
It was believed to be the fastest 1/4 mile engine-trans-rear combo.
MarcoComment
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Re: advise need on trans choice for 66 L72
For just driving and enjoying the car, the M20 would be my choice.Comment
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Re: advise need on trans choice for 66 L72
i would not go this way if it were not for the fact that if i sold it i would never experians how it ran from the factory. i am an old street drager frome warminster pa the home of Hurst. my 6th grade field trip was a tour of the factory. when i take off i cannot wait for the next light to launch again. it is all about 0-60 for me. i think the M21/4:11 combo is were i want to be for how i use my car. vt has few long straight cruising rds other tha I89 and that is asking for it.Comment
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Re: advise need on trans choice for 66 L72
as far as cruisability, if you think about it once they are in 4th they both are 1:1 it would them be the 4:11 that changes it all but the fun factor would go way up on 1st, 2nd and 3rd and 4th would pull nice but run out early but we are talking about a 6000 plus rpm BB.Comment
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Re: advise need on trans choice for 66 L72
I don't think you are going to have any issues running the M21 with 3:55's (if thats what you are concerned with). 1st will be a little taller, but that trans/rear combo was common.
SteveComment
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Re: advise need on trans choice for 66 L72
thank you for all the advice. i will start with the M21 take note of the din at 3800 rpm. i will not swap out the rear until after carlisle in the fall. i rarely take runs of any distance and when i do i take the back roads here in vermont to run the gears. we have great back roads here as many tourist have found.Comment
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