Transaxle/transmission question

[hentysnr]

So I have a '65 110hp Monza Coupe with a powerglide transmission. To my knowledge it's one of three Monza Coupe's in South Africa so spare parts are only available from Clarks Corvair. I have 3x '60-61 Sedans and a ton of spare parts. I want to install a 3.2lt big bore engine with a '63 4 speed manual transmission into the '65. My question is can the '65 transaxle be converted to accept the '63 manual 4sp box, if the '65 converter hub is removed will a '60-'61 clutch shaft/snout fit and will the '60-'61 mainshaft bearing fit. Why would I want to go to all this trouble, I'm a Corvair nut, but for me to import a used '65 4 speed and a manual transaxle will cost somewhere in the region of R22,500.00 excluding import taxes. That's a ton of money for me at this point. Any advise will be appreciated, thank you

[Dennis66]

Won't work. Your 65 needs a 65 transaxle (or at least the differential housing assembly). That has the castings and mountings to fit the 65 suspension, which is completely different from 64, which is also different from a 63 or older (EVERYTHING 64 and older are swing axle, while 65 and newer are independent rear suspension). While a 63 tranny MIGHT bolt up to a 65 diff housing, you will still run into problems with input shaft (maybe - probably). You would also need 65 clutch assembly, linkage and bell housing. Even if you had all of this, you would be installing a weaker drive train behind your proposed more powerful engine. If you really want to go the route you planned, I suggest getting those components from a 66 or newer as they were the stronger transmission. You will also need the crossmember and all clutch linkage from pedal to engine. Dennis

[martyscarr]

Won't work. Your 65 needs a 65 transaxle (or at least the differential housing assembly)

The way I read the original post, he has a 65 transmission already in the car, and wants to convert it from an automatic to a 4 speed using parts from some early model cars. I've read it is possible to do a manual conversion on an automatic diff (Richard Finch), but I think the clutch pivot would be an issue, as well as installing a clutch pedal in the front of the car.

While a 63 tranny MIGHT bolt up to a 65 diff housing, you will still run into problems with input shaft (maybe - probably)

A 63 tranny WILL bolt up to a 65 diff housing, I have a 63 4 speed in my 65 Monza with 3.08 gears. The lower 1st gear makes for easier starts. The correct input shaft from the 63 trans needs to be used.

You would also need 65 clutch assembly, linkage and bell housing

He can use an early flywheel and clutch on the 65 engine, I have one in my 67 autox car (with an aluminum flywheel).

Even if you had all of this, you would be installing a weaker drive train behind your proposed more powerful engine

Yes, he'll have to take it easy or he'll break stuff. But being in South Africa his parts supply is very limited, and he has to use what he has on hand.

I'd like to hear about his 3.2 engine build....

[hentysnr]

Thank you for the brilliant information, really appreciate the input
As for the Big Bore build, I did not build the engine myself, a very good friend Gary du Plessis built it for me some 10yrs ago.
The basics of the build was 2lt VW Combi barrels bored 70thou oversize with Mahle pistons.
Stroked and nitrided crank, big deep seat valves and 3 into one headers.
High lift Isky cam, a bit lumpy under 1500rpm.
A lot of machining on the block to get required clearances.
Hi volume oil pump and double oil cooler.
4 x Rochester carbs secondary carbs come in at about 60mph and acceleration from there on is good, running an electric fuel pump.
Motor goes really well can but gets heavy on fuel if you give it stick in hilly areas.
I,m running a '64 gearbox, '61 Transaxle with a non standard crown wheel to lower rpms.
Clutch is a bolted '65 version.
The car really goes well but would benefit by fitting an anti sway bar an HD coils at the back, but spares are literally unobtainable in SA.
I know of 9 corvairs in South Africa and I have 4 of them