Author Topic: 5-speed for a '70 Barracuda  (Read 3275 times)

Offline GCC

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5-speed for a '70 Barracuda
« on: July 19, 2012 - 08:38:21 PM »
Besides the Tremec, is there any Chrysler late model gearbox that would drop into an E-body?  Any chance of a 5-speed unit from a Dakota or perhaps a Cherokee or pickup that would bolt up and have the shifter in the right place?  Thanks!




Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: 5-speed for a '70 Barracuda
« Reply #1 on: July 20, 2012 - 01:45:30 AM »
Just the new Passon 5 spd
the truck 5 speed from the late 90s barely held up to the power of the 318

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Offline RCCDrew

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5-speed for a '70 Barracuda
« Reply #2 on: July 20, 2012 - 09:44:45 AM »
I wondered about the NV4500. Too big?

Offline bigblue73

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Re: 5-speed for a '70 Barracuda
« Reply #3 on: July 20, 2012 - 09:58:16 AM »
The NV4500 is a BIG transmission - first gear is not really useful with a car though.  It's like a 3.76 to 1 ratio which is really steep (read 10 feet and shift)  Major surgery is required.

Don't forget the 6 speeds that are really taking off.  The Tremec T56 Magnum will take about everything you can throw at it.  However, be ready for fabrication as most companies will get you 80% there.  The last twenty is time consuming with fabrication.

Personally, I'm anxiously awaiting the 5 speed from Passon and I sell the Tremec's for Hurst Driveline Conversions.  The Passon Performance offering will be good for the market, the mopar segment is small to say the least and his (Jamie's) efforts will make the cars drive further, faster, get better fuel mileage which in turn will lead to other upgrades in suspension, brakes....etc.  Do you see where this takes you.  It's a balloon effect when folks become confident on driving their older cars.  It's not a trend.

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: 5-speed for a '70 Barracuda
« Reply #4 on: July 20, 2012 - 10:14:02 AM »
Roll under a Dodge truck with the Cummins , the size of any of the 5 & 6 speed trannys is massive , yes they will take the power but they are also geared to a low revving high torque diesel not a high revving gas engine .
 I cannot wait for the new Passon 5 spd as well best option yet , definatly a game changer & part of the ability to upgrade the older cars to modern day feel & drivability

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline ragtopdodge

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Re: 5-speed for a '70 Barracuda
« Reply #5 on: July 20, 2012 - 03:00:55 PM »
Is it going into your 'vert in your avatar?

If so, I wouldn't hack up your car to stick in a non-Passon 5 or 6-speed.

Passon is maybe 1-2 months away; I'd wait for it.  $$$, but no hacking needed and will raise the value of your car.
'70 318-auto Chally 'vert
'71 383-auto 'Cuda 'vert (sold)
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Offline RCCDrew

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5-speed for a '70 Barracuda
« Reply #6 on: July 20, 2012 - 03:32:06 PM »
The 4500 was available behind small block Dodge and Chevy engines. What about the 3500?

Offline ntstlgl1970

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Re: 5-speed for a '70 Barracuda
« Reply #7 on: July 20, 2012 - 03:52:55 PM »
The 4500 was available behind small block Dodge and Chevy engines. What about the 3500?
Any of the truck transmissions, being designed for a truck, won't respond well to spirited (fast) shifting either....just something to keep in mind. If you can, see if you can get a ride in a truck with the trans you want before taking the plunge to see how it drives...
70 Cuda, 7.0L Gen-III Hemi, Viper T56 w/9310 gearset, 3.91's, Megasquirt MS3x v3.57, Innovate wideband, Firm Feel upper arms, torsion bars, springs and strut rods, QA1 DA shocks. I did everything on this car except the fancy paint stuff and I drive it...and I can't seem to stop messing with it....

Offline RCCDrew

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5-speed for a '70 Barracuda
« Reply #8 on: July 21, 2012 - 12:22:34 AM »
This was my truck with a 4500. I could shift it pretty fast.

Offline GCC

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Re: 5-speed for a '70 Barracuda
« Reply #9 on: July 21, 2012 - 10:16:34 AM »
Thanks for all the replies!  :ylsuper:

Yes, it will be going in my '70 convertible Barracuda.  I was currently running a 340 with the A-833 and 3.55 gears before starting the resto.  I really want to install a five speed since the car will have either the 3.55 or 3.91 gears, but nothing more than that.  I have the stock OE 4-spd tunnel in the car now.  It's no problem waiting for the Passon, since the resto project is a few years away from completion anyway.  I understand the Tremec is supposed to be literally "bolt-in", with no cutting, at least if you already have a manual trans.  The Tremec is around $3500; how much is the Passon?   :cheers:

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: 5-speed for a '70 Barracuda
« Reply #10 on: July 21, 2012 - 10:25:30 AM »
The tremec is not really a bolt in , it requires some tunnel massaging & is far from a perfect set up .

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Offline tommyg29

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Re: 5-speed for a '70 Barracuda
« Reply #11 on: July 21, 2012 - 10:29:52 AM »
Last I heard the passon is in the low $4k's.
I would love one but cant swing it right now...4 kids in college.
72 Roadrunner 400-4 Auto-3.23 Gear-Black Cruiser
71 Cuda 440-6 Tribute-Limelight-A833 Close Ratio-4 Sp-Pistol Grip-Dana 3.54 Powr Lok-Rally Dash-Shaker (Sold)
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Multiple SRT's, Rams, Dakotas, Caravans and Neons

...the lines on the road just look like dots!....

Offline BS CUDA

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Re: 5-speed for a '70 Barracuda
« Reply #12 on: July 21, 2012 - 10:31:24 AM »
The tremec is not really a bolt in , it requires some tunnel massaging & is far from a perfect set up .

I sell the Tremec trans and am also an authorized warranty repair facility - we have not had a lot of issues brought in but one of the common complaints is 3rd gear hard shifting issues as well as all round high RPM shifting issues. Don't tell my boss - but I also believe it is far from perfect and would probably look at other products for my car.

And no the 4500 was not behind any small block applications. The  3500 was the small block transmission primarily.

Offline rb70

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Re: 5-speed for a '70 Barracuda
« Reply #13 on: July 24, 2012 - 10:11:16 AM »
The tremec is not really a bolt in , it requires some tunnel massaging & is far from a perfect set up .

Have you done this or sen it done?
Called Keisler and they say the is very little massaging and their car works great, trying to figure out if they are overhyping their product or if someone just had bad luck.

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: 5-speed for a '70 Barracuda
« Reply #14 on: July 24, 2012 - 11:10:29 PM »
Avoid Keisler
 I have nothing good to say about them .
 I have done 3 installs all had Issues , , if you are going to put a Tremec in your car talk to Tony Edler , he is a member here & has a similar install kit available & will be more inclined to help you .

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t