3 speed M to 3 speed OD conversionn

[Waydon]

Am thinking very seriously about convertin our 63 Lark 6cyl w/3 speed manual to 3 speed OD. Is there someone who does this type of work in Illinois or north east Iowa area, and approx. how much should this cost including a different rear end or gears?...Waydon

[gordr]

Waydon, I can't point you to anyone who can do the work, but you should know that SASCO in South Bend has new old stock overdrive transmissions in stock for the six cylinder Larks. I imagine they would have the needed accessories to complete the installation as well.

Gord Richmond, within Weasel range of the Alberta Badlands

[rockne10]

It's not a difficult do it yourself job once you acquire the parts. The hardest part is manhandling the trans. When I switched to overdrive in my '63 Cruiser I didn't change the rear ratio and was still pleased with its performance and very pleased with the mileage. That might be a different issue with the six.

[Waydon]

gordr and rockne10...Thank you for the tips, I wanted to go with the different axle/ratio because the little 170 ci 6cyl could use all the low end grunt it could get and that would really help acceleration when OD is off.

[whacker]

If you are planning to do this job yourself, while laying on your back on a garage floor, get one of these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-1-2-TON-Transmission-Jack-Adapter-for-Floor-Jack_W0QQitemZ300163182587QQihZ020QQcategoryZ43998QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Worth every penny!

[rockne10]

quote:how much should this cost including a different rear end or gears?

I'm thinking a good ungauranteed trans would be in the $300+ range, gauranteed could be $500+. Additional parts: lockout cable, kickdown, wiring harness, maybe another $100-$150. Labor to install, four to six hours at whatever hourly rate. Can't speak to the rear end swap.

[Waydon]

Thank you everyone who took the time to reply. I think the little six cylinder will be a lot nicer to live with,with an overdrive....Wayne, ( waydon)