best transmission swap?

[StudeRich]

There were no major running (mid year) changes to '61 Larks, many, Many Mechanical and Body changes had just been done at Sept. 1960 Introduction from the First Version '59-'60 Larks to the New '61 Style, so none were needed or could be afforded.

Any differences you see are either Body Type differences, Trim Level Differences or Options.

How about THIS one?

[Jeff T.]

Since I have the 63/64 engine plate and a number of V8 housings, Could you walk me through the process of adding an adapter to the center of a V8 flywheel with a bearing pilot bearing. I wanted to convert the Lark six to a better than T96 or even a top loader with a synchro first gear but input shaft questions and a bad shoulder put he project on the shelf.

Now I wonder if a six FOM can be replaced with a GM anything.

[Skybolt]

Since I have the 63/64 engine plate and a number of V8 housings, Could you walk me through the process of adding an adapter to the center of a V8 flywheel with a bearing pilot bearing. I wanted to convert the Lark six to a better than T96 or even a top loader with a synchro first gear but input shaft questions and a bad shoulder put he project on the shelf.

Now I wonder if a six FOM can be replaced with a GM anything.

I'm not sure by the way you phrased the question but if I'm understanding the question you are asking about putting a V8 transmission behind a six, and maybe even an automatic, yes?

For a V8 manual transmission swap to 170 ci six you first need the plate from behind a six for use in trucks. The plate that is behind six cylinder engines in passenger cars that had either the six cylinder automatic or T96 trans wont work, unless it was for HD use, like in a taxi, but that would already have the conversion. For a Studebaker transmission use all the V8 trans parts and a bushing, #194348, in the crank instead of the six cylinder flywheel.

For the Ford manual transmission swaps, I use this example because the bolt pattern is the same as the Borg Warner V8 transmissions used in Studebakers. The same plate, V8 bellhousing and other parts are used except an alternator bearing in pressed into the V8 flywheel. The Ford transmission front bearing retainer housing outer needs to be turned down to fit the rear of the bellhousing. One thing that is different is that a six cylinder transmission "plate, release bearing collar" #199279 and the spring #196087 and a Ford thrust bearing.

The hardest part is then securing the end of the clutch pedal shaft, as it used to be held in place with a bracket that bolted under the original transmission. I have done it a few way in the past but am presently using a bracket that was cut and rewelded to fit under one of the bolts that hold the transmission to the bellhousing. As I have many shafts and parts I couldn't be sure which ones I cut up. Can supply photos if needed.

One thing I liked about the idea of using a Ford 3 speed from a Mustang, or any other Ford of the same era, is once all the mechanical work was done the column shift could still be used and no one would know. An interesting note is that AMC used this same Ford 3 speed with an Laycock-DeNormanville overdrive unit behind it in some Hornets and Gremlins in 1974-76, and Pacers in 1976. Rare but worth installing if one wants to keep the originality of the interior. I small button placed somewhere could switch it in and out.

For an automatic swap the same truck plate could be used and then one of the GM adapter kits, sold by some of the Studebaker vendors, used.

There could be something I missed, as I usually do, but that is basically the process off the top of my head.

If this was not the answer you were looking for sorry.

Len

P.S. I knew I forgot something. The pressure plate for a Stude V8 can be retained but the clutch disc/plate will have to fit the splines of the Ford transmission. Plenty of option there.

[StudeRich]

Since I have the 63/64 engine plate and a number of V8 housings, Could you walk me through the process of adding an adapter to the center of a V8 flywheel with a bearing pilot bearing. I wanted to convert the Lark six to a better than T96 or even a top loader with a synchro first gear but input shaft questions and a bad shoulder put he project on the shelf. Now I wonder if a six FOM can be replaced with a GM anything.

I guess MAYBE you were referring to Post #18 and/or #22? All were responding to Post #1, so no one knows what your goals are etc. for your '61. I have no clue how to answer that one, sorry.

[Mrs K Corbin]

I think i'd just swap the whole works and be done with it.

[Studerick64]

200R or a T5

[Mrs K Corbin]

engine and tranny both....