My retro-cruiser (56 Customline Vicky) needs some oomph! I want to swap out the original 3 spd -no o/d for a good 4 spd with minimal hassle. What should I look for in the 'yards' that will bolt on if possible. I have a 57 9inch (3.10) already in but just for the street, would prefer a good 4 spd. for cruizin'.

Is that a Rochester in between the Holley 94's?



I'd suggest the top-loader. I have a RUG O/D that might end up going into a 54 F100.

Best regards,



Paul Menten

Meridian, Idaho

You've got a sharp eye for carbs. It works well though.

I have a top loader in my 54 (312). I like it. Minimal trouble to put it in. See some of my prior posts on mods required.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Go with a top loader, very sturdy and easy to rebuild not to expensive to buy.  Number of good websites to look up information on gear ratios rebuild kits etc.  David Kee is a good source as is Toploader Heaven.  There are two basic kinds with the difference being the size and number of splines on input shaft. 

NICE COMBO- BUT IF YOUR 4 SPEED DOESN'T HAVE A STEEP FIRST GEAR, I DON'T THINK YOU ARE GOING TO LIKE THE SLOW GETAWAY FROM REST. YOU MAY WANT TO ADD MORE GEAR TO YOUR REAR END-SOMETHING LIKE A 3:50 OR 3:73, EVEN 3:90. AUTOMATICS GET AWAY WITH THIS BY HAVING A BUNCH OF GEAR IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER. HAVE FUN. BYE.-

I'd recomend a small block-wide ratio 4 speed, the one with the 2.78 low gear.

Mummert makes an adapter to utilize a t-5 from a 5.0 Mustang, that would give you a healthy low gear, in the 3.0 range and the 70% overdrive. Use that and a 3.50 or 3.70 rear gear and you'll have the best of both worlds.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Frank,

Can you tell externally which gear set is in a T-10, assuming it hasn't been changed?

Paul J. - '57 E Code

Paul,

       Easiest way I know is to put in low, rotate the input shaft and count (the output will rotate once for every 2.2 or 2.54 times you turn the input). You'll know what it's actually got this way. I usually mark the shafts with a marking pen and do it a couple of times to be sure I got it right. Not that I ever screw up but........  

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart)