How rare is a factory manual trans? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

encasedmetal · 05-11-2016, 08:05 AM

tried to search but didn't find numbers- so I was wondering if anyone can give me at least a ballpark of how many of these trucks came with in the floor manuals. I have an 85' with a SM465 and I haven't seen another like it-even after rod run there wasn't a single square body there with a manual trans. thanks

andrewmp6 · 05-11-2016, 08:43 AM

Probably half of them on this forum have a stick in them i bet.

**Gregski** · 05-12-2016, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

Probably half of them on this forum have a stick in them i bet.

not quite I would say 1 in 5 if that on this forum, in two years visiting my local Pick N Pull junk yards I have come across 3 manual square bodies and I hit a yard at least once a month

Tiger Joe · 05-11-2016, 09:07 AM

not rare at all.

MalibuSSwagon · 05-11-2016, 09:23 AM

My 86 C10 came with a factory installed SM465. And I've seen other ones.

RandyP · 05-11-2016, 09:42 AM

Every time I hear "how rare is" on here I always think back to that quote someone had in their profile. "Rare does not mean desirable. It is rare I crap my pants, but never desirable."

Keith Seymore · 05-11-2016, 10:07 AM

SM465 (M20) is not rare at all in a pickup. Somewhat rare in a Suburban.

Three on the tree (M62/M64) was base but is a little more rare.

New Process A833 (RPO MY6, manual overdrive with a factory Hurst shifter) I would consider somewhat rare.

K

barry1982 · 05-11-2016, 02:00 PM

I think it depends on where you are. Seems you see more autos around town.In the farming communities lots of "Farmer 4-speeds". I prefer standards, and have an 82 4 x 4 with a SM465 and an 82 1/2 ton with the A833

Keith Seymore · 05-11-2016, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyP

Every time I hear "how rare is" on here I always think back to that quote someone had in their profile. "Rare does not mean desirable. It is rare I crap my pants, but never desirable."

The quote "...there are no rare squares..." has been attributed to me (and maybe rightly so).

KQQL IT · 05-11-2016, 11:58 PM

Fairly unusual in 1/2 tons in California.
Seemed like full Spec silverado was the norm.

Base trucks had 4 speeds but still unusual in 1/2 tons
Even manual brakes are unusual.

Had to hunt a bit for a manual brake pushrod for my '73

andrewmp6 · 05-13-2016, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

The quote "...there are no rare squares..." has been attributed to me (and maybe rightly so).

I wouldn't call a square body rare but some had rare options like a long bed step side.

Tiger Joe · 05-11-2016, 02:07 PM

I thought of the A883 OD after I posted. I would say that is the only rare transmission in these trucks.

I've actually never seen one in person in my area. I knew of 1 but never actually saw it.

Keith Seymore · 05-11-2016, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiger Joe

I thought of the A883 OD after I posted. I would say that is the only rare transmission in these trucks.

I've actually never seen one in person in my area. I knew of 1 but never actually saw it.

Mine is original.

You are welcome to have a look if you are ever in the Motor City.

You can read about it in my intro thread linked below.

K

**mongocanfly** · 05-11-2016, 06:26 PM

Every square I've owned has had the sm465 in it.

1968vetL-71 · 05-11-2016, 07:46 PM

LMAO @ Randy. I needed that after today!! Thats good stuff right there.

But yes i'll agree with the other guys, not rare at all.

vidman · 05-11-2016, 07:57 PM

My 79 had a 4 on the floor

l1l · 05-11-2016, 04:11 PM

A833 is actually very rare , I only saw one in my entire life.

**Gregski** · 05-12-2016, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by l1l

a833 is actually very rare , i only saw one in my entire life.

+ 1, finally got one installed and absolutely love it so far

lilpoindexter · 05-12-2016, 11:22 PM

My Fremont, CA built 1978 C10 short stepper with a 250 had a three on the tree when i Bought it. it's been in LA/OC its entire life. Manual brakes, no lighter, heater only, no dash vents, yadda yadda yadda. i thought 3ott was cool when i got it, but damn, there are wide steps between the ratios. I couldn't wait to pitch it for a T5.

74CustomK20 · 05-17-2016, 10:14 AM

I have a 465, an a833, and a nv3500 to pick from for my square. Only problem is the 465 is the only one that handled the abuse.

Tom · 05-17-2016, 01:14 PM

I'm willing to bet there are more manual 73-87's then 88-98's out there. I've seen plethora's.

**MikeB** · 05-17-2016, 04:22 PM

Do you guys typically start off in 1st gear with the SM465? Seems like it would be done in less than 50 feet.

Tom · 05-17-2016, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

Do you guys typically start off in 1st gear with the SM465? Seems like it would be done in less than 50 feet.

If by 1st you mean compound low gear, no, people don't do that. 1st gear [what I think your reffering to as 2nd out of 4 total] is the same ratio as a normal trans 1st gear, no reason not to use it regardless of rear end ratio unless your towing large weight.

cheepin · 05-17-2016, 11:21 PM

My 77 suburban,88 crew cab I had were both 465/205s. My current 84 crew is 465/205 and the 87 Suburban we just stripped was 465/208. My 87 suburban is th400. Along with the 79 and 86 Subs I had.

TwoFiftyShifter · 05-18-2016, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom

If by 1st you mean compound low gear, no, people don't do that. 1st gear [what I think your reffering to as 2nd out of 4 total] is the same ratio as a normal trans 1st gear, no reason not to use it regardless of rear end ratio unless your towing large weight.

People do! I just like rowing the extra gear maybe...

05-11-2016, 08:05 AM	#1
encasedmetal Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: asheville nc Posts: 151	How rare is a factory manual trans? tried to search but didn't find numbers- so I was wondering if anyone can give me at least a ballpark of how many of these trucks came with in the floor manuals. I have an 85' with a SM465 and I haven't seen another like it-even after rod run there wasn't a single square body there with a manual trans. thanks

05-11-2016, 08:43 AM	#2
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? Probably half of them on this forum have a stick in them i bet.

05-11-2016, 09:07 AM	#4
Tiger Joe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: South of Pittsburgh Posts: 428	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? not rare at all.

05-11-2016, 09:23 AM	#5
MalibuSSwagon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Weare,NH Posts: 1,592	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? My 86 C10 came with a factory installed SM465. And I've seen other ones. __________________ Eric 1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 1986 Chevrolet C10\|5.3L\|TKO600\|Shortbed\|Custom Deluxe 1983 Malibu Wagon\|TPI 305\|T5 5 speed\|3.73 non-posi

05-11-2016, 09:42 AM	#6
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? Every time I hear "how rare is" on here I always think back to that quote someone had in their profile. "Rare does not mean desirable. It is rare I crap my pants, but never desirable." __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

05-11-2016, 10:07 AM	#7
Keith Seymore Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Motor City Posts: 9,226	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? SM465 (M20) is not rare at all in a pickup. Somewhat rare in a Suburban. Three on the tree (M62/M64) was base but is a little more rare. New Process A833 (RPO MY6, manual overdrive with a factory Hurst shifter) I would consider somewhat rare. K __________________ Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/

05-11-2016, 02:00 PM	#8
barry1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Waskatenau, Alberta Posts: 259	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? I think it depends on where you are. Seems you see more autos around town.In the farming communities lots of "Farmer 4-speeds". I prefer standards, and have an 82 4 x 4 with a SM465 and an 82 1/2 ton with the A833

05-11-2016, 11:58 PM	#10
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,259	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? Fairly unusual in 1/2 tons in California. Seemed like full Spec silverado was the norm. Base trucks had 4 speeds but still unusual in 1/2 tons Even manual brakes are unusual. Had to hunt a bit for a manual brake pushrod for my '73 __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment " Last edited by KQQL IT; 05-12-2016 at 12:25 AM. Reason: Redo

05-11-2016, 02:07 PM	#12
Tiger Joe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: South of Pittsburgh Posts: 428	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? I thought of the A883 OD after I posted. I would say that is the only rare transmission in these trucks. I've actually never seen one in person in my area. I knew of 1 but never actually saw it.

05-11-2016, 06:26 PM	#14
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,672	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? Every square I've owned has had the sm465 in it.

05-11-2016, 07:46 PM	#15
1968vetL-71 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Murfreesboro, Tn Posts: 1,092	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? LMAO @ Randy. I needed that after today!! Thats good stuff right there. But yes i'll agree with the other guys, not rare at all. __________________ 1969 impala conv 427 #s loaded. dad bought new 1969 "Judge" RA-3, rare warwick blue/white, #'s 1968 vet convertible #s 427/435 tripower (sold) 1968 belair 2door post #s 427/385 1936 ford 5w coupe dads 1st car 1969 camaro ss (17,xxx) miles Wanted: 69-72 suburban project, 69 camaro convertible. also any big block cars. 69-70 gto judge project.

05-11-2016, 07:57 PM	#16
vidman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Fitchburg,Mass Posts: 737	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? My 79 had a 4 on the floor __________________ 62 Willys 4wd Pickup : 72 C-10 swb 504 stroker 09 Taco 3" lift 33" tires: 90 K-5 blazer (plow truck): RIP Ross Little brother

05-11-2016, 04:11 PM	#17
l1l Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: FL Posts: 247	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? A833 is actually very rare , I only saw one in my entire life.

05-12-2016, 11:22 PM	#19
lilpoindexter Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: los angeles Posts: 1,134	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? My Fremont, CA built 1978 C10 short stepper with a 250 had a three on the tree when i Bought it. it's been in LA/OC its entire life. Manual brakes, no lighter, heater only, no dash vents, yadda yadda yadda. i thought 3ott was cool when i got it, but damn, there are wide steps between the ratios. I couldn't wait to pitch it for a T5.

05-17-2016, 10:14 AM	#20
74CustomK20 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Tell City, IN Posts: 637	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? I have a 465, an a833, and a nv3500 to pick from for my square. Only problem is the 465 is the only one that handled the abuse. __________________ Big Nate Carp. Local 224. Buy made in the USA! 03 F350 6.0 Daily Race Truck. 79 C70 366 Project Dump.



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05-17-2016, 01:14 PM	#21
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,748	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? I'm willing to bet there are more manual 73-87's then 88-98's out there. I've seen plethora's. __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

05-17-2016, 04:22 PM	#22
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? Do you guys typically start off in 1st gear with the SM465? Seems like it would be done in less than 50 feet. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

05-17-2016, 11:21 PM	#24
cheepin Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Parachute, CO Posts: 183	Re: How rare is a factory manual trans? My 77 suburban,88 crew cab I had were both 465/205s. My current 84 crew is 465/205 and the 87 Suburban we just stripped was 465/208. My 87 suburban is th400. Along with the 79 and 86 Subs I had. __________________ 1984 1ton 4x4 crew cab dually 6.2 diesel,465,205,D60,D70,1987 3/4ton 4x4 suburban 5.7 FI350,TH400,208,1985 CJ-7 FI406,465,205,D60,FF14, 1970 Jeepster 350,465,205,D44,FF14,

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