New "66 fleet side - what manual tranny should I go with

[88Stanger]

I have a 1966 fleet side I'm getting in couple weeks. I have a 1969 fleet I rebuilt from ground up with 5.3 LS and 4L60E and now due to divorce I'm getting a 1966 fleet that I'm going to start from ground up also. But, it's getting a 383 full roller stroker that is sitting on floor, Fitech blow thru fuel injection, and I want to go with a manual tranny. My concern is what manual should I get? Looking for good fit, not super expensive, but maybe a range of ok, good to great. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time to respond

[SkinnyG]

NV3500 came behind the 5.3, didn't it? Likely won't take boost, but common and cheap.

World-Class T5.

If you're nice to it, almost any trans will do fine.

[Clyde65]

That 383 will eat that nv3500 in a New York minute.

Your gone need a Tremec or a nv4500 for that beast

[jocko]

To Skinny's point - a T5 will last just fine behind a 900hp big block - DEPENDING on how it's driven. Generally speaking though, if you're building a stouter motor, there is a reason - so T5s and NV3500s aren't perhaps the best choice behind anything but a small V8 or behind something you KNOW you won't be doing burnouts in or towing/hauling with.

[AcampoDave]

Your rear end gears and tire size will have some bearing on your choice. My truck is currently receiving a Muncie M22Z swap with a 3.08 rear. I personally wanted to keep it old school but still wanted a decent highway cruise rpm. The M22Z has a 2.98 first so it should provide a decent launch and the even gear spacing should provide nice rythmic shifting. It also will easily fit my low hump floor and I can keep my cast iron bell housing along with the stock clutch fork and linkage. Lots more to read if you Google it. Edit: Also, I recommend using the various ratio calculators available online to determine the final drive rpm and mph, shift points, and starting line (or launch) ratio for your given set up.

[SkinnyG]

I really wanted a stick in mine, but I couldn't afford a strong enough stick to live behind a boosted 6.0L, so I went 4L80. A tremec, while nice, is a whole lot of change unless you are really lucky/resourceful. An NV4500 would take ALL the abuse, but I didn't want a "truck" trans in mine.

[roll_the_dice]

I am putting a Tremec T56 Magnum in mine. I wanted a stick as most of my vehicles have been sticks...I should be installing it in the next few weeks.

[Captainfab]

The way I see it you have 2 choices with that engine. A TKO-600 or a T56 Magnum.

[jayoldschool]

T56 with 4.10s will work wonderfully with that engine. It will pull like a freight train 1-4, have 5th for in town OD, and deep 6th OD for the highway. My car with a swapped T56 and 4.10s turns barely over 2000 at 65mph. Even a WC T5 is not strong enough for that stroker.

[roll_the_dice]

Just mounted my T56 Magnum to my SBC with FiTech EFI today...good looking trans! I ordered the mid shifter, but it is on backorder...so the shifter is too far back for a bench seat.

[Vincenthdfan]

I thought I wanted to go with a Tremec TKO 600 in my 62 C10 until I figured out after spending over $2600 for the tranny I still have to buy a mid position shifter for several hundred dollars more so I can even use it in my truck.

Should be an option of shifter position after spending that kinda money!

[SkinnyG]

I was wanting the TKO for me as well, but then an LS/4L80 fell into my lap for less than a third the price of a TKO swap. Going slushbox now.

[Vincenthdfan]

Originally Posted by SkinnyG

I was wanting the TKO for me as well, but then an LS/4L80 fell into my lap for less than a third the price of a TKO swap. Going slushbox now.

This is kinda the route that I think I'm going to eventually take as well.

I already bought a brand new crate 350 I'm putting in place of tired 283, truck already had a World Class Camaro T-5 with S-10 tailhousing that I'm re-installing, but it kinda whines a bit...only a matter of time till it goes bye bye I think?

[1slo64]

Originally Posted by Vincenthdfan

I thought I wanted to go with a Tremec TKO 600 in my 62 C10 until I figured out after spending over $2600 for the tranny I still have to buy a mid position shifter for several hundred dollars more so I can even use it in my truck.

Should be an option of shifter position after spending that kinda money!

I would think a remote shifter would allow you to still use the rear shifter. I've been looking into them but it looks like it would be more of a DIY project.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by 1slo64

I would think a remote shifter would allow you to still use the rear shifter. I've been looking into them but it looks like it would be more of a DIY project.

The T56 Magnum, the shifter is plug and play. The TKO trans is more of a DIY project to move the shifter. Great article here on moving the shifter on the non magnum transmission.

[88Stanger]

Goodness, I was really hoping to go manual but after reading all the comments..... I really want to go old school and throw a good Muncie in it though. I am still thinking on this. I need to decide what way to go as I start the tear down within the next few weeks and want to have a solid game plan.