Richmond 6-Speed - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

chevy69er · 12-22-2004, 04:08 AM

So i was thinking about running a richmond 6 speed tranny in my truck and i was wondering if someone could help me with a few things.First thing is i know you can choose between spline count...should i opt for the higher spline count and if i do i would have to change out the clutch for it to work correct?Also with that tranny would i have to convert to hydo clutch or can i stay with my mechanical setup?What kind of shifter works best with our trucks and this trans?Any help would be appreciated.Thanx!

Steven Sellers · 12-22-2004, 09:40 AM

PM crazy longhorn he has done this and could help the most Im sure

Huck · 12-22-2004, 09:43 AM

You are going to need a WHOLE LOT of power to take advantage of the double overdrive of a six speed in a wind resisting truck. For the price, you might not be happy with the six verses 5 speed. This gets especially interesting if you run oversized tires and/or high rear end gearing. I believe a Richmond 6 speed goes for around $2K.

FirstGen · 12-22-2004, 11:06 AM

Might consider a T56 6 speed from a LT1 f-body (camaro/firebird). It has a hydro clutch setup just like a mechanical style so it is easy to modify and it has the correct bolt pattern for a SBC.

I run the LS1 T56 with a 29" tall tire and 4.11's. Awesome combo, LOTS of gear and still only 2100 RPMs at 80mph...

SCOTI · 12-22-2004, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Huck ...You are going to need a WHOLE LOT of power to take advantage of the double overdrive of a six speed in a wind resisting truck

The Richmond is not a double overdrive like the T56. It has 1 O.D. gear that varies between .76 & .62 & utilizes a steeper 1st gear between 3.0 & 3.27.

robert wright · 12-22-2004, 01:02 PM

I gotta agree with Huck. If your rear is 3.08/2.73 you'll probably be better with a 5 speed....6th gear would never get used. 3.73 might work, but I agree that it's probably not worthwhile unless you've got 4.11's.

I like the idea of the 5/6 speeds in our trucks. Might be too much $s and effort to make it work right. Let us know what you do, either way.

crazy longhorn · 12-22-2004, 01:03 PM

The Richmond overdrive , is not a "double overdrive" as some might think. 5th gear is 1 to 1 , & depending on which trans you get you could have a .76, or I beleilve a .62 6th gear is available. the trans runs right @ $3000, & can be had with a 1 1/8" x 10 input, or a 1 1/8 x 26. I chose the 26pline shaft, as most of the hy perf clutches are offered that way . You need a car bell, or a 67 or older truck bell to fit the trans , if you go 26 spline(center hole in the bell is different). I run a 4.10 rear gear, with a .76 overdrive......as far as how fast it will run, I dont know(not sure I want to either!) the truck will run 100mph @ 6000-6200 in 4th gear....& cruise all day long 85mph @ around 3000 in 6th(much like it was running 3.07 gears). the trans ratios go.....3.28/ 2.14/ 1.57 /1.24/ 1/ .76 . It fun to play with, but i do plan to swap a 3.40 gear in, for a few less revs on the open road. Have fun, crazyL

Oops....missed a couple ? the Richmond 0verdrive comes with a Long manufacting shifter(one of the best I have seen on the market). if you run a bench seat, you will be swappin the handles(they bolt on with 2 bolts like most of the Hurst handles). on the clutch linkage, i used the stock setup, & added rod ends to the link rods to smooth up the 30+ yr old linkage(works great

).

chevy69er · 12-23-2004, 07:58 PM

Well im running 4.56's and im going to running at least 35's so i want that extra choice of gears.Thanks for the info crazy longhorn...i was considering a couple other trannys but i think a 6 spd richmond would be the best and the most fun to drive.

FirstGen · 12-24-2004, 12:49 PM

6 speeds ROCK!

mr402 · 12-24-2004, 02:47 PM

Crazy Longhorn, Would love to see a picture of the modification you made to the clutch rod to add those rod ends. I've been toying with the same idea but haven't taken a serious look at it yet. I know I don't like the looks of the clutch rod now as the existing ends are starting to get worn away.

gonebad2 · 12-24-2004, 03:01 PM

If you go with the 6 speed, change your diff gears to 4:11. You would get the best of both worlds....

crazy longhorn · 12-24-2004, 03:28 PM

gearing has a lot to do with tire size(& preference). Here is a calculator to play with.... http://www.smokemup.com/auto_math/mph_range2.php IMO, the gearing with the richmond would be optimim (for my useage anyway), with a 3.73 rear gear. that is based on a 29" tall tire, that i run on my truck......the 4.10's feel just a tad low(not bad tho). if you up the tire size to 35", you can see on the chart that the 4.56 gears give just about the same cruise rpm, as a 3.73 on a 29" tire

sorry , no pics on the linkage rods......on the 69, I basically started from scratch, redrilled the hole in the firewall, & made a pretty much straightline shot to the bell crank. the holes were drilled oversized on the arms, to accept a 7/16 rod end. it looks really clean, & works just as well

as far as modifying the stock rods, its not too bad.....you need a tap & die set, to thread the underdash end of the rod, & may end up welding a chunk of fine thread bolt to the opposite end, the screw the rod end onto. good luck.....crazyL

TugOwar · 12-24-2004, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstGen

Might consider a T56 6 speed from a LT1 f-body (camaro/firebird). It has a hydro clutch setup just like a mechanical style so it is easy to modify and it has the correct bolt pattern for a SBC.

I run the LS1 T56 with a 29" tall tire and 4.11's. Awesome combo, LOTS of gear and still only 2100 RPMs at 80mph...

FirstGen what bell housing did you use on your setup? Is the T56 hard to come by?

chevy69er · 12-24-2004, 11:41 PM

what year camaro/firebird has the T56 6 speed in it?

FirstGen · 12-25-2004, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TugOwar

FirstGen what bell housing did you use on your setup? Is the T56 hard to come by?

My bell housing and entire tranny/clutch setup is from an 2002 SS Camaro. I'm running a LS1 based motor which has the same bolt pattern as the 5.7 motor in the Camaro/Corvette. I did swap the clutch out for a hi performance SPEC clutch rated for 750 foot pounds of torque. With the hydraulic clutch system this clutch feels incredibly light. Feel like a stock camaro clutch pedal.

If you are running a non ls1 based motor like a good old SBC go for a 93-97 camaro/firebird T56 which only comes behind the LT1's. If you are running a LS1 then the 98-02 trannies are perfect. The differences are in the bell housing bolt pattern and the hydraulics are totally different...

FirstGen · 12-25-2004, 03:54 PM

also just remember that you cannot run a T56 behind the 5.3 ls1. It has a special recess that makes this impossible without a custom bellhousing or clutch/flywheel setup.

TugOwar · 12-26-2004, 08:26 PM

Cool thanks very much. And yes it's just a plain old sb. I feel a trip to pick n pull comin soon.

12-22-2004, 04:08 AM	#1
chevy69er Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Lakewood,Ca Posts: 69	Richmond 6-Speed So i was thinking about running a richmond 6 speed tranny in my truck and i was wondering if someone could help me with a few things.First thing is i know you can choose between spline count...should i opt for the higher spline count and if i do i would have to change out the clutch for it to work correct?Also with that tranny would i have to convert to hydo clutch or can i stay with my mechanical setup?What kind of shifter works best with our trucks and this trans?Any help would be appreciated.Thanx! __________________ 1969 C-20,383 stroker,sm465,custom long travel front suspension,4 wheel disc brakes,35" pro comps...mods under way include: 4x4 conversion,and custom bumpers.future mods include: gear vendors od unit,and relocation of fuel cell.

12-22-2004, 09:40 AM	#2
Steven Sellers Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 692	PM crazy longhorn he has done this and could help the most Im sure __________________ 2008 Buick Enclave(wifes new non wrecked) 1996 Jeep Cherokee 2002 2500HD 6.0L (traded) 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee(wifes/wrecked) 1977 DJ5 postal jeep(mmm lots of fun) 1988 Toyota 2wd p/u(DD, blewup 199,000) 1991 Toyota 2ed p/u (sry just cant break these things) 1997 XR70 Honda 1991 Z50(FOR SALE) 1972 Z50 Honda 1970 SWB 350/knucklebuster "The adventure begins and I am confident that there will be no end".

12-22-2004, 11:06 AM	#4
FirstGen Just Don't Stop! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,239	Might consider a T56 6 speed from a LT1 f-body (camaro/firebird). It has a hydro clutch setup just like a mechanical style so it is easy to modify and it has the correct bolt pattern for a SBC. I run the LS1 T56 with a 29" tall tire and 4.11's. Awesome combo, LOTS of gear and still only 2100 RPMs at 80mph... __________________ 1968 C10 build in process TT LSA/6L90e/9"

12-22-2004, 01:02 PM	#6
robert wright Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Anch. Ak Posts: 50	I gotta agree with Huck. If your rear is 3.08/2.73 you'll probably be better with a 5 speed....6th gear would never get used. 3.73 might work, but I agree that it's probably not worthwhile unless you've got 4.11's. I like the idea of the 5/6 speeds in our trucks. Might be too much $s and effort to make it work right. Let us know what you do, either way. __________________ bw 70 chev short/fleet:son's hotrod w/tickets to prove it 69 gmc short/step: project in pieces 87 chev short/step: still thinking about 2000 gmc xcab/step: daily driver

12-22-2004, 01:03 PM	#7
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	The Richmond overdrive , is not a "double overdrive" as some might think. 5th gear is 1 to 1 , & depending on which trans you get you could have a .76, or I beleilve a .62 6th gear is available. the trans runs right @ $3000, & can be had with a 1 1/8" x 10 input, or a 1 1/8 x 26. I chose the 26pline shaft, as most of the hy perf clutches are offered that way . You need a car bell, or a 67 or older truck bell to fit the trans , if you go 26 spline(center hole in the bell is different). I run a 4.10 rear gear, with a .76 overdrive......as far as how fast it will run, I dont know(not sure I want to either!) the truck will run 100mph @ 6000-6200 in 4th gear....& cruise all day long 85mph @ around 3000 in 6th(much like it was running 3.07 gears). the trans ratios go.....3.28/ 2.14/ 1.57 /1.24/ 1/ .76 . It fun to play with, but i do plan to swap a 3.40 gear in, for a few less revs on the open road. Have fun, crazyL Oops....missed a couple ? the Richmond 0verdrive comes with a Long manufacting shifter(one of the best I have seen on the market). if you run a bench seat, you will be swappin the handles(they bolt on with 2 bolts like most of the Hurst handles). on the clutch linkage, i used the stock setup, & added rod ends to the link rods to smooth up the 30+ yr old linkage(works great ). __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears.... Last edited by crazy longhorn; 12-22-2004 at 01:43 PM.

12-22-2004, 09:43 AM	#3
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,261	You are going to need a WHOLE LOT of power to take advantage of the double overdrive of a six speed in a wind resisting truck. For the price, you might not be happy with the six verses 5 speed. This gets especially interesting if you run oversized tires and/or high rear end gearing. I believe a Richmond 6 speed goes for around $2K.

12-23-2004, 07:58 PM	#8
chevy69er Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Lakewood,Ca Posts: 69	Well im running 4.56's and im going to running at least 35's so i want that extra choice of gears.Thanks for the info crazy longhorn...i was considering a couple other trannys but i think a 6 spd richmond would be the best and the most fun to drive. __________________ 1969 C-20,383 stroker,sm465,custom long travel front suspension,4 wheel disc brakes,35" pro comps...mods under way include: 4x4 conversion,and custom bumpers.future mods include: gear vendors od unit,and relocation of fuel cell.

12-24-2004, 12:49 PM	#9
FirstGen Just Don't Stop! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,239	6 speeds ROCK! __________________ 1968 C10 build in process TT LSA/6L90e/9"

12-24-2004, 02:47 PM	#10
mr402 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Elmira, Oregon Posts: 449	Crazy Longhorn, Would love to see a picture of the modification you made to the clutch rod to add those rod ends. I've been toying with the same idea but haven't taken a serious look at it yet. I know I don't like the looks of the clutch rod now as the existing ends are starting to get worn away.

12-24-2004, 03:01 PM	#11
gonebad2 Merciless Butcher Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: CC Nevada Posts: 1,447	If you go with the 6 speed, change your diff gears to 4:11. You would get the best of both worlds.... __________________ Your Bought And Sold....I Got Your Soul!

12-24-2004, 03:28 PM	#12
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	gearing has a lot to do with tire size(& preference). Here is a calculator to play with.... http://www.smokemup.com/auto_math/mph_range2.php IMO, the gearing with the richmond would be optimim (for my useage anyway), with a 3.73 rear gear. that is based on a 29" tall tire, that i run on my truck......the 4.10's feel just a tad low(not bad tho). if you up the tire size to 35", you can see on the chart that the 4.56 gears give just about the same cruise rpm, as a 3.73 on a 29" tire sorry , no pics on the linkage rods......on the 69, I basically started from scratch, redrilled the hole in the firewall, & made a pretty much straightline shot to the bell crank. the holes were drilled oversized on the arms, to accept a 7/16 rod end. it looks really clean, & works just as well as far as modifying the stock rods, its not too bad.....you need a tap & die set, to thread the underdash end of the rod, & may end up welding a chunk of fine thread bolt to the opposite end, the screw the rod end onto. good luck.....crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

12-24-2004, 11:41 PM	#14
chevy69er Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Lakewood,Ca Posts: 69	what year camaro/firebird has the T56 6 speed in it? __________________ 1969 C-20,383 stroker,sm465,custom long travel front suspension,4 wheel disc brakes,35" pro comps...mods under way include: 4x4 conversion,and custom bumpers.future mods include: gear vendors od unit,and relocation of fuel cell.

12-25-2004, 03:54 PM	#16
FirstGen Just Don't Stop! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,239	also just remember that you cannot run a T56 behind the 5.3 ls1. It has a special recess that makes this impossible without a custom bellhousing or clutch/flywheel setup. __________________ 1968 C10 build in process TT LSA/6L90e/9"

12-26-2004, 08:26 PM	#17
TugOwar Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Pleasanton, TX Posts: 1,723	Cool thanks very much. And yes it's just a plain old sb. I feel a trip to pick n pull comin soon.



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