More help here than I could have asked for....am hoping for some info and reassurances from you guys before moving forward. Swapping a muncie 4spd into my '68 (originally an auto 400).
Here's the quick version: -1969 crossmember (it was free) -Hurst Comp Plus and new/correct round bar -L bracket mount with u-bolt mounted -'Neutral' sits out toward 3/4 gear and handle mount is at the far rear/driver side in neutral (can barely see mount through existing shifter opening) -Left and right floor panels have patches, but tunnel was not removed.
Questions: - Is the left/right spacing the same on 69 and 68 crossmembers? I know 69 doesn't have the lower piece with the dog ear, but originality isn't important (obviously, given the swap). Looks like the BB Chevy cross moves the mounting toward passenger side over SB. Just want to make sure! -Should the crank pulley be centered on front sub-frame? Mine is about an inch toward the passenger side. This could be angling the trans tail toward the drivers side and worsening the alignment issue. If crossmember mounting is the same, tail location should be correct......
So, if none of the above is an issue and I'm good - I would need to open up the shifter hole so that it is something like the picture below to give myself Reverse/2nd/4th shift clearance.......and that looks pretty aggressive. I do need to measure for alignment on trans output and rear end, but ran out of time last night.
The power of the google may have helped answer this one - should the shifter arm (pre-shaft) relocate as in this picture? Mine definitely does not relocate this far to the right.
The motor is indeed supposed to be offset to the passenger side. Done to fit the big poncho motor in the little chevy designed chassis. Was the car originally an automatic? I think the tunnel hole is different for autos vs manual.
Hey Bob - thanks for the confirmation. Car was a basketcase when I bought it so there are some things that I just don't have a reference on. The offset question was an important one to answer.
It was originally an auto and I don't have any issue opening up the hole, but going down the whole side of the tunnel didn't seem right. Looks like the correct Hurst Comp has a bracket mounting between shifter and the shaft which moves the handle over a few inches. I'll fab or order one and my only issue may then be opening up the rear just a touch.
