I've got an opportunity to pick up a 4 speed Saginaw that came out of another 1981 El Camino. Mine currently has the 305/TH350, and I would love to put in a 4 speed manual transmission, but wonder how much trouble it will be - in addition to the trans, what else will I need? The clutch pedal assembly, clutch, flywheel etc, and how well will it hook up with the drive-shaft/rear end. What I'm asking is what am I getting myself into? Should I just be happy with the TH350 and forget about a 4 speed or is it something that's worth the effort?

If you have some reasonable mechanical ability, you should be able to do this without to much trouble. The OEM parts can get expensive. If you get the parts cheap, get them, if you decide not to do the swap, you can always sell them with no problem! You'll need everything from the brake and clutch pedals to and including the linkage, clutch fork and bellhousing. The four speed setup is about the same length as the 350 so your driveshaft will work along with the crossmember. These items are specific to G-body GM's and are highly sought after. However you couldn't give me a Saginaw trans. I would use a Muncie M-22 or Borg Warner T-10 trans instead (you'll need a different transmission output shaft yoke). If you don't plan on doing much in performance upgrades though, the Saginaw will be OK. As far as the clutch disc, pressure plate, flywheel, and throwout bearing are concerned, if they're serviceable get them, if they're unserviceable chuck them and get new parts. I don't know how much your going to pay for these parts, but if your getting them cheap, and you decide not to do it I guarantee you'll get the money you spent on them back and then some. I've seen bellhousings alone sell for over $250 on Ebay numerous times.

If i remember correctly i think its the el camino store that sell all the clutch linkage and parts need for this swap, minus the bell housing and i think its around 450 for the kit.

Chris

Hey Scully I have a factory 4 speed mine is muncie but I dont think there is much diff. If I was you I think I would try to get the brake pedal assy and the panel on flloor that the shifter goes though the shifter comes out of the floor of to the side of the hump. Plus the other things you mentioned
If you need any info let me know
Dave :)

Scully, My opinion is to "go for it". I have the much maligned Saginaw in mine & just love it. I get a lot of double takes because it is an El Camino, but I get triple takes when they realize that it is a 4 gear car. With the proper suspension upgrades your vehicle will handle close to that of a sports car. With a four speed manual, you'll even get to shift it. I have had no problems with my "dreaded" Saginaw. I did lose the cotter pin to the reverse shifting rod once. I've also run Muncies & can personally verify that they are not indestructable. You can get some used clutch assemblies on EBay under "G body" for around $250. If your friend is giving you the "UGH" Saginaw he may not need his linkage or bell housing. Jon

Thanks for the input. Sounds do-able so I'm gonna go for it - I'm still negotiating on the Saginaw and will let you know if I grab it- I figure the worst that could happen is I get it and stick it in the back of the garage, make it a long term project.

I am also doing the conversion, and have purchased parts, and spares. When I get done in the next few weeks, I will let you know what is available before I put them on ebay. I found a 1980 Z-28 being parted out and got a rebuilt Super T-10, and all the related parts. I also have El Camino specific pedals, linkages, and a housing. Will not have extra flywheel and clutch assembly. Also let you know what snaps I hit along the way...

Thanks danimal, post some pix too, if you can.

The "much maligned" Saginaw is much maligned for good reason. A Super T10 or Muncie is a much better trans if you drive enthusiastically.

A Super T10 is a much better trans if you drive enthusiastically. Hey, I represent that remark! 8)

Hey...I did say "enthusiastically".

Just a mention......

If you have some good HP then you should consider replacing the rear end in that 81 with a 8.5" 10 bolt or even better a GM 12 bolt. That stock rear end will not tak a lot of pounding. Behind an automatic its suffient up to around 400 horses but not behind a standard with the same horse power if you plan on side stepping the clutch for a hard launch. It will eventually eat up that 7.5" 10 bolt.

SO I suggest a 8.5" 10 bolt or a 12 bolt. The 9" Fab takes more energy to make it work than a 12 so unless you just have one lying around I'd also say a Ford 9" is overkill and a GM 12 bolt is better.

Just my opinion.