column to floor conversion

[chevy5window]

i have read on other posts about having to switch from column to floor shifters. who makes this conversion and how hard is it to do?
also whast advantages will i get from switching to a 4 speed over the 3 speed. i plan on swapping in new gears in my pumpkin. with the 4 speed help me out on gas milage? speed? thanks
any info is greatly appreciated

 

[tclederman]

There is not enough specific information in your question to allow for an useful answer.

However,
If you are asking about a stock (original year) 3 speed vs a stock 4 speed, you will see
no speed or gas mileage improvement (the engine RPM at top speed will not change).
A four speed has a lower first gear and different ratios for second and third gear. The ratio for
4th gear is the same as the ratio for the old 3rd gear.

Changing the rear end (or gears in the rear end) to a lower ratio will help gas mileage and top
speed.

Good luck,

 

[chevy5window]

my first question was can i remove my column shifter and put in a floor shifter. how hard is it to doand is there a company that make an adapter?
i hope i made this a little more clear.
thanks

 

[DrMike]

To answer your first question, it is not that hard to do. Takes a little metal cutting and the ability to follow the instructions that come with the conversion kit. You can find inexpensive conversion kits at places like Pep Boys, Auto Zone, and the J.C. Whitney catalog. All of them will run you $50-$75. I put one in my "51 a few years back and had no problems doing it myself and I'm no mechanic.

Dr.Mike

 

[78subgeorge]

>
>Changing the rear end (or gears in the rear end) to a lower
>ratio will help gas mileage and top
>speed.
>
To be clearer, you mean a numerically lower ratio will help mileage.
Example: a 3.55:1 gear will help as opposed to a 4.10:1 ratio.

This is one of those automotive oxymorons. A "lower" gear is represented by a larger number. A 4.56:1 gear is "lower" than a 4.10:1 gear.

 

[banjo]

i see that your question is a few months old did you complete the conversion? i switched my (orig 6cyl/3speed/4.11) first to a small block 400 then a 4speed from a 70vete then to a stock 3.00 rear then to a richmond T10. all of the proublems that you want not to have i incountered. the stock package was ok for driving in town at 35 mph the small block 400 has way more power than i need in a shortbed stepside but i didn't like screeming rpms on the hwy so i swaped rearends from a 350/automatic and that gave me great gas milage good hwy speed but the vete trans hade a 2.75 first gear so i lost the launch then i found the richmond with a 3.50 first gear 2.50 second 1.625 third and 1to1 that combined with the pumped small block 400 now 412 with all the right stuff makes for a very driveable package.

but my real question is did you change or modify your shift column. I hate looking at that nub where the shifter used to stick out on the right side of the column. is there a replacement ring available or if you grind the nubs smooth does the hole become unsitely. i have looked for a sreering column from a C60 that came with a floor shift but have not found one yet, also those ears sticking out of the column under the hood i mean how can you drive down the road with your head high knowing that all the chrome goodies you instaled and custom parts that you bolted on are there under the hood next to those ugly shift arms. i thought of cutting them off and covering that part of the column with one of those colorful rancho shock absorbor covers but the header heat would make the plastic deform and i would end up poping my hood at a local show and what would everyone say when they saw melted red plastic "gasp augh"

any follow up on 3 speed conversion would be appreciated.

banjo