I'm rebuilding a 1966 Vette. It is a complete body off restoration/rebuild with upgrades.
Originally, the Vette was a 327ci engine with a powerglide 2 speed auto transmission. final gear is a 3.08 posi.
I want to keep the engine, and have refreshed the engine.
I am looking at converting to a 5 speed TKO transmission.
there are three different transmission gears sets for this application.
TKO-500 1st =3.27 ... 5th =.68
TKO-600 1st =2.87 ... 5th =.64
TKO-600 1st =2.87 ... 5th =.82

I like the acceleration of the TKO-500 in first, but the .68 seems to be too high for the 327 w/ 3.08 final.
The TKO-600 lacks the acceleration, but .82seems to be pretty good for the 327 w/ 3.08 final.

Questions - Am I being too picky? should I just go with the TKO-500 and be happy with it?
Should I get rid of the mechanical fuel pump and go with an electric pump?

Also, I was planning on going to a throttle body injection system at a later date and run the carb for now.
The throttle body upgrade is the Holley Commander 950-22S.
Does anyone have any experience with this kit?

Chassis as it is right now.




Thanks for your patience.
Dave

Edited to add:
I know this is a fiero forum, but I figured with the amount of V8 and drivetrain knowledge on here, some one would be able to help me solve my dilemma.

[This message has been edited by IFLYR22 (edited 01-29-2009).]

.

[This message has been edited by JazzMan (edited 04-14-2009).]

My thoughts:
1) Go with the 500 & put in a 390 or 373 rear (my first choice), or go with the 600.
2) Mechanical pump is fine.
3) Stick with the carb.
4) Not a Corvette forum.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

at least it has a plastic body .anything is better than a slush box , unless you are going drag racing .did you trade in your stock calipers for stainless steel sleaved ones? the stock calipers on older vettes leak in no time .frame looks nice .

This looks like a GREAT start to a rebody project. All you need is the firewall from a fiero and leave the rest of corvette. Then you would get more input and less static from guys on here. It's all about perspective and presentation.

------------------
That Todd guy

The Fiero Farm is not officially open but if you need parts, Email me at todd@thefierofarm.com
www.thefierofarm.com
Bates City, MO

I know. I figured that I wouldn't get much, but the Corvette forums hate it. They have the philosophy that if it isn't stock (which mine is not), then it is not worth anything. including their time.

Just repost in O/T, that way feathers won't get ruffled over it being out of place and you might get the help you need - nice project by the way

quote Originally posted by IFLYR22: I know. I figured that I wouldn't get much, but the Corvette forums hate it. They have the philosophy that if it isn't stock (which mine is not), then it is not worth anything. including their time.

I know exactly what you mean! I did quite a bit of Corvette repair, restoration, & custom work in the '70s & '80s & there are a few jerks in the Fiero world (& most of them are on this forum ), but there are a LOT of jerks that own 'Vettes.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

[This message has been edited by Tha Driver (edited 01-29-2009).]

Most of those in my Corvette club are the same way. It has to be stock and has to look good sitting in their garage, since they rarely drive them. A few play with them. One has a 62, 4 spd, he just rebuilt his to a 383 stroker. The only things that look stock are the body and interior and he drives it. Another has a 67 he put a 427 in but otherwise is stock. I always caught hell for modifying mine. I drove em and didnt care. Go for what you want. Id also just go with k500., 327s love revs. That what we had in my supermodified/sprint car. Ran all the time in 8000-9000 rpm range clear back in late 60s.

Ignore the requests to put in off topic.I think it is very interesting to see other peoples projects.
Nice job, also like how organized your garage is.

Go with the 600..Wind up that 327. Go with the high volume electric pump and dump the carb. This way, you only have to do it once.With a build like this, you might as well do it right the first time. An LT1 intake would look killer under the hood.

Bob

[This message has been edited by RCR (edited 01-30-2009).]

rogergarrison:
Thanks for the support and the info. I do plan on driving it. I am not one of those who likes to build a car that ends up on a trailer all the time...
My fiero is built to be driven as well.

peterh:
Actually, I am building it on the clean side of the garage... You don't want to see the other side...

RCR:
The reason for staying with the carb for now is money... I am planning on doing the TBI upgrade in the near future. I have the Carb right now.
I have done some investigating of fuel pumps, and the mechanical ones fail big or not at all... They seem to fail and dump fuel into the crank case. I would rather have a fuel pump just stop delivering fuel than to deliver it to the crank case. Then, there is the problem of the fuel pump continuing to deliver fuel after say, an accident. I know that the one time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire, and I have not found a reliable way to prevent this. Hence, the dilemma.

Thanks all for the thoughts/ideas/opinions. I also appreciate your support.

This is what the chassis looked like before I rebuilt it.



edited to add the picture.

[This message has been edited by IFLYR22 (edited 01-31-2009).]

At least its a GM project................

Nice looking project

I post over on www.corvetteforum.com but they do sometimes look down on people building outside of the box.
Some of the guys are cool but I have butted heads with a few of them. Nothing bad but it has slowed my posting down to mostly just lurking.

Well, I was wrong. I thought your post here in Tech would be swamped with "it's not a Fiero" posts and then end up being a huge Trash can argument - that's why I suggested just posting again in O/T. There no one could say it's not supposed to be there because almost anything can be there...

Anyway, about your transmission question - you didn't state how you plan to use the car. Proper gearing is relative to the kind of use the vehicle will see. If you're going to putt around town from stop sign to stop sign, you may want the 500 with a lower 1st to get you going. With a 327 in a relatively heavy car I would personally want something to get it moving easier. If you're going to be running it around a road course you might want the 600 with the .82 5th. It all depends on how YOU will be using your car.

What are the other ratios? I think I would like the .68 or .64, but in your car with the 327 and 3.08's maybe not. Then if it's to abrupt of a drop-off from 4th it could be a waste. That also depends on whether you mind downshifting to pass, etc.

It's all about you...

[This message has been edited by toddshotrods (edited 01-31-2009).]

Great project!

One of my dream cars is to build a 63-67 Vette... with some kind of EFI V8, T56 6 speed and later model Vette suspension...

There are Corvette forums out there that can give you MUCH better advice. My boss has restored (and heavily modified) a mid-year Vette. I'll ask him what forums he recommends.

What was the original rating of your 327? Are you rebuilding to stock or for more power?

I'm a fan of tall gearing. I'd suggest the 600 with .64 top gear.
Remember that LS1 cars with the T56 transmission have 0.50:1 top gear with 3.42 rear gears. The 0.5/3.42 combo is taller than the 0.64/3.08 combo (1.71 overall vs. 1.97 overall). The 2.87 first gear will give you a higher useable speed in first than the 3.27 would.

I think its Year One that makes a complete 63-67 Corvette kit you can put together or buy as a complete roller. I think its on a C5 chassis and running gear. They have quite a few now. 76 Trans Am, 70 Cuda/Challenger, 68 Mustang fastback, 69 Camaro................

Jake_Dragon:
Thank you. I stopped posting when they told me I was tearing it down wrong... How do you tear something down wrong? oh well. I usually lurk around now as well, but I have found this forum to have more overall knowledge available than any other.

toddshotrods:
Sorry. My intent with the car is to drive it but not race it. I would like to have off the line speed and highway gas mileage (have my cake and eat it too...). the more I read every ones thoughts and ideas, I am now leaning toward the 500. I don't mind having to shift from 1st to 2nd sooner. I will be driving it in town more than the freeway. When I finish it, I was planning on a long distance run for fun. Like from here to NorCal.
2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears are all the same in the 500/600. 4th is 1:1. I figured no matter which transmission I went with, I would have to downshift to pass.

fieroguru:
Thank you. rogergarrison has it right, Year One is the best way to go for that. then you could do a replica CERV1 Grand Sport. ( I want a grand sport... drool...drool...)

Will:
Thank you. The engine is the 327/325. the Engine was rebuilt about 5+ years ago or so. So I just checked the engine over and plan on using it as is. I am converting the ignition from points to electronic. Other than that, it is stock. It ran when I pulled it out.
Thanks for the ratio comparison. I hadn't been thinking in those terms. That gives me another way to look at it.

quote Originally posted by Will: ...I'm a fan of tall gearing. I'd suggest the 600 with .64 top gear. Remember that LS1 cars with the T56 transmission have 0.50:1 top gear with 3.42 rear gears. The 0.5/3.42 combo is taller than the 0.64/3.08 combo (1.71 overall vs. 1.97 overall). The 2.87 first gear will give you a higher useable speed in first than the 3.27 would.

I am too Will, but an LS1 has more bottom end. It still depends on driving style, normal driving activities, etc. If he likes winding the gears out the higher useable speed in 1st is a benefit. If he's like one friend I have, it would be a waste. The guy shifts, basically off idle, alll the way to third and just lugs around. I would never drive that way, and I like being able to wind mine out but people have different habits/preferences.

I'm not disagreeing with you, just reiterating that it's kind of hard to make a good recommendation without knowing the intended use.

I know it is not exactly what you asked, but have you thought about putting in the newer Tremec T56 6-speed manual? I'm a sucker for those old classic cars with the awesome lines and style they used to have wrapped around newer, modern mechanicals. I'd love to take an old 67-69 Camaro and put the T56 in it. If you plan on doing any highway driving, you'll love it. I've gotten over 30 mpg in my brothers 1998 Camaro Z28 convertible at over 90mph on the freeway, due to the 0.5:1 ratio.

OTOH, if you don't ever plan on any long trips with this kind of a cruiser, you won't need the added expense / headache of the T56.

------------------
1988 Fiero GT
Custom Corvette / MR2 electro-hydraulic power steering
17" rims covering up 11.25" rotors with Cadillac Calipers & drop spindles
Cleveland Fiero Club

quote Originally posted by IFLYR22: I know. I figured that I wouldn't get much, but the Corvette forums hate it. They have the philosophy that if it isn't stock (which mine is not), then it is not worth anything. including their time.

I've read a couple threads on the Corvette Forums which would make you think that as soon as they come off their self imposed pedestals to snub those "below them," or to eat their young, you find out that its to do both.

TG oreiF 8891:
The transmissions that fit without having to make interior shrinking custom transmission tunnel mods are the stock M21/22 4 speeds, the stock Powerglide 2 speed auto, and the aftermarket Tremek TKO-500/600 with a custom side shifter.
It is only thing that sucks... transmission tunnel is tiny.

mcaanda:
They do have some good things to say, but I don't post or ask questions anymore. I look for someone who has asked the question for me. (I have to admit, I do that here too. but I have never felt that I was unwelcome. this thread proves it.)

On a side note...
I have made a door hanger to work on the doors. I made it for my fiero, but I am using it to work on the vette doors. I used a Fiero rear drive train dolly I made for when I was doing my 3800.



edited to add.
This a picture of my modified fiero.

[This message has been edited by IFLYR22 (edited 01-31-2009).]

Me and Calif Kid have both taken our vette V8 powered Fieros to all Corvette shows. We both took our share of snubs, but there were quite a few non-diehards that were pretty facinated. I drove up to the gate to go into one and the ticket guy said sorry, only Corvette related vehicles allowed. I reached out and pointed to the banner across the windshield ' CORVETTE POWERED'. They took a look in the engine bay and gave me a corner spot.

IFLYR22,

Your frame looks great. I agree on the 600 - let the 327 wind. Definitely switch to the electric fuel pump. Get the one required for the future upgrade. There are several aftermarket "trip kits" to shut off power in case of impact/accident. Check out Summit or Jegs. It's good to see that some Fiero peeps have other projects going on. I am in the process of a frame off rebuild of my 47 Chevy truck. Currently it has a Camaro front clip and a narrowed 12 bolt, tubbed bed, etc. etc. It's a work in progress that is now coming off a 6 month break due to a recent Ferio project. Good luck on the rest of your build.

Pat

quote Originally posted by mcaanda: I've read a couple threads on the Corvette Forums which would make you think that as soon as they come off their self imposed pedestals to snub those "below them," or to eat their young, you find out that its to do both.

I used to be really active in CorvetteForum, and I found those folks to be, for the most part, really gracious. Let's face it, you'll find a-holes on any forum.

What you have there, so far, is beautiful. I would have loved to have done a frame-off on mine, and Lord knows it would have benefitted from a frame-off. But I had neither the skills, nor the patience. I also badly wanted to upgrade my C3's 3-speed auto to a 700R4. But again, I had neither the time nor the talent. A good transmission, IMHO, makes all the difference.

Good luck with your endeavor.

Cheers!

------------------
Spent my days with a woman unkind Smoked my stuff and drank all my wine...

That is the first time I have ever seen an extractor scoop on a Fiero that was raised instead of recessed....looks good.

rogergarrison:
That is funny... I guess they never thought of a corvette engine ending up in a fiero... I love the irony.

katatak:
Thanks for the compliments. I looked into the switch/device you mentioned. I only found something from Holley. I think it may be the thing I was looking for. Thanks for the suggestion. I need to look into if it comes with the Commander 950-22S throttle body kit I was looking into.
BTW: If you have a build, I would love to see it.

joeveto:
Thanks. The body off was not originally part of the plan. I was just going to pull the engine and transmission out and fix a few things. I discovered a few cracks in the frame. So, off came the body. After that I was looking at other various parts... and, then I decided to do a full rebuild.
HHhhmmmmm.... Sounds like my fiero.... anyway...

IMSA GT:
Thanks. I figured I would try the Venturi effect in a different way. It is actually the rear 1/3 of the rear deck lids "hump".
The deck lid is similar. I took the original "hump" in the deck lid and extended it back by using the other (front) 2/3's of the "hump". That way I got the extra venting with out cutting into my rear view area. with my seats, I need the rearward visibility.
Some pre-paint pictures.





Edited for spelling...

[This message has been edited by IFLYR22 (edited 02-01-2009).]

Interesting thread, but indeed not Fiero related, so I'm moving it to TO/T.

Thanks cliff.

LS-7 6-Speed '63 split window treatment in rear and spinner style turbine wheels with 'redlines"

Retro and modern at the same time

htexans1:
like this?

[This message has been edited by IFLYR22 (edited 02-01-2009).]

quote Originally posted by Jake_Dragon: Nice looking project I post over on www.corvetteforum.com but they do sometimes look down on people building outside of the box. Some of the guys are cool but I have butted heads with a few of them. Nothing bad but it has slowed my posting down to mostly just lurking.

My brother-in-law is one of those jerks. When Melanie told him we picked up a 76 Stingray he was all over me with questions.

Until I told him it had a different motor in it than it came with.

Good part about it was he stopped bothering me about selling it to him.

He has like 5 Vettes in his garage and the next door neighbors. All original and all under baby blankets, never taken any out unless it is perfect weather.

Of course he can’t even get in them now, way to over weight.

Nice job on the frame work so far. Keep the good work up.

PS

A guy I used to work with has 4 in his basement garage and almost lost them all because the clock in the 63 shorted out. Luckily he had just gone down there and smelled something burning before it wasted the whole car and house.

So if you are not driving it,

Disconnect the battery.

Steve

------------------
Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't.
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

For posting and asking hot rod questions this is a good place to post
http://www.hotrodders.com
Its almost as good as PFF

I like posting on the Corvette Forum I just double check everything before I do and try to stay away from flame bait.

84fiero123:
Thanks for the advice and story about the clock. Lucky for me, the clock hasn't worked in years... (I can't believe I am happy about that...) One of the many things I was going to fix.

Jake_Dragon:
I haven't seen that forum site. I'll check it out. Thanks.

quote Originally posted by Jake_Dragon: ...http://www.hotrodders.com Its almost as good as PFF...

Agreed, I am a member there too. It's probably a distant second to PFF for me. I like it but nowhere near as much as this place. In fact, I tend to forget to post my updates there - hmmm, I better go do that while I'm thinking about it...