four speed help needed

[Tom Sarno]

I came across a four speed bolted to a small block while cleaning out a neighbors garage. It has all three shift levers on the cover and under the shifter mountng area, at the very bottom and under the trans, there is an area that hangs down with three holes side by side. Any help with figuring out what type of trans this is would be appreciated

Tom S

[Joe L.]

Re: four speed help needed

Tom-----

Likely the unit has a cast iron case and an aluminum extension housing. If so, this is a Saginaw 4 speed transmission used in some Chevrolet (and other GM) models from 1966 onward.

In the mid 70s, after the manufacture of the original Muncie 4 speed ended at the Muncie, IN transmission plant, production of this transmission was transferred to Muncie, IN and it became known as a "Muncie". These transmissions were used in most, if not all, 1978-79 Corvettes with L-48. Otherwise, the Saginaw 4 speed was never used in a Corvette.

The Saginaw 4 speed was a "lighter duty" 4 speed that was primarily used for under 250 SAE Gross hp applications. It's use for the 1978-79 Corvette L-48 applications was consistent with that rating.

Without casting numbers, I can't tell you if it's a Saginaw or "second generation Muncie". Not that it really matters.