3 SPEED IN A 66 CORVETTE

[Marc N.]

Hi guys....can you give me information on 3 speed manual transmissions as opposed to a 4 speed. I found a 3 speed convertible 66 vette but not sure if it is a good thing or bad thing....havent seen one in years. also what is the value of one of these in a corvette?....thanks for all your help, Marc

[Mike M.]

Re: 3 SPEED IN A 66 CORVETTE

3 speeds were standard equip in 66 but most buyers opted for the muncie. i'd guess the 3 speed would detract about 1500 bucks as that's about what it'd take in parts to install a 4 speed. mike

[Joe L.]

Re: 3 SPEED IN A 66 CORVETTE

Mark----

It's definitely a fairly "rare bird". However, although rare, it's not necessarily desirable. "Rareness" and "desirability" can be two different things. I would agree with Mike's assessment regarding value, although I rarely get involved with Corvette "value" issues.

One thing, though: it's good that it's a 1966, if it has a 3 speed. 1966 was the first year for the fully synchronized 3 speed transmission in a Corvette. Earlier 3 speeds did not have a synchronized first gear.

[David B.]

Re: 3 SPEED IN A 66 CORVETTE

It should be coupled with a 327/300. That was the only combination available with the 3 speed that year.

I saw a C2 with 3 speed for sale at Carlisle last year (don't remember exact year, but I think it was blue with blue interior). It was really clean and I thought it had a reasonable price, but it hadn't sold by Sunday morning.

For me personally, I think it would be neat to own - there were only 564 3 speeds sold that year. And, I like 66's anyway. I would say don't worry about resale - if you like it, then it's a good car to own.

David

[Mark #28455]

Would anyone ever know?

Don't want to anger the NCRS gods , but if you bought it at a good price and swapped in a correctly cast/dated Muncie with the correct shifter and console shift pattern plate, would anyone really be able to tell?

I would buy it and enjoy it!

Mark

[Dave K.]

Re: 3 SPEED IN A 66 CORVETTE

My friend (who recently passed away)had a 66 327/300 hp air coupe with 3 speed transmission. Very nice car -- thought an air coupe with 3 speed is quite rare?

Dave K.

[Richard B.]

Re: Would anyone ever know?

yes, if the car has a St Louis trim tag.

[John H.]

Re: Would anyone ever know?

Wouldn't make any difference - the trim ECL's don't discriminate between 3-speed and 4-speed manual transmissions - both were considered "base" transmissions in the ECL structure. Only an automatic changed the trim ECL.