65' l-76 m-20 (close or wide ratio?)

[David K.]

[Joe L.]

Re: 65' l-76 m-20 (close or wide ratio?)

My understanding is that all 65' L76 cars had the M21 close ratio unit on board, even if the M20 wide ratio is shown on paperwork etc...

Were there exceptions….?

Thanks in advance.

David------

All 1965 Corvettes with L-76 were equipped with a 4 speed transmission with 2.20:1 first gear ratio. However, no 1965 Corvettes were equipped with an M-21. That RPO designation was first used for the 1966 model year. For 1965 all Muncie 4 speeds (except those few M-22) were M-20. The M-20 was made with close ratio or wide ratio with the installed engine determining which one any particular car got. In other words, there was no choice of 4 speed transmission for any engine.

[David K.]

[Joe L.]

Re: 65' l-76 m-20 (close or wide ratio?)

Thank you Joe;

The reason I'm asking is because my early production 65 (vin 2124) has a short shifter with short travel between shifting gates, and I just took delivery of another 65 L-76 (March 65 production), and the shifter stick is taller by about 1.1/4", and the throws are longer…...

I'm used to the short shift on the 2124 car….which one is correct ?

Thanks in advance; David

David------

All Corvettes were delivered with the shifter rods installed at the "long shift" positions. However, this has nothing to do with the length of the shifter lever. All 1964-67 4 speed shifter levers were the same length.

[Loren L.]

Re: 65' l-76 m-20 (close or wide ratio?)

The answer is in the Owner's Manual.

[Michael W.]

Re: 65' l-76 m-20 (close or wide ratio?)

The type of transmission has no bearing on the shifter mechanism. They're all the same, other than automatic of course.

[Loren L.]

Re: 65' l-76 m-20 (close or wide ratio?)

Page 8, 1965 Corvette Owner's Guide:

"If desired, the shift linkage may be adjusted to allow 'short stroke' shift lever operation. See your Chevrolet dealer.".