1962 5-speed Conversion & Crate Motor

[Terry D.]

Looking at buying a 62 project car with no drive train. Would like feedback on the various 5 speed vendors (Keisler, Amp Performance, Classic Motorsports) They all are in the same ballpark price wise but am looking for info on how they are to deal with after the sale, tech support etc. Also looking for same info on crate motor suppliers ( Year One, Blueprint Engines etc)Thanks in advance
Terry

[Steven B.]

Re: 1962 5-speed Conversion & Crate Motor

Looking at buying a 62 project car with no drive train. Would like feedback on the various 5 speed vendors (Keisler, Amp Performance, Classic Motorsports) They all are in the same ballpark price wise but am looking for info on how they are to deal with after the sale, tech support etc. Also looking for same info on crate motor suppliers ( Year One, Blueprint Engines etc)Thanks in advance
Terry

Terry, search Keisler and Tremec on the board as there are posts as late as December that may help you.

Steve

[William V.]

Re: 1962 5-speed Conversion & Crate Motor

Terry

383 stroker, Kessler 5 speed and 3.70 rear in a 62 would make an awesome ride.

BV

[Ken B.]

Re: 1962 5-speed Conversion & Crate Motor

Got my 5 sp from keisler..They were awesome to deal with.Answered all the questions i had.Highly recommend.



Ken

[Dennis A.]

Re: 1962 5-speed Conversion & Crate Motor

Terry...
If you plan to add torque & horsepower, best to install disc brakes all around with C4 suspension. Look at covette Corrections frames and set-up. Billy is top's
For the engine, Most Vette-rods are using the LS engines,which are now easier to install with the new harnesses available. Can't go wrong with GM crate ZZ4 & my favorite; 383 stroker

[Wes S.]

Re: 1962 5-speed Conversion & Crate Motor

Terry:
I did both of these last year on my 62. I guess I am a little different than most. I really wanted to put that ZZ4 in the car, but my higher priority was to keep the car looking stock. So I went with the 290 hour crate from my local chevy dealer for $1600.00. Has a warranty and the dip stick hole on the left handside of the motor, ZZ4 is on the right side and there's no room for it. I had already bought the Keisler 5 speed a year ealier at Carlisle based on their sales pitch I would on have to "shave" a small amount of material off the ashtry tub. Looking through ther instructions it calls for complete removal of tub and removing 1/2 inch from its depth. Like I said want to keep car original so it took me a year to decide to cut ashtry tub, but I just left it out of car. Turns out no matter whose transmission you buy you are going to have to cut tub out.
Problem was even once I cut the tub the keisler would not fit without enlarging the shifter hole. Turns out the Keisler shifter tower won't clear the shifter hole. This was my breaking point. Posted a negiative comment on corvette forum about the hole thing. Richard at Keisler immediately offered to take tranny back. I got five posts immediately to take him up on his offer. I was just too stupid to read the offer carefully and the invoice. Sure he took the tranny back, but they deducted the restocking fee from my check back, I knew I'd have to pay the freight, I just thought Richard was being a super guy and Keisler really stood behind their stuff.
Sent Keisler back and ordered a Classic-Five. The shifter tower does not stick up past the tail housing. Fit great with no interference with ****er hole, no enlargement required.
Car runs great and still looks stock. Love the transmission reduces my engine rpms to 2000 at 70 mph. Have a 3:36 posi in the rear. I love driving the car alot and drive it a lot, mostly with top down if its not raining.
I wouldn't buy a Keisler.

[Justin B.]

Re: 1962 5-speed Conversion & Crate Motor

Wesley,
Who sells the "Classic Five" ? What type of transmission is it? Thanks, JB

[Wes S.]

Re: 1962 5-speed Conversion & Crate Motor

Justin:
That's a Tremec 5 speed with a Hurst Shifter. Its actually made by Classic Motorsport. You can find them at classicchevy5speed.com, they are in Carlsbad, CA.
Wes

[Tim S.]

Re: 1962 5-speed Conversion & Crate Motor

Terry:
I did both of these last year on my 62. I guess I am a little different than most. I really wanted to put that ZZ4 in the car, but my higher priority was to keep the car looking stock. So I went with the 290 hour crate from my local chevy dealer for $1600.00. Has a warranty and the dip stick hole on the left handside of the motor, ZZ4 is on the right side and there's no room for it. I had already bought the Keisler 5 speed a year ealier at Carlisle based on their sales pitch I would on have to "shave" a small amount of material off the ashtry tub. Looking through ther instructions it calls for complete removal of tub and removing 1/2 inch from its depth. Like I said want to keep car original so it took me a year to decide to cut ashtry tub, but I just left it out of car. Turns out no matter whose transmission you buy you are going to have to cut tub out.
Problem was even once I cut the tub the keisler would not fit without enlarging the shifter hole. Turns out the Keisler shifter tower won't clear the shifter hole. This was my breaking point. Posted a negiative comment on corvette forum about the hole thing. Richard at Keisler immediately offered to take tranny back. I got five posts immediately to take him up on his offer. I was just too stupid to read the offer carefully and the invoice. Sure he took the tranny back, but they deducted the restocking fee from my check back, I knew I'd have to pay the freight, I just thought Richard was being a super guy and Keisler really stood behind their stuff.
Sent Keisler back and ordered a Classic-Five. The shifter tower does not stick up past the tail housing. Fit great with no interference with ****er hole, no enlargement required.
Car runs great and still looks stock. Love the transmission reduces my engine rpms to 2000 at 70 mph. Have a 3:36 posi in the rear. I love driving the car alot and drive it a lot, mostly with top down if its not raining.
I wouldn't buy a Keisler.

My experience with Keisler was not the best either. Their pitch and their product are two different things.
Tim