LUVTruck.com

I see that most people who do the whole v8 thing go with an automatic tranny. Is a manual that much harder to do or what? Myself, I am in love with sticks but maybe i cant be anymore.

from what ive heard say is that the auto trannys are stronger but i think stick isnt that dificult to do

Mounting the standard isnt hard at all. The hard Part is the linkage for the clutch. I dont think i have seen a luv yet that has a mechanical linkage. You pretty much have to use a hydraulic throwout bearing or a hydraulic slave cylinder. Then just cut a whole in the floor.

I had 5 speed in mine for yeeeeears behind the V6 and I plan to put another 5 speed in it after driving it a while with the powerglide.
I like changing gears!!!!!
you can use the clutch cable. you just have to have good "rigging" abilities.

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03Cobra

so say i want to set up a truck for racing... wuts gonna be quicker? auto or manual? Wuts pros and cons v8 experts?

It all depends on if you like shifting. I think a 4 speed full race truck would be pretty cool. And it depends on what kind of drag racing you are gonna be doing, automatics are consistant. But with a 4 speed you utilize more of the power the motor makes.

James B.

If you can shift gears quick then your gonna be faster with a 4 speed then an auto. Most people use autos in these conversion b/c of simplicity i think...thats why i used an auto....

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-1981 Chevy LUV, 283SBC, T350 Trans, White In Colour, Long Box, Never Ending Project!
-2001 F-350 Superduty XLT 7.3L Diesel Auto, Ext. Cab, Long Box, White In Colour
-1998 F-150 XL 4.2L V6 5spd , Reg. Cab, Flareside SB, Red In Colour

if you are REALLY good at whackin' gears, you can be just as fast with a 4-6 speed but there is still always the possibility of missing a shift no matter how good you are. If you want to be REALLY fast, you have to go to an automatic. If you want to bracket race then you DEFINITELY need an automatic. Another advantage of a manual trans is that its more streetable but if I were to bet on a drag race between an auto car and a manual car with equal motors, I would take the one with the automatic.

Sidenote: a TH350 will be about .2 faster in the quarter mile compared to a TH400. The 400 is the stronger transmission but the TH350 is more efficient.

I would agree with rustobust... I have a 350 turbo behind my 350 in my 78, but originally was going to put a 4 spd in it. The thing that changed my mind is that I didn't feel like messin with the mechanical linkage. Though I will eventually have a manual in mine, I love how my LUV does with the auto.

.....Ive got a 4spd muncie in my 76 and I thought it was easier than a auto to put in. I prefer a stick my last lov was auto it was ok but nothing like a stick

..I have a slave cly and beleave me I didnt have to cut floor or any other part of the trucks boddy or frame work

I have a 1980 Chevy Luv Step-side - I am really wanting to put a 350 in it - I was wondering if someone made a conversion kit. I know that they make an S-10 conversion kit - but wasn't sure about the LUV. Also - is there anyway to supe up my 1.4 liter - say like and Edelbrock 4 barrel or intakes or just anything?? If I were just to leave the 1.4 in it that is.

1.4?? an 80 should have a 1.8.

find a Hooker conversion. try searching the forum, theres a ton of info on converting to a sbc

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Resident lurker

I know about the hooker conversion kit but what about the people that home brew there motor mounts i know that there are some out there can i get your replys

I cut off stock towers and took 2x2 sq tubing 1/8 thick made own towers and welded a plate inside the top end of tubing and made sure of level bolted to block lowered it in seen what to take off bottom and what configuation it would take. did it a few times then when ok i marked frame rails and took out block and welded towers in place when engine was done I droped it in and it fit great. I also used solid 3/8 mounts so it bolts stright down into the threaded oles 1/2x13 that I tapped into the end plate of tower.

Ill send you some pics of it and hope they help

If hotmail dont take the pics Ill need another email to send them ok?