Team Chevelle banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

Borg Warner T-10 identification

28K views 16 replies 11 participants last post by  Mike 
#1 ·
So, I've decided that I simply won't be happy with an automatic in my '72 Malibu...gotta go with a 4-speed! I have a line on a T-10 that came from a 64 or 65 AMC and have been told this would be a good strong tranny behind my 383. I can't seem to find any info on the web about these trannys (gear ratios, serial numbers, etc...)
This one has a cast iron case and is marked with 3184497 and AS7-T10P
Should I use this, or keep looking for something else??
Thanks!
Chris
 
#2 ·
I think you should look for a Muncie or consider a Tremec 5 speed although that is going to cost more and require some mods. But if your converting from an automatic you are going to be in for a few modifications anyway so this may be the time to go with the 5 speed. Just something to consider. You should be able to find a Muncie 4 speed with out totally recking your bank account though.

Sid
 
#4 ·
check this site out Chris. click
 
#5 ·
OK, I found my gear ratios. That's a good start! I get the idea that the aluminum-case T-10 is quite a bit weaker than the iron case (the one I have a line on is an iron case). Any idea how this will be strength-wise compared to a Muncie M-22??? I don't plan to flog this car too hard, but I'm no grandma either.
 
#9 ·
So, would I be looking at trimming the end a little (the portion that sits in the pilot bearing), or is it enough of an issue where I will be changing the input shaft? ALSO...as I am schooling up on bellhousings and flywheels and clutches all related to this swap (this stuff is all new to me, so I've got a steep learning curve)....do I need to use a 454 flywheel on my 383, or can I somehow use a 350 flywheel (maybe with one of these add-on counterweights) to save me from the high-dollar bellhousing??? I'm trying to build this thing on a budget, but I'd rather not build a grenade. What are my options?
Thanks!
Chris
 
#10 ·
You need to be concerned with whether the AMC T-10 is in anyway compatible with Chevy bellhousings and engines. The case may be different as well as the input; it may be more like a Ford Borg-Warner T10; I don't know.

I do know that early T10s were not as strong as the 66 to 70 Muncies. The later Super T10s (ST10) were comparable with the 71 to 74 Muncies with the 26 spline input and 32 spline output. Don't mistake an early T10 for a ST10.

Early Chevy BW T10s are now sought after by restorers for Early Corvettes and Chevrolets. Saginaw 4-spds are affordable, followed by 64 and 65 Muncies. 66 to 70 Muncies are a bit more expensive, but not as expensive as the 71 and later Muncies and ST10s. I suggest you look for at least an early Muncie or a Saginaw for use in a Chevy if cost is the priority.
Bruce
 
#11 ·
I think that last post was right on. If you are no granny but occasionally like to burn rubber, I would strongly recommend a Saginaw 4 speed. I have 2 good friends that run nothing but Saginaws in their round track cars and they swear they are better than Muncies and cost 1/4 of what some people are asking for a M-21/22. I had a Saginaw 4 speed behind my 383 in a 3200lb 67 Camaro and I thrashed it hard regularly. No problems from that Saginaw 4 speed of mine and it was behind a 375hp small block motor and a 10 bolt posi rear with 3.73 gears. For cost and durability, I'd go with the Saginaw. Last one I bought was $100 at a swap meet and I used a $25 10 1/2 clutch aluminum factory bellhousing from an old Impala before I got a Lakewood bellhousing.
 
#12 ·
Hmmmm, sounds like I need to stay away from this T-10. I'd always heard that Saginaw trannys were fairly wimpy....that would appear to be a myth. Now I'm starting to debate what I need to do about a bellhousing!! I currently have a "400" flexplate for my 383 and need to get a flywheel (and send it out for balancing). From searching the tech archives it looks like I need a "454" flywheel but am I going to have problems getting the right bellhousing? It would seem that a 454 flywheel won't easily fit the 10 1/2" bellhousing.
Chris
 
#14 ·
Count the cross-grooves on the input shaft. The input shaft enters the engine at the front of the transmission. Since there are many gear-ratio variations of the T10, there are identifying grooves cut across the clutch spine of the input shaft. According to Drivetrain.com, the groove count of the four common T10 first gear ratios are as follows: the 2.43 first gear ratio has two grooves, the 2.64 first gear has three, the 3.42 has five and the 2.88 first gear ratio has six. The gear ratios ultimately identify the T10 in question.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top