Vannin' Home Forums General Discussion Introduce Yourself..... New member big project... 327 and 6 speed

I am relatively new to this forum. I have perused in the past, but am just now joining. I have a 95 gmc vandura. it is a conversion van. i have decided to put a 327 and 6 speed in it. the engine and trans are in. i am in the process of modifying the tranny crossmember, and is going well... i am using the stock tbi system, and that is where my problem lies. so many wires, so few connectors... none of the original auto tranny wires will be connected to anything. i will just hang them up and out of the way. i have no idea what havoc this will wreak with the computer system. also i have all the stuff to make a clutch work. i got a master and slave from the boneyard, no prob there. my problem is the pedal... right where you would put a clutch, there is a massive fusebox monopolizing the whole firewall. looks like i will have to make the clutch hinge from the bottom, vw beetle style. anyone know anyone who has done this? I searched and if it's been done, i couldn't find it. bunch of other little stuff, but i'm pretty sure i can figure most of it out... btw output splines are the same on the 6 speed and length is close engough for govt work. lucked out there. don't need a custom driveshaft. any help is appreciated, although i'm sure i won't find anyone attempting the exact project i am. (no one is that insane....)

thanks

use a clutch pedal out of an older chevy with a 3/4 speed.

that was my original plan... til i looked up there and saw the fuse box and the spaghetti mess of wires... the last thing i want to do is relocate a fuse box. just seems like an endless headache. I was thinking of having the clutch hinge from the bottom, and have the master cylinder mounted underneath, facing aft. that way i wouldn't have to mess with or modify anything near that fuse box. also there is no mounting spot for a clutch pedal in the normal spot, so that would have to be fabricated as well. just wondering if anyone has done a bottom hinge type clutch pedal before. might save me some trial and error.

thanks, chris.

Never done that before,i'm sure someone could help ya.

Maybe check out some Street Rod parts suppliers.

Welcome welcome

I know the street Rodgers have mated 4 speeds to V8s in what was a auto car/truck, so it can be done, but I am no help as to how. . . . I would suggest you contact Speedway Motors in Nebraska for help. Best of luck, post pics and Welcome to the site!

I appreciate all the replies and the welcomes... I think this is a project that will require some ingenuity and trial and error. I am up to the challenge. As i progress i will post pics and so forth. maybe there is someone out there who is as crazy as i am.

I have never liked auto trannys; i think every car should have a set of gears. i'm old school like that. surely there is someone out there like me... autos are ok for cruising on the highway. but if you want to enjoy your ride, manual is the only way to go... thats just my opinion no offense to the guys out there running autos...

chris m

aboard