4 speed ? 5 speed ?

One of our other projects is a 69 Chevelle SS 396 , the 396 is long gone but it still has a healthy big block in it with a worn out Muncie M-20 , it works ok for normal driving , but I would like to put more tire ( bigger and stickier) on the rear so it will hook up better, BUT when I do the old Muncie won't last. An automatic transmission is not an option.
Has anyone had any experiance with the new and improved(stronger) M-22's that you can get now , or a Richmond or Doug Nash 5 speed.
Need something to take some abuse.
Thanks, Gene

Do you use it for 1/4 mile, Street, or just everyday driving? If it is used for race, then i would suggest a TCI Street Fighter 400 turbo. I kinda know where your coming from when you say that you wont go to an automatic, but for race and drag conditions an automatic is much stronger and can take alot more abuse.

there is an m22 in this boards classifieds know check it out!?

Mostly street use, but once in a while to the drags to see how quick we can get it to go,for fun. Or just be able to row through the gears at full throttle without breaking the trans.
Gene

Ok then, if you want performance that can take a beating go with the TCI, but if you want a toy then the best bet would be to go with a m-22. they can take a decent beating but not everyday!

Depending on how much power you plan on throwing through it, the completely new m-22 (supercase, iron midplate, italian gearset ect) is pretty damn near bulletproof.
But again it is pretty expensive.

New M-22's are priced ok if they will hold up, have you priced a Liberty or Jerico 4 speed , they are a pricie , but bulletproof.
Gene

I used a Tremec TKO 5-spd in the 59 ec
They are now available for GM applications-(they were not when I got mine---had to have it modified)
These claim to be suitable for 500 or 600 ft lbs
I really don't drive mine that hard.

3.27 first gear--launches like a rocket though

Bryan

Some of the guys I talk with on another site swear by the 5-speeds.

They claim the best of both worlds. Being able to yank on a manual transmission (aftrall a REAL hot rod has a clutch in it) and better gas mileage from the 5th O/D gear in the transmission.

I wouldn't mind finding out for myself the benfits (or not) of a 5-speed but it may be a couple of years before I get the chance? Or sell a car to fund the 5-speed project? (although not likely)

A lot of my info will depend on what rear you have now. I had a 500hp 355 in my camaro with 3.08's and a richmond 5. It drove like a muncie with 4.10's in the first 4 gears and then 5th which is direct was like overdrive. I switched the camaro over to strip only so put a PG in it and the trans went in a old chevy pickup with a blown 502 in it. He has had no problem as it is street and even tho the tires are big they let go before anything gets hurt. Another guy I know has almost the same set up except for a strong 454 and no problems.