[Steve karch]

I was wondering about the strength of the Saginaw 4 speeds. I am running 406 sbc with the Saginaw with 3.73 and Eaton posi I a 65 Beaumont (see my avatar). My engine makes a ton of torque so at this point I don't hook at all but once I get the car to hook, how long will that trans last.

Steve

[badknuckles]

do you feel lucky? if so get a saginaw.
i have had 2 saginaws back when i had a 5.0 2bbl 79 camaro it was a gutless turd and i blew 2 saginaws so i would have to say saginaw is definitley not a performance tranny.
i would go with something stronger like a t10

[poncho62]

A saginaw is not as strong as a Muncie or T10, but they are not that bad. I had one in my 327 Beaumont years ago and was fairly hard on it. The synchros did eventually go out of it, but I never stripped a gear.

Knuckles, maybe it was just your driving.......lol

[badknuckles]

i just have a bad taste with the saginaws.
i think i just had bad luck with them im sure one day i'll get stuck with another.

[Steve karch]

Thanks, I kinda know they're not great tranys and I heard the cases can crack. The only thing holding me back on this car right know is the trans. I ran 14.5 sec at 111 mph basicly spinning up through 3rd gear so I know with traction it'll run in the 12's but I'm not confident that it'll actually do one run with out blowing up. I hate to say it but I'll probably go with a 4 speed auto.

Steve

[badknuckles]

why do you hate to say that i personally think you run quicker with an auto. (unless your al unser or know your car well)

[poncho62]

If not quicker, definately more consistant.......but less fun.

[Steve karch]

Originally posted by poncho62
If not quicker, definately more consistant.......but less fun.

That's exactly it as well as being a little different. Most of the guys here run automatics and I've got one of the few 4 speeds

[Grusome Goat]

Steve in nearly 12 years of racing with Saginaws in my 71 GTO I have only split one case, and everyone knows about how much torque a Pontiac produces and even though I have busted some gears they have withstood 5grand launches. One thing to remember with Saginaws is use a good shifter and make sure it is adjusted properly. This helps on longevity.

[Steve karch]

Well I've got a Hurst indy shifter right now. Its adjust well and has steel bushings. I installed shifter stops as well. I like what you say though. With traction I'd probably leave at 3000 rom or so but still 450 lb ft torque.