If you go with a relatively inexpensive Muncie and plan to do (i.e., not racing as such), a M20 offers a better street ratio from 1st to 3rd. I think the Muncie will hold up quite well to 400+ HP. If you're looking to make 450-500 HP (honest flywheel horsepower), you're not building a cruiser anyway, IMO.
Below are the ratios of the M20 & M21/M22. M20 63/65 2.56/1.91/1.48/1.00~reverse 3.16 M20 66> 2.52/1.88/1.48/1.00~reverse 3.11 M21/M22 2.20/1.64/1.28/1.00~reverse 2.27 All three trans are within .5% ratio drops between 1st & 2nd (from 25.39 to 25.45)) and 2nd & 3rd (from 21.95 to 22.51). It's only the 3rd to 4th drop that the M21/M22 (close ratio) has about a 10% advantage (21.88 to 32.43/31.51). But, the lower 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears of the M20 (wide ratio) will allow you run a bit higher rear end gear giving you better cruising RPMs. See my table at http://www.chevellestuff.com/generic/muncie.htm for a list of these percentage drops. Naturally, if you can spring for a Tremec type 5-speed, 5th gear is O/D which will help cruising as well but the drop ratio is huge, 39.35 from 1st to 2nd, 32.32 from 2nd to 3rd, and 25.37 from 3rd to 4th according to the last gear numbers I have. Of course the 32% drop in O/D is nice. Dale McIntosh 67 El Camino 1967 Chevelle Reference CD now available! ACES #1709/TC Gold #92 -----Original Message----- Ron wrote: >Hi guys... I'm REALLY wanting to convert my '68 to a stick... >I'm NOT restoring, but AM on a budget. Car is mainly going to be a >cruiser. I don't expect to ever have more than 450-500HP. >I'm wanting advice on whether to go with an old style 4-speed, >or a new style trans. A Tremec would be nice, but WAY pricey... >What do you guys recommend?? > >Thanks! >
