Thread: Automatic to a 4 speed HOW HARD

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I have a 70 nova auto car I want a 4 speed, how hard is it to convert and how much?
Thanks Eric

Well I've been looking alot into turning my auto el camino into a 5 speed. Basically it's a difficult process, alot of costume things. And usually anywhere $4,000+ to get it right.
Take a look at this website, they make 5speeds for Novas also... will give you somewhat of an idea. Their kits are 4 to 5 speed and auto to 5speed conversion, but it will give you the same idea I think.

Classic Chevy 5 Speed

If you can find a donor car at the junk yard with the pedals and linkage that will save you some $$$$. The biggest expense will be the transmission, clutch, and bellhousing. If you plan on some high rpm running and you like your feet the way they are, investing in a scattershield should also be on your list.

I agree, find a donor car similar to yours for all the right parts. I'm converting a 1982 Camino to a 5-speed S10 trans, and found a 3-speed stick Malibu for parts.Not the toughest tranny, I know, but I'm after mileage with a 305, not performance.

I believe difficulty is defined by your personal experience and ability to complete certain aspects of the project. If you go with a kit designed for your vehicle, it may not be too hard, but it may cost a substantial amount more. If you try to piece together parts like the others have said with not much ability or know-how, you may find yourself stuck in the middle of a shit storm and end up losign the savings. Sorry to not add much on the technical side of this, just trying to give you something to think about.


If you do decide to piece together something, ebay works good. A junkyard is also very helpful if you have a clipboard full of the information for the product you're looking for

First you need the measurements of the 4-speed you want to install, the measurements of the bellhousing from the block added to it, and then get under the Nova and measure from your block to the end of your tranny tailshaft. Any difference will have to be made up in your driveline.
Also measure from the front of the bellhousing to the tranny mount on the 4-speed, and compare it to the one on your automatic- any difference there will have to be made at the tranny crossmember.
Oh yeah- the clutch rod... I suggest a set of Lokar pedals & a hydraulic throw-out bearing...
Good Luck...

I gotta agree with Dave, get a donor car and use all the parts from it. All the clutch linkage,bell housing ,clutchand pilot bearing,etc will tranfer straight over in about a good afternoons work. Hank

Get one one of the reproduction "assembly manuals" for your car. Any Nova supply house will have them. It will show you every part you need for a stick shift Nova and how the factory put them together.

The hardest part is finding and welding the tab on the frame. The tab holds the end of the clutch bell crank. It's welded to the frame and won't be on a car that came from the factory with an automatic. If your car came from the factory with a stick, it may already be on your frame.

Everything else just bolts on as shown in the manual. Pretty easy if you have a picture.

The cost will depend on how good a scrounger you are.