Newbie

[Steve Julio]

First signed on about two months ago but now just getting around to posting an intro. I bought my '61 Impala 20 years ago, your basic stock 348/powerglide job. I've always wished it was a 3-speed or even 4-speed. I like the moving through the gears myself! I would certainly like to hear about anyone's experience swapping out the PG for a manual tranny.

 

[tripower]

Welcome Steve. Looks like your car is the Fawn Beige with Arbor Beige top. Very nice.... I have a 3-speed with column if you are interested.

 

[Don Jacks]

Welcome aboard Steve,I it were me,I'd say go with the 4 speed.If all your doing is putting around,the sm-318 3 speed would suffice,but if you want to 'play"with it:eek:,WEAK tea,and parts for them are tough to find,plus the fact that low gear isnt syncronised either:evil.The car is ,in most peoples opinion,much 'cooler"with the 4 speed

 

[58 Apache]

Welcome WOW another 61 and I don't have one

welcome to the site sad to hear another 61 and I don't have one. You think I'm jealous? Good luck with your conversion the 3 speeds ok the four is better but a five would be best.

 

[Steve Julio]

Yeah, I'm leaning toward the 4-speed. I was keeping my options open in case a good 3-speed deal was found. I began collecting parts, clutch pedal set up, likeage, etc, over the last year or so and done some investigating for swapping out the PG for a manual. I found a good tech article in the March 2001 Chevy Times. Been using that for my "wish list" for parts.

 

[62impala409]

Welcome Steve, Where in MN. are you. BTW, make sure your have the '61 only pedals. Everything is easy to gather up.. The steering column can be modified. Leo

 

[yellow wagon]

pretty easy swap overall...my 64 was a Powerglide and I swapped mine this past winter to the 4-speed. Never a regret!! So much more fun now