Saginaw 4 speed identification

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Saginaw 4 speed identification

With original Borg-Warner and Muncie four-speed transmissions becoming scarcer as time passes, GM enthusiasts are looking for other inexpensive four-speed transmission alternatives that can be easier to find without breaking the bank. The Saginaw four-speed fits that role nicely, and the additional gear can save you a little money at the pump as well. Saginaw four-speeds were manufactured from '86, and you can still find them in abundance at your local salvage yard or in many '60s, '70s and '80s donor cars. The four-speed transmission is very similar to the tried-and-true Saginaw three-speed and fits well behind six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines. It was originally designed for engines generating less than hp; however, upgrade parts are available to make it more compatible with higher horsepower applications. Saginaw transmissions distinguish themselves from the Muncie four-speeds because the cases are cast iron rather than aluminum. Another quick way to determine a Saginaw is that the shifter arms are all located on the side cover of the transmission case Muncie reverse arms are located on the tailshaft. GM unit designations for the Saginaw four-speed are M26 or M For swapping into classic GM cars and trucks, we will only reference the rear-wheel-drive versions. You will find a donor Saginaw four-speed in one of these vehicles:. Installing the Saginaw four-speed in place of the three-speed is easy, because both transmissions use the same bellhousings. When converting from an automatic, you will have to locate a unit that has the correct bellhousing, foot pedals and shifter. Note that V-8 bellhousing bolt patterns are different for the Chevrolet than for the Buick, Olds, Pontiac and Cadillac. When sourcing repair parts, make note of the year of the donor vehicle, as the reverse gear and cluster gears were slightly different, depending on year of production.

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It's important to note the RPO code of M20 was used for both the aluminum case Muncie 4-speed as well as the cast iron Saginaw 4-speed. Just which transmission you got is dependent on the year and horsepower rating of the engine. For example, the Saginaw 4-speed didn't come into play until the model year. Typically any V8 with an advertised horsepower rating of less than hp got the Saginaw while hp and above got the Muncie; both were ordered under RPO M Early Muncie side covers had a stud and the shift arm attached with a nut on the stud while the and later model side covers had a hole and the shift arms attached with a bolt.

With original Borg-Warner and Muncie four-speed transmissions becoming scarcer as time passes, GM enthusiasts are looking for other inexpensive four-speed transmission alternatives that can be easier to find without breaking the bank. The Saginaw four-speed fits that role nicely, and the additional gear can save you a little money at the pump as well. Saginaw four-speeds were manufactured from '86, and you can still find them in abundance at your local salvage yard or in many '60s, '70s and '80s donor cars. The four-speed transmission is very similar to the tried-and-true Saginaw three-speed and fits well behind six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines. It was originally designed for engines generating less than hp; however, upgrade parts are available to make it more compatible with higher horsepower applications. Saginaw transmissions distinguish themselves from the Muncie four-speeds because the cases are cast iron rather than aluminum. Another quick way to determine a Saginaw is that the shifter arms are all located on the side cover of the transmission case Muncie reverse arms are located on the tailshaft. GM unit designations for the Saginaw four-speed are M26 or M

Saginaw 4 speed identification

They were popular in the Muscle Car era. As a rule of thumb, they were not built to handle the kind of power that a Muncie transmission could handle. So, if you are looking to drop one in a vehicle that makes more power than it did when it was stock, you should consider going a different way. Lets get straight to it! Far and away the easiest way of telling them apart is what the transmission is made of. The Saginaw was made out of iron. It usually found its way into trucks and other heavy vehicles where weight was not at a premium.

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Hemmings Classic Car. Yes, my password is: Forgot your password? The Saginaw four-speed fits that role nicely, and the additional gear can save you a little money at the pump as well. You will need to give the tranny a serious looking over. The proper Hurst Competition Plus system for a Saginaw is shifter and installation kit This Jaguar E-type was stunning, even under a cloudy sky. From our Partners. Yes, my password is: Forgot your password? Forums New posts Search forums. Just found one under a box in the barn after 8 years. RPO M22 gear set. The four-speed transmission is very similar to the tried-and-true Saginaw three-speed and fits well behind six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines. GM unit designations for the Saginaw four-speed are M26 or M Latest posts R. Reproduction transmission tag.

The Saginaw three- and four-speed manual transmissions transmitted engine power to the wheels on General Motors non-performance and mid-range performance cars.

Price of scrap is so low that he jumped at the fifty. Car Clubs. Relocate battery in trunk, what is best spot? Install the app. Electrical Systems. Note: The ratio designation letter didn't appear until around October 1, for the model year so any Muncie in a Chevelle dated August M or September P would probably not have the A, B, or C designation. Joined: Apr 5, Posts: 13, Profile Page. Anyways, those old Hursts had a welded handle that you can't swap like a newer Hurst. You will find a donor Saginaw four-speed in one of these vehicles:. Here is an example from a Chevelle from Fremont, CA.