Manual trans only?

[Darrel Goheen]

http://www.nhra.net/tech_specs/class...s/1968CHEV.xls

[SSDiv6]

You should ask NHRA since they allowed the 1967 Ford Fairline R-Code 427-425HP combination to run an automatic. All the R-Code Fairline's were stick, 4-speed cars only.
When I asked NHRA many years ago, I was informed they were allowed to run an automatic because it was available in the other models of the car.
Under this premise, I believe they should allow you run an auto, the same should apply to the 1969/1970 Mustang Boss 302 and the 1971 Boss 351.
What's your opinion Billy Nees?

[Greg Reimer 7376]

I know that the 396/375 option was 4 speed only in its factory incarnation,but they seem to be legal with automatics, I was wondering if it was a rule change. I was thinking about the 327/325 engine, same as the Corvette 350 horse version. That thing would be legal with a 4 speed in my 3900 pound Malibu wagon. Puts a new emphasis on the word 'break' in the term 'weight break'.

[Bob Gullett]

The 327-325 is a stick only combo in the 68 Chevelle and Nova.

[Greg Reimer 7376]

Originally Posted by Bob Gullett

The 327-325 is a stick only combo in the 68 Chevelle and Nova.

Bob,you would know! I guess it's not an across the board rule. Incidentally, I read that around 20 of the original Thunderbolts had the big Lincoln cast iron 3 speed automatics that were out there prior to the C-6. Must have really enhanced overall vehicle weight.

[rawhide]

Originally Posted by Greg Reimer 7376

Bob,you would know! I guess it's not an across the board rule. Incidentally, I read that around 20 of the original Thunderbolts had the big Lincoln cast iron 3 speed automatics that were out there prior to the C-6. Must have really enhanced overall vehicle weight.

I have always read that more Thunderbolts had automatics than four speeds. Most of them were switched over to four speeds pretty fast I would guess. Jody will wander in here and set it right soon I guess.

Roland

[Stephen & Horace Johnson]

Originally Posted by rawhide

I have always read that more Thunderbolts had automatics than four speeds. Most of them were switched over to four speeds pretty fast I would guess. Jody will wander in here and set it right soon I guess.

Roland

Yep you are correct!!!

[DeuceCoupe]

Originally Posted by rawhide

I have always read that more Thunderbolts had automatics than four speeds. Most of them were switched over to four speeds pretty fast I would guess. Jody will wander in here and set it right soon I guess.

Roland

That's right, IIRC MORE than half of the 1964 Thunderbolts came with the HX Lincoln auto trans, but many or most were swapped back to a 4speed. About half of the 63-64 Lightweight Galaxies (LWG, 427 LoRiser in 63, 427 HiRiser in 64) came with the Lincoln HX auto trans. Some of these were kept and did well in AA/SA.


So for 63-64, the Thunderbolt and LWG came with autos so NHRA accepts it. But there were less than 400 of those cars if you count them all. Not really "production" and I don't think you could order and get one unless you knew somebody and were a racer. But in spite of that, NHRA lets ANY 427 Galaxie run an auto trans, even though they didn't come that way in regular production cars (ie steel Galaxies) in 64-64.


We just had a big debate about this on fordfe.com and the consensus is that these cars (Thunderbolts and 63-64 LWG) were the ONLY time the solid-lifter 427 came with an auto trans.

As far as 65-up cars, and the 66-67 Fairlane/Comets:
The consensus though is that Ford did build 2 prototype 67 Fairlane 427 auto cars. But more importantly, Ford apparently LISTED the auto trans but never built any that way, and that maybe why NHRA accepts it.


http://www.network54.com/Forum/74182...+%28UPDATED%29


http://www.network54.com/Forum/74182...8/427+Fairlane

I don't think the Boss 302 or Boss 351 were ever even LISTED with the auto-trans (maybe because smog standards had begun?) so NHRA would not accept them.


That's the key I think - what did the manufacturer LIST in the paperwork they gave to NHRA? It doesn't mean they had to make or sell any of them. Usually. It confuses me too.


As far as the 396/L78, NHRA lists it as legal with auto trans for the 68 Nova, but not the 68 Chevelle or 68 Camaro. Go figure.


I would be surprised if the 327/275 was a manual only combo, that sounds strange but I will look, NHRA has all that stuff on line you know.


Dwight, Greg at al, sorry I was typing too late at night, and my photographic memory (NOT) remembered 325 and 275 as the same thing, DUH.

[troublemaker427]

Originally Posted by rawhide

I have always read that more Thunderbolts had automatics than four speeds. Most of them were switched over to four speeds pretty fast I would guess. Jody will wander in here and set it right soon I guess.

Roland

Yup, your correct sir!! More autos than sticks in the 1964 Thunderbolts. DST did offer a auto to stick conversion kit because those big heavy Lincoln transmissions sucked pretty bad....

[SStockDart]

Originally Posted by SSDiv6

You should ask NHRA since they allowed the 1967 Ford Fairline R-Code 427-425HP combination to run an automatic. All the R-Code Fairline's were stick, 4-speed cars only.
When I asked NHRA many years ago, I was informed they were allowed to run an automatic because it was available in the other models of the car.
Under this premise, I believe they should allow you run an auto, the same should apply to the 1969/1970 Mustang Boss 302 and the 1971 Boss 351.
What's your opinion Billy Nees?

Thunderbolt was only available with 4 speed (I believe). Now runs Stock with automatic??