Difference between 5 speed and 4 speed -'76 Vega

[ol55]

Is there an easy way to identify an original four speed from the optional 5 speed on a '76 Vega? Vin plate or tunnel location?

Thanks,
Larry

[spencerforhire]

No transmission ID from the VIN; the trans tunnel hole is the best indicator. 4-speed up front, 5-speed rearward.

[hammerdown7]

Do you mean what did it come with or the transmissions themselves?

Dick

[ol55]

To clarify, I meant what it came with.

The transmission hole starts a few inches in front of the parking brake button.

Thanks,
Larry

[cosvega76]

An easy way to tell is that the 4-speed factory shifter has the T-handle under the knob for the reverse lockout. There is none on the 5-speed. The 5-speed is also an internal-rail shifter, so if there is a Hurst shifter installed, it's a 4-speed. No aftermarket shifters available for the 5-speed.


Chuck

[ol55]

Good info.Right now I just have hole without the trans.

Thanks,
Larry

[hammerdown7]

Is there a removable plate mounted on the shift tunnel? Does the car still have its torque arm? The torque arms are different lengths between a 4 & 5 speed. Here's a thread discussing the cross member, http://forums.h-body.org/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=44007

Dick

[monzaaddict]

4 speed shifters attach directly to a plate that covers the opening in transmission tunnel. 5 speed shifters are attached to the transmission. I believe there is still a plate with an opening ( the opening is shaped different and further back) that covers the larger opening in the transmission tunnel.

The other clue would be rear gearing. I believe 5 speed cars all came with 410 rear gears as opposed to 373 for 4 speed cars.

[hammerdown7]

The other clue would be rear gearing. I believe 5 speed cars all came with 410 rear gears as opposed to 373 for 4 speed cars.

That would be true of Cosworths but I think 5-speeds were available on regular '76 Vega's. I know on my '76 Monza Spyder w/2.3L four cylinder that had a 5-speed, the rear-end ratio was 3.42.

Dick

[spencerforhire]

My experience with T-50 equipped H-bodies agrees with what Dick stated; I had two GT's(a 76 & a 77) both with 3.42 geared 7.5" rears. Also had a 76 GT with an automatic; not sure what gears were in the 6.5" rear, but I broke them pretty soon after doing a V8 swap.

[ol55]

Is the rear gear ratio on the vin plate? The torque arm is not there and the only brackets are across from each other attached to the floor pan.

Thanks,
Larry

[monzaaddict]

there is a code on the axle which translates to gear ratio. there are numbers on the ring gear which give the ring and pinion tooth count. count the rotations of the pinion vs axle. Do you have the cross member?

[Smiley]

5 speed

vega 5 speed.jpg

4 speed

cc-19-074-900.jpg

[hammerdown7]

It seems you do not have the parts that distinguish a 4-speed from a 5-speed. Brings up the question why do you want to know, is it to identify the rear end ratio? Does the car have a 6.5 or 7.5 rear axle?

Dick

[monzaaddict]

while we are on the subject:

Is there any difference between a 76 and up 5 speed cross member from a 4 cyl car vs v6 car.

Is there a difference between a 76 and up 4cyl vs v8/v6 auto/manual cross member?