New Pig - Drive Train Opinions Appreciated

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mtrdud

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After selling a 73 Pig Project I broke down and purchased a MUCH nicer 73 with "almost" no rust. It came from California to Georgia and the old F let go. It is ripe for a build up and I'm in the process of trying to decide which way to go with the engine since I currently have none. The PO pulled the F out and I currently have the 3-speed and transfer case. I am leaning towards a SBC V-8 conversion. I even have a GMC P/U with a fresh 87 IROC engine with low miles to put in it. I am on the fence about which transmission set-up would be the best. I'd like some opinions especially from you V-8 guys on what transmission you use and what works best. I'm thinking about an automatic. I've found a lot on 40's with V-8's but not much on Pigs.

Thanks!
 
'40's and '55's have the identical drive train except for the length of driveshafts.

I'm partial to diesels!
 
mtrdud said:
Isn't there a difference in the width and taper of the frames??
Click to expand...

It could be but the axles are also identical so I'm not sure where the differences would be.
 
The pig has the extra length necessary to easily run a NV4500 tranny.
 
NV4500 is a great route to go, reliable and a good mate with a V8. If you decide to get a manual transmission let me know, I have a floor shift tranny hump I'm looking to trade for the column shift type hump.

Brian
 
If yer dead set on an auto, I'd go for an Art Carr prepped rev. manual 700R4. As already mentioned, the NV4500 is a perfect choice for a manual. I shift one everyday & they're super smooth & quiet :)
 
Last edited:
V-8

Well it looks like the V-8 route is in motion. I bought a parts truck the day after Thanksgiving with a real nice 350 from an 87 IROC with very low mileage. It has a regular carb and manifold (Not the tuned port) and runs great. The truck has a bad turbo 350 transmission so the next decision is what transmission to use. Manual or automatic, which transfer case, what type of adaptors ect. Money is thin right now (Christmas and taxes) so there will be a lot of planning if you know what I mean. More opinions and experience with transmissions and adaptors appreciated.
Thanks
 
mtrdud said:
Isn't there a difference in the width and taper of the frames??
Click to expand...
Howdy! The Piggy frame is a bit wider that an FJ40 right at the back of the transfer case, where a lot of conversions place a support member. Contact Downey and Advanced Adapters, and they can send you complete catalogs of everything you need to do just about any conversion you could dream up. They have detailed drawings and instructions, also. I would go with the NV 4500 as I really wish I had a granny gear and an overdrive all in one gearbox. John
 
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