Expert: Jesse Moser - 2/26/2004

Question
hello

i have a 1965 plymouth valiant signet with 273 2bbl v8.  Right now the transmission doesnt work it only moves in reverse.  could i buy a kit to repair it? can i replace hte tranny with a manual? if so what kind? and what would i need?  

thank you  

Answer
Dennis, you could do either of the options you suggested.  Transmission rebuild kits are still available, as your automatic transmission was still used into the 80s, and even the new automatic overdrive ones in the pickups are based on it.  Any parts store or dealership would be able to get one for you if you can rebuild an automatic transmsission yourself.  It can be tricky.
Swapping in a manual transmission is a whole different ball game.  You should be able put nearly any 60s/70s/80s manual into your Valiant, as long as it has an "LA" small block engine, depending on how envolved you want the project to be.  The easiest way would be to find a similar-year Valiant with a manual and use that transmission, then you can be sure that all of the linkage and brackets are exactly what you need. If you really wanted to get into it, there are 3 speeds, 4 speeds with and without overdrive, and even 5 speeds if you really wanted to, all of which have their own pros and cons to be weighed before you make a decision. From a Valiant, all you should need is the transmission, clutch and shift linkage, and brackets/mounts for the linkage and transmission.  Make sure, though, that the floor is not different between manual and auto models. I'm not terribly familiar with the early valiant.  Check out www.valiant.org for more specific information.