transmission swap

[dosparks]

I have a 69 firebird with the th350 and want to swap to a manual transmission. Right now I am trying to locate all of the parts and make sure I know just what I will need. Right now I'm not sure if I want to go with a muncie or a tremec five speed or something else. What transmissions will bolt up to an original poniac bellhousing? Here are the parts that I know I need so far so if you see anything I'm missing could you let me know: transmission, bellhousing, clutch/pressure plate, flywheel, brake/clutch pedal assembly, clutch linkage kit from classic industries, hurst shifter (if I go with the muncie), shifter installation kit for muncie, and clutch fork and throwout bearing. I also know my driveshaft may need to be modified. Has anybody done this swap or anything similar? Will my crossmember from the th350 work with the muncie? If you have changed from an automatic to a manual transmission please give me any advice that you can. Thanks.

[MrPbody]

Your list is fairly complete. Why Classic? There are others, you know (Ames Performance, Performance Years, both of which are strictly Pontiac, and won't send you Camaro parts simply becasue they "fit").
Your driveshaft will be fine, as will the mount, if you go with the M-20 or M-21 Muncie. The M-22 uses the same slip yoke as TH400. The length of all the Muncies, Borg Warner ST-10s (another good one) and the Richmond 5-speed are the same as the TH350. The jury is still out on whether or not the Tremek can take the torque output of the Potniac. Many parts suppliers will put the Pontiac in the same performance level of the small block. Don't believe it! They make torque like a big block, and THAT'S what the transmission must be rated for.

[72GTO]

i have the 400 transmission which was a manual at one time then made into a quick shift automatic... what would i need to put it back to a manual?? and how much we costin in parts and work??

[MrPbody]

72, the list he has for the '69 is pretty complete. You need a donor car ('68-'72 GM A-body) with the pedal assembly. The bell crank and clutch linkage is readily available from the resto houses. Your driveshaft will be too short, so another will be required.
Labor for a job like that can vary from place to place. Our shop charges 50 per hour, and a job like that can take as much as 15-20 hours. A job like this? I would try to do as much of it myself, as possible. Time to get a bit dirty!