4-speed Muncie 2:56.... Thats what I have

Bought this nova and the Muncie is in it, based of the rebuild sheet of 2011 its a 2:56 Ratio

What can you tell me about this 4-speed ?

Broad question but you gotta ask them

 

I think the close ratio were more like 2.2 first gear ratio, so I would guess yours is probably more of a standard wide ratio. Someone with a lot better Muncie knowledge will be able to give better details.

 

I'll take it.

 

I think that's a very early wide ratio M20 Muncie (1964ish?). The later wide ratio M20 would've had a 2.52 low gear. The early one that you have should have a smaller diameter "pin". That is the axle for the lower set of gears in the case. I believe the bigger pin is 1". I'm not sure on your early one, but it's smaller. Probly 7/8". Are the shift levers stud and nut mounted, instead of bolts?

 

2.56 is an odd ratio from my Muncie experience. All I've run across or read about have been a 2.20 or 2.52 ratio.

Bob

 

2.56 is the number i remember in this old head, mine is 2.20

 

'63-'65 wide ratio Muncie has a 2.56 1.91 1.48 1.00 gear ratio

 

A lot of guys like the 2.20 first gear because it's a Corvette trans. Coolness factor aside, the 2.5 first gear is a better ratio choice for a street car. The lower first gear does reduce the transmissions max torque capacity, so that's a trade-off.

Compared to newer transmissions the Muncie has a limited ratio spread. Depending on the rear end ratio that means either having a higher than ideal in first gear ratio, and/or fairly high RPMs on the highway.

Trans life has a LOT to do with how the vehicle is driven. So long as; the trans is in good shape, the engine isn't too powerful for the trans, and so long as you don't try to break it, you won't have a problem.