51 Buick 8 tranny?

**trosa54** · 03-19-2009, 08:14 AM

Hi fellas, Im new to this forum and would like to open with this question. What manual transmission works best behind a (stock bell) 263? Im thinking in the line of a 3 or 4 speed saginaw or muncie. I would also like to get involved with a modified inline 8 group if there is such. What creativity is abounding in intake (multi carbs) tech. I may build a lakes car around this interesting engine. Thanx. Tony.

**theoldguy** · 03-19-2009, 08:39 AM

The 51 has a torque tube driveline, and in order to change transmissions you will have to also install an open drive rear end.

**trosa54** · 03-19-2009, 11:52 AM

Hello OldGuy, I understand the rearend/driveshaft options, My question is what transmission has been known to retrofit the Buick manual using the original bell. Open drive is essential, then comes the nine inch. Thanx for your reply. Tony.

**52rat** · 03-19-2009, 05:21 PM

trosa54,

There are no transmissions that bolt up to the original bellhousing. Bilsteins makes a trans adapter for the 263 inline eight. Check out the Straight Eight section in the Buick Performance section. There are several posts that adress the info you are looking for.

As far as multi carb setups, there are some edmunds twin carb setups out there, or the '40 and '41 buicks had twin carb manifolds. Other than that you'd have to make one. I made a manifold to mont 3 Holley 94 for my 263. It's a fair bit of work, but I like the results.

Good Luck!

52rat