Hello everyone!

This is my first post, but I have been reading for months. About 7 months ago I bought my first Vette. Its a 1981, and in ok condition.

I would love to make this my daily driver, but Im only getting 11-12 miles to the gallon right now. Brutal.

Anyway, not-so-long-term plans are to do the LS1 and T56 swap. Decided to start gathering parts for the manual conversion. Since most talk about the pedal assembly as being one of the more difficult parts of the swap, decided I would start there first.

Does anyone have suggestions on where I should start looking for the manual clutch pedal assembly (besides ebay..Im looking there already)?

Also, I have heard conflicting data on if the 68-79 pedals are the same as the 80-82 pedals. Are they the same? Some say the 80-82 pedals are smaller.

Anyway, thanks for the amazing community. This site has really made owning this car a much more pleasurable experience already. You all are truly appreciated. Outstanding group on this site.

 

Welcome to the forum.

You might check with your dealers parts department in the off chance there's still some in the system. Also you can check with some of the aftermarket suppliers such as Paragon. There are also Corvette salvage companies such as Contemporary Corvettes.

 

Before you spend a lot of cash, ponder this,...

What's the ratio of the rear end?
What is the ratio of "D" in your current trans vs the
highest gear in the proposed replacement?

I have an '80 with a 3 sp O.D. manual trans at 30% over direct.
The rear gears are 3.07.
At 2400 rpm I'm right around 75 mph.

Just changing the trans won't ness improve your mph.
Do what ya can with the engine first.
-Complete- tune up (don't forget timing) and maybe even do a carb rebuild.
Change filter and fluid in the trans, if there is any slipage
that will reduce mpg.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to talk you out of the changeover,
I'm not a fan of "sluch boxes".
I feel there is better responce/control with a manual.