Super Cruiser Transmision Install

[Nebraskaslim]

Recently I purchased a super cruiser transmission from Vick's. Great service got here quick and all was well. I then took it to a transmission place to have it installed. Multiple phone calls later and 30 days I have my car back and drove it home.... sans interior pieces( shift boot, shifter knob and the radio console piece). As I pull out I notice no speedometer so I pull right back in. They check the cable says it's hooked up and basically good luck. No offer to check it out or make it right. Also they didn't change out the shift tower from the old transmission so I have the shift tower for a Lada Suv currently. They only charged me $200.00 so I'm not terribly surprised or upset by the halfway job or the amount of time they had the car.

My question is has anyone just left the new shift tower on one of these transmissions? It hits all the gears with no interfernce and seems functionally ok. The only difference is it seems a little pickier about getting it into gear. I'm sure part of this is the difference between a new transmission and a 37 year old one. I will say it's nice to have 1st gear again and wish I could tell you I ran lower rpms with the taller gear but I have no idea how fast I drove home. I'm hoping the speedometer issue is a broken cable but I haven't had time to investigate yet. Any thoughts on the shift tower would be appreciated.

[LIQUIDLOUNGE]

If you got what I got, then the shift tower will not interchange. I received mine with a somewhat funky shift lever, extendinding straight back about 7" and then a 90 degree straight up through the console shifter hole. While not ideal, my feeling is that it will work OK. As far as the speedo drive, you need to call Vicks, mine looks like it is retrofitted from an earlier trans and is for a 3.90 rear end ratio. I might start the install tonight after reading this. I am very excited to see how this mod addresses one of the worst aspects of these cars; the granny 1st gear and the the 4 1/2 5th gear.

[Nebraskaslim]

You still have the granny first gear. After years of slipping the clutch to start out in second I break the tires loose all the time in 1st. If you drop the clutch at idle it will take off but it's still an almost immeadiate shift to second. I called Vicks and they said they switch the speedo drives out to the correct ratio but it would be off 1 to 2 miles per hour. I'm assuming in the process of getting it off and replacing it the speedo cable broke so I've got a new one on order.

[TX82FIAT]

I drove Jerr'y car from Vicks. I'm pretty sure (85% or more) it had the LADA trans in it. It shifted well and I thought they a fiat shifter on it. It was shorter throw with a Fiat knob but did not feel odd to me. I'd advice calling Vicks to ask a few question. I'm very interested in this modification as well. My trans is in very good shape with the exception of it occassionally being hard to get in first.

[LIQUIDLOUNGE]

I was told that mine would have a higher 1st gear. IIRC I had a choice on 1st gear ratios. Anyway, it was a while back. It sounded to me like there were 2 different transmissions they were trying out. I also purchased the 3.90 rear pumpkin, so 5th gear will almost seem modern. I'd like to install them one at a time, for impessions sake, but with the driveshaft out I will probably do them both at once.