Richmond 5 speed

[cobrakiwi]

Has any body used one of the Richmond SUPER STREET 5-Speed with Overdrive transmissions with the 2.89 first gear and 0.77 5th gear behind a 427 big block?
If so how do you like or dislike it
Thanks

[B.M.B.C]

Cobrakiwi . did you ever use the superstreet transmission?

[undy]

Dunno about the 5 speed but I had their 6 speed overdrive in a big block 69 Stingray, with about 500 HP. Second gear let go on a hard 1 to 2 shift. I hope the 5 speed's stronger than their 6 speed. It's TKO all the way for me now. No problem with them, for me at least.

[cobrakiwi]

No not yet, still sitting in its box. I will be setting it up here shortly, ready for spring with a bit of luck. I think a few ERA guy’s run them.

[mpanten]

I know some racers who like them, only problem is the price.

[RICK LAKE]

cobrakiwi What's the rearend ratio for the car?? The super box is a stronger unit with continous power applied. It's rated for 600/600 club. I know of 1 guy running it. The only small problem is the 1 to 2 power shift. It was not designed for this shift. Other wise the box is great. Spending the time for a complete setup of bell housing, engaged clutch clearance(air gap between disc and pressure plate), checking for input shaft clearance with a Lakewood bell housing and GM input shaft for end play against bottoming out in the crankshaft. This will wipe out a thrust bearing in the motor quick plus cause hard shiftings.
As far as Undy, he abused the rules of limits. I also have run a richmond 6 spd for many years(7) until a built the 482 motor. The 6 spd has a limit of 450/450 HP and torque and they mean it. I got one of the first back in 94 and it will not power shift, also broke the end off the shifter fork. Has been repaired on the 1-2 fork. I have also found that installing a 2nd set of springs in the shifter helps make the shift to 3 gear and from 5th to 4th gear saver. I man handled the car a couple of times at the track and went from 5 to 2nd gear in a heartbeat and 2 360's at speed. No damage other than underwear. Stopped after the 2nd one in the same hour. double springs stopped missed shifts. Make sure the linkage clear the tunnel of the car. Heat may also be an issue with any trans on a hopt day. I found that installing a small 4" bildge fan and blowing fresh air down the tunnel has helped the trans and shifting after a 20 minute run on the track. Boating companies sell them. Need to buy flex tubing to make this work.
Bottom line is you get what you pay for PERIOD. I believe that the Richmond is a strong box and engineered better than the TKO. I also like the outside linkage to the forks and not inside. Less shafts in the Richmond also.
Kiwi you didn't say where the torque power band is?? The reargear ratio could cause issues if the motor can't run in the bottom of the torque band without lugging. You have the right 1st gear ratio. I have a 3.25 in the 6spd and a 3.05 in the G-Force. Hardly use them at all. I am buying a superstreet 5 spd for the 498 motor I am building. Watch out for real sticky tires. Have found out the a tire with a 100 wear pattern is about as soft as you want to run and not cause extra abuse to drivetrain on street. I run pilots with a 200 wear. Good luck with car. 3.07-3.54 would be a great ratio. anything on the other side of these will be a large hand full. I tryed 3.77's way to stupid of a car to drive with a rockie driver. My 2 cents Rick Lake

[cobrakiwi]

thanks for the tips, It will be going behind a 496, came off the dyno making 600hp and 610 torque. I have two rear centers 3.54 and 3.31 I think, I have not decided which one I will use. I may try both, car is a Kirkham build. The trans cover (tunnel) will need to be made a little different as the shifter and shift rods hang off the side. My Ken miles or Kirkey seat will come in handy as well with the drivers side seating area.
I am going to try the billboard tires this time as well.

[ERA 778]

Kiwi,

Where are you located? There's a guy near me (Greenville, SC) that can blueprint a Richmond. He did my 5 sd before I put it in the car and did a fantastic job. He reworked every piece, checked clearances, etc. and then used his own proprietary polishing process on practically every part. They came out looking like pieces of art!

He tells me that he's very frustrated with RG quality nowadays. They don't do enough to finish their parts and provide proper fit-ups. One of my shift forks broke while he was building the trans - probably a casting defect, but RG wouldn't make it good.

Hal

[kanuck]

Hi can you please forward me they info as to where to get a Richmond trans blueprinted.

Thanks Dean

[ERA 778]

Kanuck,

PM on its way.

Hal

[ERA 778]

Here's a photo of some of the parts for my trans after rework. Too bad they'll probably never be seen again!

Hal

[RICK LAKE]

ERA 778 Hal would also like info and who to talk too about this. Rick L.

[kanuck]

FYI Richmond Gear has been sold to Motive Gear of Chicago IL, as of about a month ago.

Thanks era 778

[john chesnut]

I had a 5 speed Richmond super street behind a 427 small block Chevy, It was a stock from the factory new tranny. I hated it. It shifted like an old truck. After 1200 miles I replaced it with a Tremec. What a difference.

[ERA 778]

The guy who did my transmission was Johnny Hightower at Hightower Racing Transmissions in Travelers Rest, SC. (864) 834-7712 - Just tell him Harold James told you about him.

He also reworked my Long shifter and helped it a lot, I think. The RG will always be a little stiff in shifting, but Johnny can make it much better. He also can rework Hurst shifters , and I imagine, any other kinds.

His main business is building transmissions and supplying improved parts to different racing teams from NASCAR on down. Because of these big customers, he might be a little slow on turn-arounds for us one-timers, but I think he's worth the time. Prices are reasonable too.

Hal

[cobrakiwi]

I was looking for one of my old posts and found this one, update: I have the Richmond 5 speed mocked up in my car, got it all to fit and looks like it should work. The box is 6 years old now and never been running! I guess I am out of the warranty window.
At this rate I hope to have it running in the next year or two!