<


View Full Version : Interesting 4 speed data


cmonson
05-30-2007, 07:31:26 AM
Read below: Directly from m/r racing:

This is a blanket note for anyone requesting the strengths of Muncies vs. Saginaws, etc. I realistically get this question on average once a day. I can not say exactly this will work for this or what will positively not break under what circumstances, and really no one else can either. I can however state a few proven examples of what works. This is a brief note of all the strengths, pull from it what you want.
We build over 300 transmissions a year, 85% of them are circle track, which means about 50 of them are built specifically for street applications. We build Saginaws, Muncies and Borg Warner Super T-10s. If you would surf onto the website of Richmond Gear at www.richmondgear.com you can see they do have a torque rating for thier Borg Warner Super T-10s. These numbers really don't mean much, because they are rated for 286-375ft/lbs of torque. These are rated on a different scale than engines, plus all the different variables make it impossible to compare apples to apples (i.e. holeshots, tires, gear ratios, driver habits, etc). If those ratings were comparable, it would mean the typical mild build up Chevy small block with 375ft/lbs of torque would tear through anything Richmond makes.
Here is what we know. We have Saginaws in Super Late Models pushing over 600hp, 10 inch circle track slicks, that I am freshening for some of them, 3 and 4 seasons worth on the original tranny. Generally, if you have a small block, and hard to mild street tires, 90% of the time a Saginaw will hold up. If you are doing holeshots every stop sign, and a couple brake stands per night, it will break, and so will an M20 or M21 Muncie in time as well. Many factory small block Camaros (even Z28's) came standard with the Saginaw from '74-'84. If you are running a Big Block, you should have a Borg Warner ST-10 or an M22 Muncie. An M22 Muncie with the new gears, and a steel midplate is about the strongest 4 speed available, I have a few guys running these with 502's and they are holding without a problem.

80'427
05-30-2007, 12:55:42 PM
I have a st-10 with a iron case (2.64 first) and the few wheels up launches I have made it worked great and has yet to give even a hint of problems.

fabio
05-30-2007, 01:04:11 PM
saginaw is a tough trans, I beat on mine for yrs. One day I was wot over some railroad tracks and the trans started making a grinding noise. My muncie has been trouble and I really don't trust it like my saginaw.

cmonson
05-30-2007, 02:55:37 PM
I have used my saginaw for years. I only had trouble with it once.

I beat the hell out of it as I am not scared to spending $600 for a rebuilt one. THe labor to pull a 4 speed in and out is less than 2 hours.