Looking for Richmond 5 speed info
 

I just bought a Richmond 5-speed for our '73 Camaro, which currently has a TH350. I had to jump quick on the deal and it was a long-distance purchase, too, so I had to take the seller's word on the condition. One of those agonizing purchases that either turns out to be a really great deal or a kick-yourself-repeatedly waste of money.

But it has arrived, carefully crated, and it looks very clean and almost new. It was supposedly used in a small Bonneville speedster car of some sort, but the owner decided to try something else (more $$) with a differently geared rearend after a few runs. This transmission is direct in 5th gear; not an overdrive.

He claims it probably doesn't have more than 20 to 30 miles on it and the most power it ever saw was less than 600hp in a midget speedster that topped out around 180 to 190 mph (some sort of 2 cylinder motor if I heard him correctly..?? Must be a monster of a 2-cylinder! Maybe he meant 2-stroke? I know so little about those Bonneville cars...). Anyway, I'm trading low miles for very highspeed use (hopefully not 'abuse').

Unlike a Muncie or BW, there is, of course, no side cover to easily remove and take a peek at the internals. It does shift into all gears and turn easily. There are no cracks or other damage externally.

I always dreamed of having a Doug Nash back in my day, but this is the first time I have gotten up close to one (pretty much the same thing), so I need some advice on how to go about checking it out.

The plastic speedo drive worm gear and 2 circlips were included separately, and the speedo drive hole has a block-off plate over it right now.

Questions:

>What should I be checking right off the bat (besides the fact it does shift easily into every gear and turns smoothly)?

>Without disassembly, can I be sure this is indeed a street 5-speed, and not an unsynchronized racing (crashbox) version? To me, the speedo drive is a good indicator of it being a street tranny, but maybe that doesn't mean anything?

>Will this Richmond allow the use of a stock Camaro 4-speed console?

>What do you recommend for a shifter (Long or Hurst) and why, and where can I find a good used one?

>Opinions on the best clutch, flywheel, etc to use?

Thanks in advance!! Scott