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View Full Version : SAGINAW 4 SPEED TRANS ID HELP


74NovaSS
02-23-2010, 06:05 PM
I picked up a Saginaw 4spd cheap I want to use in my Nova. (converting from automatic). I'm just curious as to what year it is and what it came out of. I've decoded what I could find using internet searches. The code stamp is R8P04 which is Saginaw 4spd, 1968 or 1978, Sept 04..... How do I determine if it's a '68 or a '78??? The casing # is 3925656 and it's a 10 spline input shaft with 1 ring groove meaning it has 2:56 / 1:81 / 1:44 / 1:00 ratios. Can anyone help me with the other #s stamped on the casing, and can the vehicle this came from be determined by the partial VIN stamping? Here are the other #s.

On the main case: large GM1
under that is the 3925656
under that is H278
partial VIN is 19V519922
above the shift rods on cover is GM3920798 7
on the tail housing same side is H288
bottom of main case has 35 5032 and a large B
and bottom of tail has 3873886

Another question, I've had my share of these Saginaws in the past, but how would it hold up behind a 396-454 say in the 390-450 hp / 500 ft lb range? It won't see any track time. Just a decent driver.
Any help appreciated. Thanks guys.

Ed

PeteLeathersac
02-23-2010, 08:50 PM
I'd guess it's out of a '69 Camaro low HP V8 or 6 Cyl w/ the 3925656 case and 3873886 tail?.
The partial Vin indicating a 1'st digit 1 for Chevrolet and the 2'nd digit 9 for the year also a last 6 starting w/ 5 is correct for 1969 Camaros..
But that 3'rd digit V should indicate the vehicle assembly plant, not parts plant so guessing V = Flint would be wrong?.
There was no V coded vehicle assembly plant...was there?

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~ Pete