I have been looking around and I am curious. I've found reasonably priced 4-spd M-22's and I like their performance on older Camaros. I'm about to put a 350 into my 83 sport coupe, because the 4--banger is just irritating me. How would I go about getting an M-22 in this car? Would I have to get a different crossmember? Where can I get a bellhousing that would fit the tranny and the engine? Where can I get a clutch for it? Would the differential handle the torque? etc. etc. etc.

I know, it's alot of questions but I'm new to this car stuff. Any and all help is appreciated.

 

resonably priced and m22 don't belong together. either it isn't a m22, since you're new at this how do you know what it is? if it is a m22 buy it and sell it to someone that needs one for a resto. any SBC bell will fit any SBC. i'd worry more about the clutch and torque arm than cross members and bells. any parts store would sell the clutch.

 

ede is right... real M22s in decent shape go for $1000+ everyday.

If you really want a 4 speed, look around for a T10 four speed out of an '82. They will have a torque arm mount, to make life easier, and they are pretty strong transmissions too.

Be much cheaper than the M22 too.

 

as far as I know, the m22, m21, and the m20 just have different ratios and spline/teeth counts. The one I'm getting is a used one, not a rebuilt one out of an older camaro I found at a junkyard. I was told it was an m22 from the paperwork the oldtimer had on it. I looked at it, but didn't pull the cover off of the side, but everything seemed ok and it was in good shape.
He wants $500 for it.
But if you suggest I try something different than the rockcrusher I'd investigate it further. Which brings me to my next question about transmissions. Would I be better off with a close or wide ratio for street purposes? racing?
the m22 just sounded like something legendary in the camaro world wich is why I'm so interested in it.

 

Well, if it really is a Rock Crusher (it got that name because it is LOUD) then you can do one of two things with it:

A) Visit Spohn's website (link at the top of this page). They have all the parts you will need to install it in your car. But beware, they are not exactly cheap.

B) Turn around and get an easy $1000 for it from someone restoring a vintage GM muscle car and get something else.

Its really up to you though. The way I see it is this: That would be a really nice tranny to have in a 3rdgen, because the thing is absolutely bomb-proof. BUT it isn't going to be cheap to make it work unless you have some fabrication skills.

 

It sounds like it would be a really cool thing to put on a car like that. Is it pretty powerful? I know nothing about it.
For more practical reasons (if'n I decide not to do the Muncie) what would be a good 4 or even 3 spd to burn some rubber?
I've decided to go all muscle with this car. Whatever delivers the best amount of HP to the rear wheels.

 

Well, the M22 is famous because of its durability. Its one of the strongest manual transmissions GM ever made.

If you don't use the M22, I'd suggest finding a Super T10 4 speed (MUCH easier to find, and cheaper)

If you really want something to abuse, a T56 6 speed is a good choice too. Its a very strong transmission, and is probably alot easier to install than any Muncie 4 speed would be.

But whatever you do, stay away from the T5!!!

 

t56 would be a better choice and easier to do. m22 isn't powerful as you ask it is strong. i can't really believe you found one just "laying around" a junk yard. it sounds like you wouldn't know one if you saw it any way so i'm guessing someone is sell you a t10 or something and telling you it's a m22.

 

The M21 and M22 have the exact same gear ratios. The M20 is a wide ratio box with different tooth counts. What sets the M22 apart from the M21/M20 is the gears are cut with a lower helix angle. This makes them about twice as strong as the M21/M20 gearsets. It also is responsible for the audible whining produced by the M22, which earned it the name "Rockcrusher".

Originally the M22 was the only trans that had the 1" countergear shaft and more needle bearings in the countershaft. The original M22s were actually modified M21s with the cases modified and the casting numbers milled off and new ones hand stamped. These are ultra rare, and only appeared in very, very limited numbers in '65 Vettes. Eventually the M21/M20 also got the 1" countergear shaft, which is much stronger than the original 7/8" shaft, which was failure prone.

The M22 is a pretty tough trans, but it isn't nearly as bulletproof as most people think. It is resistant to the 1st gear explosions common to the M21, especially when launching on slicks, but the casing is the weak link, and the M22s are prone to break 3rd and 4th gears. The casing allows the mainshaft and countershaft to seperate under load and this can cause the teeth to break right off the gears. When Grumpy Jenkins used to run his famous ZL1 Camaro he used to go to the track with enough spare M22s to replace the trans every round. That tells you something about the durability of the M22 under racing conditions!

I have all the books with the casting numbers for the Muncies. If you can get me the maincase number I can tell you whether or not it's an M22. If it is then it's a good deal for $500. If not it's worht more like $350. Good used and rebuilt M22s go for well over $1,000. Rebuilt M21s can go for upwards of $700. I just sold one not too long ago for $650.

The Muncies were great in their hayday, but modern transmissions are a lot better. The T-10, T56, Tremec, or Richmond would be a better choice for your Camaro. If you can get an M22 for a steal sell it on eBay and use the cash to hop up your Camaro. You'll be happier doing that in the long run.