Get the 5-speed.

Typically they have a deeper 1st gear than 3- and 4-speed trannies in addition to the overdrive top, so there's a little more "oomph" off the line. And typically the shift action is smoother, as the linkage is all internal (no road crud gets into it to wash out lube, wear bushings, and make stuff rust.

Put a 4-speed shifter **** on it and modify either your existing shift handle or a 60's-era aftermarket 4-speed handle to fit the 5-speed tranny (this might be easier than you think, possibly as simple as drilling the two holes in the shift handle slightly oversize to accommodate the slightly different 5-speed handle bolt spacing. I can get a picture for you if you'd like).

Nobody will ever know unless you tell them or if as passengers they're paying attention when you make a seemingly "impossible" upshift (it's almost worth doing just to watch their reaction ).

You might need to get a 5-speed **** if your state inspection involves an inspector driving the car.


Norm

(Tremec 3550 in an originally 4-speed manual equipped '79 Chevy Malibu)

 

here's a pic of my 5spd shift stick

my 3spd stick wouldn't fit (totally different attachment), but at least I was able to take the original ****

 

2 ?s

1. How much do you want to spend.

2. Is this a DD car?

The 4 speed is a direct bolt in and will be your cheapest option.

The 5 speed will require a little work and money for everything to make it fit in the car. The 5 spd will do better on gas if it is a DD.

Personally I would rather have a 4 spd. Find a close ratio one and it is a ton of fun to drive.

 

o haha this is not a daily driver forgot 2 tell u guys thats why i want a 4 speed i care nothing about gas milage at all in this car....i use mayb 1 gallon of gas a week in it i just want to have the feeling of a classic four speed when i bought the car i wasnt that happy about it being a 3 speed and want to change it to a 4 speed this car has not one touch of non original to it.

 

i still didnt get a price!!!!!!!!!!!!!!i just want to know how much i can sell my 3 speed and buy a 4 speed for lolz....!!!!!!

 

A working 3 speed you might get 300 ish for it.A close ratio top loader is like rooster teeth cars like Shelbys and drag packages got them.

 

... if anyone (in europe!) wants my old 3speed I'll give it away for free ...
it works, but it's noisy

 

Check www.davidkeetoploaders.com for rebuilt or new 4-speeds.

Used car part prices are all about what the buyer is willing to pay (if you can find a buyer).
I would be surprised if you'll get more than 1 or 2 Franklins for the 3 sp. Most want to upgrade, like you,,,to 4 or 5 sp.
You may get lucky and find someone who really really needs one, try Ebay.

 

if you want the 4 speed for its ability to keep those racing revs up a t5 would be even better. along with that 5th gear overdrive you get it has a lower first gear to dig in even more bc it can get away with it due to the 5th gear. the t5 is the way to go. if you are concerned about looks, you can throw a 4 spd **** on it, you can redrill urs or you can buy one that most suppliers will have. the t5 is the way to go

 

Last I looked, nice rebuilt 4 speed toploaders run around $1800 w/o clutch and pressure plate. A used 3 speed would probably bring $300-400 because it is basically a core. If you can convence someone your used tranny is ready to drop in and use, you may get a little more, but most people are not going to be that trusting.