I just picked up an '86 GT (probably as a parts car) that was advertised as an '87 with a 5-speed. Engine is supposed to be seized. The shifter is so stiff and out of adjustment that I can't tell if a "5th" gear is hiding or not. The transmission is listed as an M17 (Muncie 4-speed manual transmission 3.65 ratio) on the Service Parts Identification label.

Keeping in mind the tranny could've been swapped sometime in the last 23 years, is there an easy way to tell from looking at the outside of the tranny what it is?

Does this picture help any?

I'm afraid it's not a Getrag. Judging from looking at mine. I could be wrong. But judging from the looks of my Getrag 5, it's not.

quote Originally posted by Valkyrie: ... judging from the looks of my Getrag 5, it's not.

Not what I wanted to hear, but thanks.

Anyone with a 4-speed Muncie wish to confirm that this looks just like yours?

Valkyrie is right. Your transmission is the Muncie four speed. The Getrag has a 1/4" thick metal plate bolted on with nine bolts at the end closest to the LH wheel (see the yellow plate on the photo), whereas the four speed is all one cast piece.

quote Originally posted by Bloozberry: Valkyrie is right. Your transmission is the Muncie four speed.

Shucks.

Thanks for the info though, I appreciate it.

Maybe I'll luck out with the engine instead and find out it's not really seized.

I've got money on it being a dead battery.

"Yeah, it's good and all, but the engine's seized."
"Are you sure the engine's seized? Have you checked the battery?"
"THE ENGINE'S SEIZED!"

[This message has been edited by Valkyrie (edited 07-22-2009).]

Here's Buddycraigg's thread on the subject...

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/063783.html

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RickN
White 88GT 5spd
White 85GT Auto
White 99 F250SD 7.3PSD 6spd
1956 Ford 860 Tractor w/ Freeman Loader
20Ft Tilt Bed Trailer

quote Originally posted by RickN: Here's Buddycraigg's thread on the subject... https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/063783.html

Thanks, excellent thread!

I took one of Buddy's images and oriented it the same way as my image above.



Yes, it's easy to see that the cable placement is exactly the same.

I'm learning stuff today!

Easiest way to tell is to look at the shift cables... The 5 speed has the select cable coming in from under the bottom and shift cable on tip, not parallel like on the 4 speed.

quote Originally posted by jscott1: Easiest way to tell is to look at the shift cables... The 5 speed has the select cable coming in from under the bottom and shift cable on tip, not parallel like on the 4 speed.

Yes, it seems pretty easy now. I guess I must've heard something along those lines earlier, as that's why I was hoping my picture of the top of the tranny would be enough for someone to tell the difference.