The History of the Muncie 4 Speed
by Andy Joseph
The Muncie 4 speed was a transmission that was used in General Motors (GM) between 1963 and 1975. There was little change to its basic design and operation; in retrospect, it was created to meet car needs at the time, if only for a brief period.
Creation
The Muncie 4 speed was created in response to the engine power levels in GM vehicles exceeding the limits of an earlier transmission, the Borg Warner T-10 4 speed. Although the Muncie 4 speed found it easier to handle engine's growing power, its design borrowed from that of the T-10 it was replacing and even used the same basic layout.
Other Manufacturers
While GM switched its gear boxes, other car companies such as Ford stuck with the T-10. Thus these companies were able to receive any modifications Borg Warner made on their transmissions.
T-10 Redesign
GM initially missed out on the T-10 redesign by Borg Warner, rechristened the Super T-10. However, eventually Borg Warner manufactured replacement Super T-10s for Muncie gear boxes.
Muncie Phased Out
By 1975, power levels had dropped, and catalytic converters and smog pumps were introduced. With these changes and innovations, the Muncie ceased production and the Super T-10 was introduced in GM cars.
Aftermath
The Super T-10 was used in GM cars from 1975 to 1983. They were also featured in certain Corvettes from 1984 to 1988. Muncie 4 speeds are still manufactured for GM cars still around from the 1963-to-1975 era.
References
Writer Bio
Based in the D.C. area, Andy Joseph works full-time as a data analyst and technical writer. He has been writing articles about technology, health, politics, music, culture and automobiles since 2007. His work has appeared in The Express, Congressional Report and Road & Track. He has a master's degree in journalism and technology management.
