[dpoltzer]

Thinking about purchasing a 1971 Muncie M-22 rebuilt and guaranteed. Seller is a 4 speed guy I have worked with for several years who is reputable. He is asking $1,300 which feels a bit high to me so what do you think is a reasonable offer? Thanks.

['ol Pinion head]

$1300 is very reasonable for an original '71-72 M22, esp, if your Muncie guy has been through it, & it has nice condition GM or Maserio M22 gear set. There seems to be a bunch of thrown together M22's now being built off earlier M20 cases with Chinese gearsets. Glad I was in a position to not be forced to have to buy the Chinese gearsets for my M22's.

[poncho-mike]

I have heard similar stories to what 'ol Pinion Head stated. The version I heard was that some Muncie rebuilders were passing off restamped Muncie cases with junk internals as M22s. If I were in the market, I would prefer to buy a M22 with known original internals over a M22 being sold by a rebuilder. If you trust the guy and know how to identify the good internals, I don't think $1300 is excessive.

[dpoltzer]

Thanks guys. What is the best way to determine if it is in fact an M-22 rather than a M-21 or M-20? Dave

[Formulabruce]

I do not like them , too noisey. Unless you drag race , you dont need one. Good if you want bragging rights I guess. Louder inside the car than out.
Here is a couple visuals

"More vertical" means not twisted ( m20 and M21) in reference to the case line standing up, Non helical. This means way way less Torque thrust on the gear set which pushes the gear set in both directions inside the case ( acceleration and de acceleration ) on an M20.

[Judge273]

You need one when you love to drive a 4 speed with a OEM M-22 in it... Imho

[blue71ta]

the whine of the M22 is the cool part - I like the "noise" Not annoying, like a gear drive, IMO.

$1,300 for a professionally rebuilt rock crusher with warranty is a great price.

[dpoltzer]

Thanks for the visuals and the comments! Very helpful.!!

[dpoltzer]

Forgot to mention, I owned a 1971 T/A with an M-22 for many years and I too enjoyed the gear whine.

[marxjunk]

1300 is a freakin steal if its real...and rebuilt..

i know 20 people that have close to 2500 in a fresh M22

[poncho-mike]

There is some confusion on what is and isn't a M22.

In 1971, Pontiac changed to the big input fine spline input and output shafts on all Muncie transmissions. Before that, I think only the M22 got the big input/output shaft. I am pretty sure all 1971 Trans Ams got the M22, but many of the other 4-spds only got M21s or M20s with the big input/output shaft. I had a guy swear his 72 Formula 400 had a M22 because it whined, but the code on the case said it was a M21.

If it is real, it is a bargain.

[Judge273]

All 71-72 TA and Formula with 455 HO with 4 speed got the M-22. 455 HO/4 speed being the common factors....

[Holeshot71]

I too love the sound of an M22 Best way to describe it is Mechanical Music.


How's that saying go, "If I have to explain it, you wouldn't understand"

[dpoltzer]

I talked to the owner of the M-22 and I asked several questions about the tranny. It is not the "C" case but it does have the fine spline input shaft 1" dia., no "rings" Also has the bigger Output that would accommodate the TH400 type drive shaft yoke. When I asked about the internals he could not really say if the gears were GM/American made or some "offshore" made but he insists they are the correct Rockcrusher gears. Can you have a real M-22 but with out the "C" code on the case? Hope this isnt a "cobbled" together Hybrid M-22!

[Formulabruce]

Lets see the stamped number, and the cast. number. It could be a OTC case and they have been sold by dealers for years and then re cast and sold again by GM. Then aftermarket.. Some 60's Muncies didn't have a Vin number. All that said it seems to have the right parts, end to end. Your Not buying a Numbers matching part for your car. Finding a all Orginal part M22 is next to impossible at that price point. I sold my 1971 M-22 from my '71 F400 6 years ago for 600 bucks. The guy calls me and wants me to buy it back because his driveshaft didnt work ! LOL
If it is rebuilt and works well, check all the ratios yourself and Enjoy it if its noise you want .
good luck If that was me looking and its Not the original tranny for my car, but I wanted it, it would be in my car by now..

[Formulabruce]

PS a M21 can make noise as well due to the close ratio gears, but not as loud .

[JSPONT]

New better made cased M 22 from Mid west trannys is about $2300 with a steel midplate.
Love the whine, my cousin just installed one in his Chevelle and loves it!

[dpoltzer]

I will get the case #s this week and will let you know what they are. Thanks again all!

[Larry Navarro]

I purchased a new "supercase"M22 with billet midplate, all new interenals and custom ratio Maserio gear sets, from Paul Cangelosi.....spent $2400 including a few accessories and shipping. Nice quality piece and fairly priced. Super good guy to speak with and very knowledgeable.

http://www.5speeds.com/muncie/home/n...s-and-pricing/

['ol Pinion head]

Originally Posted by dpoltzer

I talked to the owner of the M-22 and I asked several questions about the tranny. It is not the "C" case but it does have the fine spline input shaft 1" dia., no "rings" Also has the bigger Output that would accommodate the TH400 type drive shaft yoke. When I asked about the internals he could not really say if the gears were GM/American made or some "offshore" made but he insists they are the correct Rockcrusher gears. Can you have a real M-22 but with out the "C" code on the case? Hope this isnt a "cobbled" together Hybrid M-22!

there are fine spline M21 input shafts with no cut "ring". this style input shaft was made in the late '70's, early '80's. have a '71 or '72 M21 (need to ck it's date) with such a no cut input shaft, it's the 2nd big output shaft Muncie that I've had that had the same no cut input shaft M21 gearset. Alway, pull the side cover, examine the pitch of the gears & count the the gear teeth.