Subject: 1959 Powerglide Production Variations
Model and Year: 1959 Models
Source: Chevrolet Service News
Page Number: NA
Date: November 1958 - Volume 30 - Issue 11
There are five different Powerglide transmissions used in 1959. They are used as follows:
The regular transmissions used on the 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder models differ in the size of the booster valves and sleeves, and the throttle valve spring. As in past models, the 6 and 8 cylinder models are different converter housings.
NOTE: Booster valve identification for 1958-59 Powerglide Transmission is shown in Figure 2. Similar illustration on page 36 of TOP 59 S & M-1 - "1959 Advance Service Information" booklet, is in error and should be corrected as indicated in Figure 2.
The Corvette transmissions have a special converter assembly with 33 bolts holding the converter housing and cover together. In addition, a special governor is used which has lighter small weights to create a higher shift pattern. A longer output shaft is used, and there is no oil cooler valve or piping for transmission oil cooling.
The V-8 passenger car transmission for use with the 250 hp regular camshaft 283 cu. in. V-8 engine carries a Corvette converter and governor. it has a red plastic patent plate on the right side of the converter housing, where the other transmissions have a blue plate. Otherwise, this transmission is the same as the one used with the regular V-8 engines.
The special option transmission is available only with the 348 cu. in. engine equipped with a Carter AFB carburetor, 11:1 compression ratio and special camshaft using solid valve lifters. This unit has a special 5 plate clutch assembly. The plates are serviced as a package. The other clutch parts are serviced the same way as the regular model. This special transmission also has the 33 bolt Corvette converter and special governor, built to give a maximum shift point of 5400 engine R.P.M. Otherwise, this transmission is the same as the regular V-8 model.
Article ID: 1056
Created: December 26, 2014
Last Updated: December 26, 2014
Author: Rob Loszewski
Online URL: https://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/knowledgebase/article.php?id=1056