79corvette

I think I am finally going to swap my auto to a GM T5 manual in my 79. I'm not sure on the bellhousing to get, along with the flywheel. I was looking at getting this bellhousing. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT

Is it possible to get a flywheel that will work with my current starter and fit inside that bellhousing. What size flywheel and what size clutch will fit? Thanks for the help.

BBShark

I don't have an answer for you but I saw your post slipping to page 2 (where it is lost forever). You might want to look at this post:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...1352475&page=2

There are some members who responded that discuss the differences in a GM and Mustang T5 swap. I'm sure one of them may have your answer.

evalu8r

79vette,

If you are using the chev t5 that is the one you want. I will tell you that you will have to run the 10.4 flywheel, clutch and starter from the camaro. These were 305's. I will tell you this is exactly what I used on my t5 swap in my 79. Also I had to modify the bracket where the slave cylinder bolts on since I used the 85 truck slave. The other issue I found after the mock up is that my dynomax header flange landed exactly on this bracket so I shortened the header tube.
You can use the bell from an 85 truck but it does not tilt the trans and you will have to modify the floor and shifter handle more. The advantage is that you can run the larger clutch and keep the original starter. I'm using the centerforce II clutch so I think I'm in better shape than most 12" clutches. Also it doesn't matter what ton 85 truck master and slave they are all the same. The camaro master cylinder has too steep an angle for the vette.
If you do a search you should find the thread where I documented my conversion and posted pics.

Hope this Helps

BerniesVette

Chris (evalu8tor) did it with the GM T5, I did mine with the Mustang T5. They both work great but the GM will bolt directly to the GM bellhousing; I had to make an adapter. You will love the difference!
Bernie

sxr6

Another free bump

And a question...
What the final drive ratio of the T-5 ??
Would it be an worth while swap out over a M-21?
What else would be involved?? eg..trans mount?..driveshaft length??

BerniesVette

I have a .68 overdrive 5th gear. With my 3:55 geared diff this allows me to cruise at 70 MPH at 2,100 RPM; whereas, with the 350 auto I was turning 3,400 RPM. I believe they also have a .62 5th gear as well. The benefits are improved fule economy, less wear and tear on the engine, lower operationg temperatures. My T5 has a 3:35 first gear compared to most that have 2:97 so it is much quicker off the line as well. I love everything I gained from the swap amd I like the way the console looks too!



Bernie

The drive shaft will need to be shortened and the rear tranny support will need to be modified.

lowbuck72

I would not use the camaro/firebird bell housing. It would be a much easier swap using a stock chevy or corvette bell housing and not tilt the tranny 15 degrees. This will allow you to use all stock corvette clutch and linkage. It will also let the shifter come up at staight and not cockeyed.

79corvette

Thanks for the responses. I wanted to use the hydraulic clutch setup. It seems easier to setup than the mechanical linkages. Another question, will the driveshaft need to be cut if I am using a GM T5 and not using a spacer? All of your previous threads are very helpfull. I have had the T5 for 2 years and finally have the confidence to install it. So far I have the steering column out and need to remove 4 more bolts off the brake pedal and the booster. Seems somewhat difficult to get at.

evalu8r

Yes you have to shorten the shaft, mine was 1.5 or 1.75" You may need to massage the the tunnel slightly on the passenger side. You will need to cut off one of the screw holes at the bottom rear tranny where the camaro torque bar attached. I shortened the auto trans mount plate 1.5" and used the camaro trans mount. If you want to use the vette rubber mount you will need to shorten it 2.5" or fab your own plate. The trans yoke you use the vettes. The speedo cable hooks right up. I cut the floor just the same as you would for the factory 4 speed, it lines right up. The shifter I cut off the camaro's to the nub and the welded a 5/8" plate that extend forward 1.5". This puts the shifter dead nuts in the middle and does not touch the console. I drilled and tapped the plate so I cab bolt any Hurst or factory shifter in. Used the camaro boot to seal the floor, used the factory vette boot n the console.

Chris

79corvette

I am looking at this bellhousing at from a member at thirdgen.org. There is one crack at the bottom of the bellhousing. Is this still OK to use with the crack?

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i1...6/DSC00650.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i1...6/DSC00649.jpg

Bob Onit

You would go through all this work for a conversion and consider using a housing with a crack in it?

I have only had one experience with a Borg Warner T5
I bought a brand new Z/28 in 1984
The first T5 lasted 28K miles
The second one lasted 40K miles
I hope they improved these transmissions from 1984
The 84 Z/28 was a 305 rated at about 170 HP and the T5 couldnt even handle that

79corvette

Bob Onit,

That is true. I will pass on that bellhousing, there seem to be enough floating around to find a good one. I hopy my T5 lasts a little longer than yours did. I believe it '88 they changed the T5 to World Class which improved it.

Bob Onit

Thats great to hear.
I know my first one cost $1,400 to replace, it was beyond rebuild.