the best 5spd?
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 86
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From: boothbay maine
the best 5spd?
i have a 1980 manual transmission vette, i want to switch to either a 5spd or a 6spd, i was wondering what the best transmissions are and thier price,
my mechanic said he can get me a T5 for like 300 bucks, or a 6spd for like a grand (used), also what tranny do i have, saginaw or munchie
my mechanic said he can get me a T5 for like 300 bucks, or a 6spd for like a grand (used), also what tranny do i have, saginaw or munchie
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
Re: the best 5spd? (scorciae)
You have a T10 (Saginaw).
My personal favourite is the Tremec 3550 and TKO 5-speeds.
I would hesitate to use a stock T5. GM only put them behind 305's for a reason. They don't like torque.
The Tremec is in the $1700 range new. You will have to shorten the driveshaft, modify the crossmember and bend/shim the shifter to make it work. Overall a pretty simple install.
For info on the Tremec:
http://www.fortesparts.com/
My personal favourite is the Tremec 3550 and TKO 5-speeds.
I would hesitate to use a stock T5. GM only put them behind 305's for a reason. They don't like torque.
The Tremec is in the $1700 range new. You will have to shorten the driveshaft, modify the crossmember and bend/shim the shifter to make it work. Overall a pretty simple install.
For info on the Tremec:
http://www.fortesparts.com/
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,037
Likes: 668
From: FL
Re: the best 5spd? (zwede)
For 5 spds the choice is the Tremec or the Richmond 5. The Tremec has a 3.27 first and .68 OD 5th. The Richmond has a 3.27 first and 1:1 fifth.
For 6 speeds, the choices are the T56 and the Richmond 6. The Richmond has a od 6th, the T56 has OD in 5th and 6th.
The Richmond transmissions are relatively easy swaps but the 6 spd cost about $3000. The T56 requires pretty extensive mods. Do a search for GWHITE75 and check out his web page for details.
The Tremec is pretty good choice. I got the 3550 model which is retaed at 425 ft-lbs. You also need the expensive take apart front yoke so my total bill was about $1900.
Mods included new tranny mount bracket, shorten driveshaft, cut a larger hole under the console and modify the shifter. Feel is great and I am turning about 2000 at 70 mph. One of the best investments I ever made.
For 6 speeds, the choices are the T56 and the Richmond 6. The Richmond has a od 6th, the T56 has OD in 5th and 6th.
The Richmond transmissions are relatively easy swaps but the 6 spd cost about $3000. The T56 requires pretty extensive mods. Do a search for GWHITE75 and check out his web page for details.
The Tremec is pretty good choice. I got the 3550 model which is retaed at 425 ft-lbs. You also need the expensive take apart front yoke so my total bill was about $1900.
Mods included new tranny mount bracket, shorten driveshaft, cut a larger hole under the console and modify the shifter. Feel is great and I am turning about 2000 at 70 mph. One of the best investments I ever made.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 8
From: San Jose California
Re: the best 5spd? (scorciae)
I have also been very impressed with the Richmond quality. I've got the 6 speed in my car. BTW, the $2900 included the fantastic Long's shifter and linkage. Worth about $300+.
Chuck
Chuck
Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
From: The Villages FL
Re: the best 5spd? (scorciae)
I ran an RG 5-speed with 3.08 rear gears between 91 and 98 when the car began the rebuild project. We are keeping the rear end about the same (C4 3.07), but going to the 6-speed for OD. It really makes the car more streetable and enjoyable to drive. There are numerous gearing options available; just work out what you want on a gear/rpm/tire size/engine speed spreadsheet or calculator. Lots of choice with the Richmond.
I had a Hurst shift on the 5-speed. Not good. Clunky, really. Not anything like the 4-speed linkages. However, the Long 6-speed linkage is 1st class. Wish I had opted for the Long on the 5-speed.
Spike
I had a Hurst shift on the 5-speed. Not good. Clunky, really. Not anything like the 4-speed linkages. However, the Long 6-speed linkage is 1st class. Wish I had opted for the Long on the 5-speed.
Spike
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