Is it hard to convert a auto trans to stick. I have a 78 vette auto, i want to make it stick and i have a 82 camaro 5 speed that had a 350 motor put in... Can i swop... Thank you carl

 

I think the hardest step is to install the 4 speed pedal assembly.

 

Has to be the pedals - I converted my 78 in 8 hours over a couple days and even with the dash out, getting the bolts was tough.

As a side note - I used the bolt on frame bracket from an 80 - 81 for the Z-Bar. Much easier than welding a bracket on.

Where are you located?

 

I have done a bunch of these myself. The pedals are a little bit of a challenge but certainly doable. The 5 speed you want to use is a weak unit. If you are not planning on a lot of HP it will probably survive just fine. The conversion is not to bad to do you just hae to gather all the parts first. Linkages, bellhousing, clutch, flywheel and the list goes on.

 

I used these as a parts guide (from Corvette Central)...

 

I swapped an M20 4-speed into my '70 four years ago (Spring project). Bought about half the parts from ebay, bought the rest from a couple Corvette vendors (Zip and Corvette Central if memory serves) and clutch, etc. from Summit. As said before T5's are weak but will survive if you don't beat on them. I used the weld-on Z-bar bracket but a '70 has a real convenient access hole for welding onto the frame with the side vent removed, anything after '72 is kinda hard to get a good angle with a mig torch. the worst part is definitely putting the driver's side dash back together; I had the entire interior torn out to get decent access to all the pedal hanger stuff. It's not too horrible a job if you're a half-decent mechanic but like most things on C3's certain areas can be a real PITA so if you cheap out and use old-worn-junk parts you're gonna pay in the end by taking the car back apart over and over again, and most of those interior pieces don't put up with repeated removal and reinstallation very well. I have a complete list of all the parts I used in the swap; if you want it PM me and I'll get it to you.

 

I just removed my clutch frame bracket, Z-bar, stud, and aftermarket adjustable clutch linkage from my '80 two days ago in prep for a Keisler hydraulic clutch conversion. I will post them on the C3 Parts Forum in a day or two. (I don't have any pictures yet.) Stay tuned if you're interested.

 

what gearboxs can handle high hp?, ie 800+ flywheel hp?

cheers

 

i have just done this to my 78. fortunately there are several things in your favor. first is that the cross member in 78 was the same auto and 4 speed. second, the transmission mount is the same regardless of transmission, so part saved there. you need a new drive shaft also (the 4 speed is just a hair longer than the auto). in addition, if you really want to do it correctly, you should change out the gears in the rear. the auto is 3:06 and the standard configuration 4 speed was 3:36 that year. of course you can go down from there all the way to 4:56. while many will tell you you can keep the 3:06 gears, you will loose low end torque and probably be a bit disappointed in your performance. on the other hand, it will give the best gas mileage while you cruise at highway speeds. the hardest parts for me to acquire were the bracket that the shifter mounts to the cross member on (i couldn't find anyone who is re manufacturing it so i had to find a good used one) and the correct shifter at a decent price (the one you have in your non corvette isn't off set like the corvette shifter is. of course you can get repro units if you want. you will also need to do some sheet metal work on the tunnel. i had to make a plate with the proper cut out to take the lower (rubber) boot seal correctly as the tunnel is a bit different for the 4 speed than the automatic. other than that the only other thing that i wanted to make certain of was the correct bell housing in excellent shape. i went with e 621 because i plan on using an 11" clutch.

good luck

 

I'd agree that you'll be really unhappy if you have a 3.08 rear gear. Off the line performance won't be that great, and with an overdrive 5th, the engine will barely be turning on the highway and won't have any oomph. Keep your fingers crossed that you have a 3.36 or lower.

 

I have a T-5 in my '81 out of a '88 IROC-Z according to the PO. A hyd. clutch master had to be utilized. At first they tried a stock one and the clutch they picked needed a lot more pressure to disengage it so they stepped up to a Wilwood clutch master. My motor is putting out around 350hp and so far the transmission has been great, no grinding or anything. The PO also had the rear diff rebuilt and 3.70 gears dropped in. Its a match made in heaven! Great off the line performance, at 75mph on the hwy I turn around 1800 rpm.

 

You can use the Camaro tranny as long as you don't plan on doing any hardcore driving.