5 speed?
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: spokane wa
5 speed?
I'm looking at doing a 5 speed swap on my 81 and was wondering witch one to go with? I am on a budget so I'm looking in the junk yard. was wondering if anyone had any ideas, mustang T-5 or maybe a chevy truck 5 speed, or what?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,557
Likes: 9
From: Oquirrh Mountains
St. Jude Donor '09
Chevy made a four spd manual o/d for a time in 80-87 vans, trucks, etc. They are essentially a drop-in, but you will need the bellhousing b/c they are specific to this transmission. The shifter may need mods too.
Here's the whole setup for only four bens!
http://knoxville.craigslist.org/pts/2528404542.html
Do a search for plasticman on this forum. He has one and documented the install.
Here's the whole setup for only four bens!
http://knoxville.craigslist.org/pts/2528404542.html
Do a search for plasticman on this forum. He has one and documented the install.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,206
Likes: 8
From: Belmar NJ
You'll need to look over a used T5 closely as many of them have been rode hard and put away wet. If the trans needs a rebuild and all the little bits to make the conversion, you start creeping up into new kit territory. Cost everything out carefully or you might spend as much or maybe a bit more than a kit. /:\
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
You'll need to look over a used T5 closely as many of them have been rode hard and put away wet. If the trans needs a rebuild and all the little bits to make the conversion, you start creeping up into new kit territory. Cost everything out carefully or you might spend as much or maybe a bit more than a kit. /:\
The T-5 I installed in my car started its life behind a 5.0 Mustang in '92.
How long it resided there or how many miles were on the trans. when I bought it, I do not know. And for that reason I had it dissasembled and inspected. There were no parts that needed replacing, so I felt confident that it was ready to spend some time behind my SBC.
I doubt however that even if it needed a complete rebuild it would approach the cost of a kit.
Total cost to me for the swap was $700.00. I did do all the fab. and I'm sure that saved me some cash.
The little bits that I think the above poster is refering to would include a new clutch/pressure plate and T.O. bearing. Along with a trans mount and a hydraulic cylinder and slave cylinder.
I also had a new drive shaft made W/U-Joints.
I still contend that what most are fearful of is the fabrication of the adapter plate and in all honesty it was more difficult to "Dial" the plate in than it was to make.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 61
From: Kona Hawaii
Promotion Powertrain
Was going to use a T5 from these guys 1350.00 http://www.promotionpowertrain.com/GM_STICK.html But found a new Richmond 6 on craigslist. My install write up http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...am-change.html ...Good luck!
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Advanced
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: MHT N.H.
Just did this to my 76. I don't have a hydraulic clutch. Don't know if you do or not. It cost me about $550.00 total. Got a t-5 world class on Craigslist out of a 89 Camaro z28 for $475.00. The rest of the money was to have drive shaft shortened and have a yoke put on. You have to fabricate a bracket for the tranny mount cause it is at an angle and you have to make a bracket for the shifter cause it is to the right of the stock hole.
You do not have to cut the crossmember out if yours is welded in as mine was.
If you decide to go for it feel free to ask questions.
Oh yea, putting the drveshaft in is not pretty but do-able.
John
You do not have to cut the crossmember out if yours is welded in as mine was.
If you decide to go for it feel free to ask questions.
Oh yea, putting the drveshaft in is not pretty but do-able.
John
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: spokane wa
thanks for all the help. I just question the durability of the camaro T5. The only concern i have is the 400ish HP 350 i have, and only being 27 years old i have a youthful ignorance problem with my right foot.. Any ideas?