1980 Automatic to Manual Conversion
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 107
Likes: 40
I swapped my 76 from auto to T5. I won't go into every detail but COrvette Central sells a kit that has the correct pedals and linkage, frame mounted bracket for the linkage. I sourced a correct bellhousing on local craigslist and clutch and flywheel from local advance auto. I had the T5 rebuilt and upgraded, shortened a spare driveshaft, modified the auto shifter plate, added a 90 degree adapter for the speedo cable as well as a 7" cable extension. I had to fabricate/modify the trans mount and move the e-brake pulley.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,149
Likes: 265
From: The frozen wastes...
you can't be effing around dry fitting that trans repeatedly over a fixed crossmember. it can be done bolt-in with a couple of short pieces of u-channel but better with a welder.. if you have a T5, like i do, by all means use it. they are getting like Fiero seats. few more out there. so i think looking for a T5 setup is a waste of time these days.
But NOW... i'm wondering... how long a T5 will last behind a mild 454...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 415
From: N J
I know they aren't the strongest 5 speeds available, but for the $$$$ ya cant go wrong. Never a problem with them, both were world class t5's.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,149
Likes: 265
From: The frozen wastes...
REALLY... now thats surprising. Whats the difference between world class and not? I used to know this. Were yours OEM pull-outs? Or aftermarket?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 415
From: N J
Guess I got lucky and found some decent transmissions. They were stock trans's from private sellers. Dont remember the torque specs off hand, but the WC are a lil stronger than the non WC.
Both out of late 80"s camaros or firebirds with the mechanical speedo.
Both out of late 80"s camaros or firebirds with the mechanical speedo.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,149
Likes: 265
From: The frozen wastes...
How stout were your 454's?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,149
Likes: 265
From: The frozen wastes...
Hmmm... this is fascinating. If i end up doing this, i'm gonna hit you up for details. I have a vague plan coming together here... but i still have to follow this research rabbit-hole to its end. Mine will be a road racer, and under 3000lbs (even with 454), so that'll help.
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 148
Likes: 107
From: Boston
Not so sure... I'm looking out for both. So far in a year i've come across one pair ov Fiero seats... ripped up, that the guy wont sell, and a solid dozen Camaro T5's (most still in complete F-bodies). If i go this route, i dont expect to pay for one. Seats, i'm just gonna go aftermarket. Lots ov used junk on CL for cheap...
But NOW... i'm wondering... how long a T5 will last behind a mild 454...
But NOW... i'm wondering... how long a T5 will last behind a mild 454...
Don't even consider a T5 unless it's a World Class version.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,149
Likes: 265
From: The frozen wastes...
Looking into whether i can use a T45 now. I know that will hold. Just dont know if i can make it fit behind a Chevy...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
When u do your conversion take notice on the Z bar bracket.Mine was flexing causing issues..Replaced with a stronger one made from a forum member a decade ago..https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-problem.html
Last edited by iokepakai; May 3, 2022 at 03:54 PM.