88fastvet

Good Morning would there be any 5 speed transmission other than the Richmond than would work in my 88? i have the 4+3.

hcbph

Definitely a Tremec TR3550, that's what's in my 86 L98. Originally was a 4+3 also, far as I can tell (done before I bought it) they used the original bell housing and clutch hydraulics.

I'm not sure if it can be bought new nowdays but IIRC Tremec said it can be acquired as a rebuilt through them when I asked last year.

Hope that helps.

Tom400CFI

Don't know what your budget is, but for less money, you can also use a BW T5 -same as was used in '83-'92 F-bodies. Would be fine for stock or stockish power.

Another option that I think is viable but no one has done it is the NV3500 trans from 1/2 ton Chevy, Dodge and Dodge Dakota trucks. It's a medium duty trans, has great gear ratios, and is tough; the one I have in my Silverado has proven to be bullet proof (257k current miles, ~1/2 of which are boat towing in the rocky mountains/UT) Great 5 speed trans that holds up.

Lloyd Smale

bw t5 wasnt used by chev with any 350 in an f body. It was maxed out in its capability with the tpi 305 and alot of them didnt hold up with the 305s.

Tom400CFI

I ran a T5 beind a SBC 400 for years and years...drag raced it weekly, 100's of passes on it, flat foot shifting, 1.8 60's...in all that time, I broke a $12 3-4 shift fork...which has nothing to do w/tq.


Yes, you can break anything, if you try hard enough...but it's an option that CAN work. The OP was looking for options.

Lloyd Smale

if your going to use one id at least recomend you get one out of a 88 or newer camaro. They updated them to the world class t5 in 88 and that trany had better bearings and syncros

pezter22

I just had a Tremec TKO600 installed in my '84. Pricey thou. The trans was $4000 with a new clutch, shipping and the install was another $500.

I'm happy and it means I am keeping the car for a long, long while. It's a Z51 manual car. 1500 rpm's at 60 mph in fifth gear.

cgantner5150

I've had the T5 (3rd Gen WC) behind the 385 in my 86 for about 2 1/2 years now. No issues so far but I know not to beat on it (much).