T5 to lsx
#1
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Benzie, MI
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 91 rs
Engine: Blow through 383, 10 psi, xr288hr
Transmission: Manual th350 ATI 3000
Axle/Gears: 3.50 9"
T5 to lsx
I'm looking to mate a stick to a stock 5.3 and I'm trying to do it CHEAP, which means staying away from the T56.
Yes, I know the T5 is weak, but this car won't be abused. It'll be a DD. No track runs.
I'm trying to figure out the total cost of adaptation vs picking up an LS1 T56, which the cheapest ones I have found are around 1000 bucks.
Any input appreciated.
Yes, I know the T5 is weak, but this car won't be abused. It'll be a DD. No track runs.
I'm trying to figure out the total cost of adaptation vs picking up an LS1 T56, which the cheapest ones I have found are around 1000 bucks.
Any input appreciated.
#2
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Guelph, Ontario
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 89 IROC/05 RX8
Engine: LS1/LS1
Transmission: T56/T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 GM/3.55 8.8
Re: T5 to lsx
Your going to need a custom flywheel, and likely clutch disc to work with the T5 slave, then your going to loose some mounting lugs.
By the time you do it all, you could have had a T56 and it would be FAR stronger.
Not worth it at all due to cost, and 0 gain, as the trans wont last more then a week behind even a 5.3L which in truck outfit with a stock exhaust is 295hp
By the time you do it all, you could have had a T56 and it would be FAR stronger.
Not worth it at all due to cost, and 0 gain, as the trans wont last more then a week behind even a 5.3L which in truck outfit with a stock exhaust is 295hp
#3
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Benzie, MI
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 91 rs
Engine: Blow through 383, 10 psi, xr288hr
Transmission: Manual th350 ATI 3000
Axle/Gears: 3.50 9"
Re: T5 to lsx
I heard a one peice RMS flywheel would work. Could you tell me the difference? I know it will be missing a bellhousing bolt. Everyone does when they mount a th350 to an LS1.
The trans would last as long as I make it last. Its all how you drive. The average 305 was 300 ft/lbs, the 5.3 is 325 ft/lbs. The car is also only 3000 lbs. I've seen many T5s live behind high hp, damage happens when you side step. It just takes a little self control. And if it does break, oh well I throw another one in for 50 bucks.
If I could pick up a T5 for a hundred bucks, and the adapting hardware only cost me 300 bucks, it would be worth it to me.
The trans would last as long as I make it last. Its all how you drive. The average 305 was 300 ft/lbs, the 5.3 is 325 ft/lbs. The car is also only 3000 lbs. I've seen many T5s live behind high hp, damage happens when you side step. It just takes a little self control. And if it does break, oh well I throw another one in for 50 bucks.
If I could pick up a T5 for a hundred bucks, and the adapting hardware only cost me 300 bucks, it would be worth it to me.
#4
Supreme Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Kingston, Tn
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: LT1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.70 posi
Re: T5 to lsx
A stock T5 won't hold up very long behind it, I knew a guy who had a WC-T5 behind an LT1 and blew it up 3 times before he decided to put the T56 back in the car and it has survived all the abuse he put to it. People buy adapter plates to use a flexplate for a TH350 which you probably could use a T5 from a Z28, but T56 are getting reasonable in price.
#5
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Benzie, MI
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 91 rs
Engine: Blow through 383, 10 psi, xr288hr
Transmission: Manual th350 ATI 3000
Axle/Gears: 3.50 9"
Re: T5 to lsx
Well so far I've found out that I can use an LS7 pilot bearing, LSX clutch and flywheel, and bbc bellhousing to house the clutch.
I think a t5 WILL last. Its all how you drive it. The motor only makes 25 more ft lbs than the cars it came in, and it will be getting shifted nicely. My buddy has been using a 4 cylinder T5 in his mustang for a year and a half and only broke it when he downshifted from 5th to 3rd a couple days ago. He shifted much nicer than the prior 11 T5s. He makes about 350-400hp.
I think a t5 WILL last. Its all how you drive it. The motor only makes 25 more ft lbs than the cars it came in, and it will be getting shifted nicely. My buddy has been using a 4 cylinder T5 in his mustang for a year and a half and only broke it when he downshifted from 5th to 3rd a couple days ago. He shifted much nicer than the prior 11 T5s. He makes about 350-400hp.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 670
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: 355
Transmission: Th-350
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: T5 to lsx
Don't be another guy that insists on learning the hard way.
Whats the point of having power if you cant use it?
Whats the point of having power if you cant use it?
#7
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: 39.84N 105.11W
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '89 Trans Am GTA
Engine: WAS 350 - now L92 (alum. 378/6.2L)
Transmission: WAS 700R4, now a built T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: T5 to lsx
Originally Posted by Batass
I think a t5 WILL last.
Trending Topics
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 807
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 1991 Trans Am GTA
Engine: LSX (swapping)
Transmission: 4L60E (swapping)
Axle/Gears: 2.73 Posi 10 Bolt
Re: T5 to lsx
If you are gonna daily drive it and just putt around town, sure it will be fine. But what is the point in putting a five speed manual in your car and have all that power if your aren't gonna use it? May as well swap the 305 back in as well.
#9
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Benzie, MI
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 91 rs
Engine: Blow through 383, 10 psi, xr288hr
Transmission: Manual th350 ATI 3000
Axle/Gears: 3.50 9"
Re: T5 to lsx
Well I can hammer the gas once its in gear, its smacking gears that are rough on em. The truck is going to have a weak rear as well, and it won't get much traction anyway unless I use some real big sticky tires.
Its an S10. It won't take any abuse to get it going.
If I can pick up a used LSX flywheel, clutch, T5, and a BBC bellhousing (to house the 14" flywheel) for under 500 bucks, I think its worth it. I could even ignore the clutch and flywheel since most T56's don't come with that anyway.
If I could find an LS1 T56 for under a grand, I would go that route, but the goal of this project is fun, quick, and cheap. Quick and cheap CAN live together under the same roof.
Its an S10. It won't take any abuse to get it going.
If I can pick up a used LSX flywheel, clutch, T5, and a BBC bellhousing (to house the 14" flywheel) for under 500 bucks, I think its worth it. I could even ignore the clutch and flywheel since most T56's don't come with that anyway.
If I could find an LS1 T56 for under a grand, I would go that route, but the goal of this project is fun, quick, and cheap. Quick and cheap CAN live together under the same roof.
#10
Supreme Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Kingston, Tn
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: LT1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.70 posi
Re: T5 to lsx
Well, you won't be using an LSx clutch, the splines are different on the input shafts for sure, and the slave cylinder setup is totally different. You won't need to use a BBC bellhousing, just use a normal clutch setup for a T5 and you should be fine.
and...I have never seen quick and cheap live under the same roof and survive very long.
and...I have never seen quick and cheap live under the same roof and survive very long.
#11
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Benzie, MI
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 91 rs
Engine: Blow through 383, 10 psi, xr288hr
Transmission: Manual th350 ATI 3000
Axle/Gears: 3.50 9"
Re: T5 to lsx
Thats what I'm being told by a guy that mated a richmond to a 6.0. 1 1/8 x 26 spline.
So you're saying that a sbc flywheel will bolt to an LSX crank?
So you're saying that a sbc flywheel will bolt to an LSX crank?
#12
Supreme Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Kingston, Tn
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: LT1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.70 posi
Re: T5 to lsx
You might want to look at D&D Performance, see if they have any info about putting a T5 behind an LS series motor.
Last edited by Klortho; 02-22-2009 at 10:09 PM.
#13
Moderator
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Littleton, CO USA
Posts: 43,169
Likes: 0
Received 35 Likes
on
34 Posts
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
I'll have to admit I didn't look carefully at the crank when I installed the LS7 flywheel and clutch, and don't have the original flywheel around anymore.
If the Gen I/II flywheel will bolt to the LSx crank (and, I don't know if that's the case), LSx flywheels are neutral balanced while Gen I/II flywheels are weighted to take the place of the counterweight that was external to the rear main seal on 2-piece RMS engines. So, if a 1-piece RMS Gen I/II flywheel actually bolts on, it will have to be rebalanced first.
I think. . .
If the Gen I/II flywheel will bolt to the LSx crank (and, I don't know if that's the case), LSx flywheels are neutral balanced while Gen I/II flywheels are weighted to take the place of the counterweight that was external to the rear main seal on 2-piece RMS engines. So, if a 1-piece RMS Gen I/II flywheel actually bolts on, it will have to be rebalanced first.
I think. . .
#14
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Benzie, MI
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 91 rs
Engine: Blow through 383, 10 psi, xr288hr
Transmission: Manual th350 ATI 3000
Axle/Gears: 3.50 9"
Re: T5 to lsx
If it does bolt up, couldn't I just use a pre 87' flywheel? IIRC, they don't have any weights.
#18
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Northern NJ
Posts: 1,387
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 89 Formula / 09 G8
Engine: LS1 / LS3
Transmission: M6 / M6
Axle/Gears: 3:42 / 3:27
Re: T5 to lsx
If you are interested, I have a never used LSX flywheel for sale. PM for the details, I'm not looking for much.
#20
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Northern NJ
Posts: 1,387
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 89 Formula / 09 G8
Engine: LS1 / LS3
Transmission: M6 / M6
Axle/Gears: 3:42 / 3:27
Re: T5 to lsx
It seems there is more demand for this than I thought.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LS1-L...Q5fAccessories
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LS1-L...Q5fAccessories
#21
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Benzie, MI
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 91 rs
Engine: Blow through 383, 10 psi, xr288hr
Transmission: Manual th350 ATI 3000
Axle/Gears: 3.50 9"
Re: T5 to lsx
385 bucks. I'm planning on picking up used lsx stuff. Found a flywheel, clutch and plate, ls7 bearing, and a bbc bellhousing for $300.
#22
Moderator
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Littleton, CO USA
Posts: 43,169
Likes: 0
Received 35 Likes
on
34 Posts
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
It seems there is more demand for this than I thought.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LS1-L...Q5fAccessories
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LS1-L...Q5fAccessories
Personally, I can see only trouble ahead for this marriage. I'd stick with a good ol' T56. More than likely it would end up costing less in the end, and you'd have a better transmission.
#23
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Benzie, MI
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 91 rs
Engine: Blow through 383, 10 psi, xr288hr
Transmission: Manual th350 ATI 3000
Axle/Gears: 3.50 9"
Re: T5 to lsx
Yea, I was wondering about that. I don't know if thats what they meant, it said it would fit in any sbc or bbc bellhousing.
I don't see why a T5 couldn't handle 300hp and 325 ft/lbs. They are rated for 300 aren't they? With a soft clutch, street tires, and little abuse, why not?
I think I could get a T5 in for under 500 bucks vs 1200 for a T56. The T5 would need a shorter driveshaft, which I'm not exactly sure would cost. The T56 wouldn't...
I may be giving up on this idea though and just sticking a T56 in my blown camaro. That would satisfy my desire for some stick.
I'm dying to build something with a 5.3 and a T5 though. Something light........
I don't see why a T5 couldn't handle 300hp and 325 ft/lbs. They are rated for 300 aren't they? With a soft clutch, street tires, and little abuse, why not?
I think I could get a T5 in for under 500 bucks vs 1200 for a T56. The T5 would need a shorter driveshaft, which I'm not exactly sure would cost. The T56 wouldn't...
I may be giving up on this idea though and just sticking a T56 in my blown camaro. That would satisfy my desire for some stick.
I'm dying to build something with a 5.3 and a T5 though. Something light........
#24
Supreme Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Kingston, Tn
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: LT1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.70 posi
Re: T5 to lsx
If people are blowing up T5's behind a stock 305 TPI motor, I doubt it would last very long behind a 5.3 or LS1, hell I know people who blow up stock T56s behind LS1's
#25
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Benzie, MI
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 91 rs
Engine: Blow through 383, 10 psi, xr288hr
Transmission: Manual th350 ATI 3000
Axle/Gears: 3.50 9"
Re: T5 to lsx
I'd like to know how they were being driven at the time though. A T5 could break behind a 4 cylinder if beaten enough.
#26
Member
iTrader: (12)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Allentown, PA
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 87 Trans am
Engine: 350tpi
Transmission: 6spd
Axle/Gears: 4.10
Re: T5 to lsx
My big question is isn't the cranckshaft flang a different distance from the bellhowsing flang between the ls and the gen1 engines. So you would need a special flywheel like the one linked or the clutch wouldn't be in the right location. Same reason you can't use a lt1 t56.
#27
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Benzie, MI
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 91 rs
Engine: Blow through 383, 10 psi, xr288hr
Transmission: Manual th350 ATI 3000
Axle/Gears: 3.50 9"
Re: T5 to lsx
I think its just the length of the input shaft. The lsx is longer, the lt1 is shorter. The lsx has two bearing journals, one for its stick trannies, and the larger one for the tq converter hub. The ls7 pilot bearing sits in the tq converter journal, and this accepts a gen 1 input shaft. I hope I'm using the term journal correctly here.
#28
Re: T5 to lsx
Just thought I'd revive this old, old thread and say that if I could find a T56 anywhere these days for as much as you guys say they go for, id take it in a heartbeat.
They don't go for under 2800 these days, and that's LOW.
They don't go for under 2800 these days, and that's LOW.
#29
COTM Editor
iTrader: (22)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,932
Likes: 0
Received 1,860 Likes
on
1,274 Posts
Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: T5 to lsx
Everything has gotten more expensive in the last 10 years since this thread. But would think T56 prices are going down now that you can buy a brand new Magnum F for $3,400.
The following users liked this post:
WildCard600 (10-16-2020)
#30
Re: T5 to lsx
I used Texas Drivetrain Performance to upgrade and convert an LT T56 to a stage 2 LS T56. They did good work, and I think they sometimes sell rebuilt T56's. I briefly read through some of their facebook posts. Looks like the owner is dipping his toe into the T5 upgrade market. I know you want cheap, but finding out a used tranny is trashed after you install it would really suck.
https://www.facebook.com/TexasDrivetrainPerformance/
https://www.facebook.com/TexasDrivetrainPerformance/
#31
621 bell housing
I ordered a 621 bell housing and now am realizing there is no chance it’s bolting to my t5. It’s a 98 firebird with a 3.8 and a 5 speed so I thought it was a t5. I see this thread is old, but has some recent activity. Any help would be appreciated!
#33
#34
Supreme Member
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 2,002
Received 144 Likes
on
119 Posts
Car: 92 Firebird, 77 Trans Am SE, 86 Z28
Engine: 5.7 HSR, T/A 6.6, empty
Transmission: T-5, TH350, T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 posi, 3.23 posi, 3.23
Re: T5 to lsx
621 bellhousings were for old 4 speeds as I recall. I'm not sure what you're trying to do but the only 5 speed it might bolt to is a tko and I'm not 100% sure on that without researching
#35
Supreme Member
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: NJ
Posts: 4,345
Received 298 Likes
on
234 Posts
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: T5 to lsx
The 621 is for an old 4 speed or for a T56 with the adapter bellhousing. I don't know what T5 you have, but if its 84-92 F-body then you need a T5 bellhousing
#36
Re: 621 bell housing
#37
Re: 621 bell housing
621 should work to bolt a gm t5 to a ls and use a 11" clutch setup. Checkout my build where I did it with a 4th gen t5 which was a little more complicated (has a ford bolt pattern).
#38
Junior Member
Re: T5 to lsx
Keep in mind everything that connects to the transmission will be out of alignment. The cross member, trq arm, shifter, etc. They all have to be adjusted to account for the straight up installation.
#39
Re: T5 to lsx
That was a cool build thread, 3100chevy. Since you’re in Canada and seem to have a large source of car parts, I couldn’t help but think of that show Rust Valley Restorers.
This write-up had some good info. 4th gen T5 won’t work with 621.
https://www.corral.net/threads/lsx-t5-the-final-word.1744385/
This write-up had some good info. 4th gen T5 won’t work with 621.
https://www.corral.net/threads/lsx-t5-the-final-word.1744385/
Last edited by johnw999; 01-13-2022 at 11:42 AM.
#40
Supreme Member
Re: T5 to lsx
A stock T5 won't hold up very long behind it, I knew a guy who had a WC-T5 behind an LT1 and blew it up 3 times before he decided to put the T56 back in the car and it has survived all the abuse he put to it. People buy adapter plates to use a flexplate for a TH350 which you probably could use a T5 from a Z28, but T56 are getting reasonable in price.
*ETA: Holy thread necro. Totally missed the original post date
#41
Re: T5 to lsx
Referring to the beginning of this thread. I had a 87 GTA that got wrecked. It had TFS heads, Lingenfelter 219 cam, accel intake, etc. It cracked the intake when it got wrecked somehow. So I put on a Performer carb intake and a Holley. Stuck it in a 84 Z28 with a T5. It broke the T5 doing a burnout. Without powerbraking on reg street tires. Not even Z rated street tires. Not even V rated. Lol So as stated several times above. Just do it right the first time. The added insurance is worth the little extra cost. Just my 2 cents.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Steven6282
Transmissions and Drivetrain
24
06-03-2011 10:21 AM