T5 inspection cover solution - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

TransAM Joe · 07-08-2009, 12:04 AM

Since many of you know the T5 inspection cover is a hard animal to track down, so in my quest I was about to fabricate one from scatch when I decided to take a chance on GM #354497 an inspection cover used on older GM 4 speed trans for quite a few years and still readily available new today.

This is not a direct bolt in at least for a one piece rear main, very well could be for a two piece since this is what it's intended to go on, it's takes very little to make it fit and look factory.

First I used a sharp pair of tin snips, went through like hot knife in butter, to cut steps around the outer crank area so it will clear the rear main studs and wider rear seal area, used a picture of a factory t5 cover for a rough guideline. You will also have to remove the entire raised lip section in the same area. Very apparent when you look at the pic, you could take the excess off the bottom but then you eliminate a flat mounting area. Top is Factory T5 and bottom is GM 354497 before mods.

This will get you close, I ended up taking a little off the top on both ends and the outside lip around the starter area then test fit till I was happy with it.

Now for the bolt holes, the bottom two will need no modification. You will need to cut a notch from the top corner bolt hole on the drivers side, it just barely misses so it can just slide into place making it a notch and no longer a hole. The starter side will need a new hole, just test fit the piece put the other three screws into place, use a punch to mark your new hole.

Bolt size is M6 x 1.00 x 12mm

Look around for the best deal on this cover usually go for $25-30, I picked one up for $5 at a swap meet brand new with the GM tag still on it.

All in all about 15 minutes worth of work, shot of black paint for a total of $8 with new bolts and washers.

Hope this helps some people out.