Slayze

iTrader: (1)

Hello I have a 1987 Trans Am with a 305 TPI. I am going to start rebuilding a 350 carborated small block for it. I was thinking of also looking into putting in a manual transmission instead of the 700R4. Only thing is I dont know alot about what will fit/what parts I need. So any help would be great.

Would a manual trans from a camaro fit? If so what years would fit an 87 Trans Am?

I have read that the manual 5 speed Transmission is a T5. Is there another manual trans that works for this also?

Would it be cheaper just to have my 700R4 beefed up/rebuilt? Maybe I should go that route?

Will the drive shaft still be the same ? or would I need to replace that as well?

What about the center console? Would that need replaced as well? or would the old one work with some modifications to it?

Any info on this would be great. Thanks in advance.

jmd

iTrader: (4)

Two threads at the top you should read for starters:

T5 FAQ - Everything we know about the T5

My T56 Swap Thread....

Slayze

iTrader: (1)

I have read many topics on them and continue to do so. Theres just some things I am not sure on and as I gather more info I would hope to also become more informed with any reply's to this thread. Thanks for helping and as I said I will continue to learn about what I can on this topic.

I may just stick with rebuilding the 700R4 as it seems like it is gonna be a pain to find the parts I need to switch to a manual.

nomind

Trans will be the same between Firebird and Camaro, I would suggest 88-92 for the WCT5, but the earlier NWCT5 will work.
Driveshaft will interchange between the 700R4 and the T5.
I believe there is a TKO500 or TKO600 kit for the car that will work.
For the center console, you need to replace the shifplate, not necessarily the whole console. Although I have seen 1-2 people that have used the automatic shift plate with some modifications.

Biggest issue that I ran into was having the correct flywheel, and that was more because my car has a 2 piece rear main, and the setup I bought was from a newer Camaro, with a 1 piece rear main. As for price, I think that you will be in the same situation either way. I had about $1100 in my swap, all said and done, which is exactly what a good trans shop here quoted me for a solid rebuild of the 700. The other consideration for you is how much power are you planning on pushing through the T5.

Slayze

iTrader: (1)

Well as far as power I will be pulling out the 305 TPI thats currently in it. I will be putting together a 350 chevy block bored 30 over and a pretty beefy cam. I have read that the T5 was originally not put in the 350's because it wasnt rated for it. So I am not sure if a swap with what the 350 will be putting out would be wise. Also as far as the 700R4 could you swap that for say a 350 turbo trans?

I am just looking at options atm and what might be my be the route to take. I havnt done anything to the rearend yet but I plan on beefing the gears back there up eventually to.

Currently with the 305 TPI engine thats in it the 700R4 just doesnt seem right to me. When ya get on it the rpm's seem to be pegged for longer than it should. It seems that the trans needs to shift sooner.

I did open it up and install a B&M shift kit, but that didnt seem to help. I can chirp second now, but third seems to shift normal still.

In any case once I get the 350 engine done I definatly want to either put the 700R4 in the trans shop or swap it out for a better alternative.

Also if the camaro T5 will work for a swap. What about the clutch peddle and everything else needed is that going to be the same also?

Thanks again for the input.

rmulle1986

I already have the complete 5 speed swap from HAWKS THIRD GEN $1,200. I have a 350 4 bolt with the 700r4 in it and the tranny was half shot when i put it in. But I was working in new motor, so ok lol. I have a 92 Z28 25th aniversary and the 5 speed kit goes right in. Didnt want to hunt parts down and I am pressed for time (college)

Anyway, the swap is easy. If you have a high rear gear like say the 2.72 open diff like I do..then an upgrade in gears is VERY important..the tall 2.73 will bind the WC T-5 if you get on it much. The kit was all used parts so I had to buy a new clutch and pressure plate. I am in middle of it..in fact my hands are still smelly from degreaser. I recomend if you are building a drag car...stay with automatic...but a street car with fun and occasional trip down strip...go with the T-5...upgrade to TKO when you get money. The WC T-5 from what i hear can be destoyed if its behind a powerfull 350...mines only 310hp if that, so I will be ok once i get some better gears...but a cammed bored 350 can eat the t-5 if you race it to much...hope i helped

LarryL

I'm getting ready to do t5 swap in my TA. I got a complete setup out of 88 camaro wc t5. I just purchased gforce case and support plate. I'm lucky I got a complete new gforce gearset from a local guy for a third of the selling price. I pickup a center force stage 2 clutch new on ebay for $90. Flywheels are cheap enough and easy to get for 1 or 2 piece rear main seal. The guy I bought the setup from gave me 2 new flywheels. I still have to get the complete rebuild kit. Local tranny shop is rebuilding trans for $150 (friend of mine). When all is said and done it will cost $1700. I'm doing the install. This trans will support 600hp and 500 lbs torque. I don't race mine I just like to shift gears. I'm building it all out because I never want to take it out and rebuild it.