Did automatic and manual convertibles come with different rear ends? I have two convertibles, one 5-speed and one 700r4 and want to switch transmissions. I heard that the factory placed a slightly higher gear ratio in the 5-speed cars. Do I also have to switch the rear axles? Or will I not notice any difference?

Thanks in advance.

 

Other than the ratios, and the possibility of brake differences, they are the same on 3rd Gen.

If both are disk rears, they'll swap right over (same if both are drum rears).

Yes, manuals typically had higher ratios (3.23 or more) while autos seldom went as big as that.

 

I thought all verts came with drum brakes in the rear

 

According to information found on this site only the 1987 and 1988 convertables came with four wheel disc (RPO J65) (at least for the IROC-Z - I didn't read through the Firebirds). This happened when RPO G92, performance axle ratio, was ordered.

Information on this can be found through the below link. Scroll down to where the individual years are detailed:

Tech Data

Chuck