My question is this: can I use the tranny bellhousing from a 305 5 spd on a 350 that I am connecting to a 5 spd? And just out of curiosity does anyone know why gm never made the 5 spd available with a 350? Thanks

 

Yes, you can use the same bellhousing.

And they didnt come in 350's i think because they are not rated for the torque the 350 TPI makes.

 

5spd bolts right up to a 350.

Will hold up fine as long as you dont go clutch dumping on a regular basis.

 

There are 3 common theories as to why the factory never offered a 5-speed behind a 350 in 3rd gens:

1. The T5 wasn't strong enough to handle the torque of a 350 (the way the factory rates a transmission is to subject it to the rated torque & RPMs for 24 hours straight - shock loads don't come into the equation).

2. The 350 wouldn't meet emissions requirements with a T5 behind it.

3. A 350 with a T5 in an f-body was quicker than the Vettes of that time.

Personally, I don't buy #2 at all.

#1 has some credibility, but 'Stangs had a different T5 that is plenty strong.

I think #3 is the real reason. . .

 

i vote #3 and some #1

 

So if I do this swap will my T-5 not last long? (I don't plan on abusing it, just getting on it every once in a whie and taking it to the track once or twice a year.)

 

No high-RPM clutch dumps, no speed shifting, and it will last a long, long time.

 

Search the tranny board, you will find lots of info on 350's and T5's.
My T5 broke the 3-4 shift linkage twice running 13 second ET's (simple fix). But it shattered the 3rd gear and input shaft running 12's. I then replaced it with a T56.