im new to old v8s n stuff so this this is probably a stupid question so i apologize in advance lol. anyway ive got myself a 305 but i wanna drop in a smexy lil 350 (88 camaro btw), and im shooting for about 350hp. so what trans can i use that will handle the power? this should go without saying but i want a manual. anything helps ive always wanted a camaro so may as well make it special.

 

You are asking an extremely broad and unfocused question, and don't come off as having the background to pull off a swap.

Regardless, the information is here, on these forums.

Start reading below, then I would suggest using the search feature to find the dozens, if not hundreds of threads that deal with V8 swaps and manual transmission swaps.
https://www.thirdgen.org/technical-articles/

 

haha yeah idk if i can pull the swap off either, im only 16 and this is my first project but thats all the more motivation💪. thank you though and yeah i thought it was a stupid question lol.

 

didn’t say your question was stupid. it’s just very difficult to answer.

You’ve got several things that make it difficult. There is nothing wrong with having dreams of a sweet ride.

At 16 you may lack the experience to pull a swap off. If you can get into an auto focused shop class in HS do it. It’s a life long skill.

Do you have a place to do auto work like a garage? Or at least a driveway where you can leave a car apart for a few days?

how about tools? You don’t need special tools to pull off an engine or trans swap. A decent hand tools set plus a good jack. You’ll need an engine hoist for engine swaps. But trans swaps can be done on your back in a driveway as long as you have a long reach jack that has a 19” to 22” lift. If you don’t have these tools and can’t borrow them you will have to budget for them. You can get a good jack from harbor freight for about $110. You’ll need 4 jack stands. And a complete set of hand tools with 1/4, 3/8th, and 1/2” drive ratchets.

Then you need to budget for the engine or transmission.

I’d focus on just keeping the car running and maintaining it for now. Keep money saved because your car is 35 years old.

 

yeah ive got tools, storage, etc, like i said idk if i can do the swap either but its worth a shot. i mean hey if its a success not only will everyones mother be in love with me but i also wont just be another turbo civic in the parking lot haha.

on a serious note thanks for the advice, its the start of a long journey and what not. i dont have anyone to teach me but im fine with messing up as long as my pockets are too haha, like i said as long as im beating the losers with civics ill be having a good time lol. anywhos im just gonna awkwardly end the reply here.

 

Search all the threads on here regarding manual trans swaps and find a detailed one that you can copy. get all the needed parts and do a bunch of reading and it'll start seeming less intimidating the more you understand it.

A lot of people like the T56 swap due to the T5s not lasting behind strong engines. I'm sure there's a thousand detailed threads that list all the parts you need and a step by step guide on how to do it.

 

I'm guessing the car is currently an automatic and basing my response on that.

A manual swap is not technically difficult, but it is very work intensive/tight spaces/etc. I did mine over the course of a weekend with about 8 hours of prep-time before that in my spare time (removing seats, prepping firewall, etc). This swap has been done by numerous members and is well documented. It'd also be much easier with the engine out.

I did mine a year ago, and with all used parts EXCEPT for the clutch pack, flywheel, bushings, and bolts it cost me about $1,000 (plus my time). I lucked out and found several used but in good condition parts, including the transmission (a T-5).

I went with a T-5 because (that's what I could find and) I don't beat my car to death. My engine puts out about 415 hp/385 torque. If you're fond of dumping the clutch at 4k and powershifting then you'll blow up a T-5 in short order. If you just drive the car then it will be fine. Even spirited driving.

A T-56 or TKO or TKX are much more beefy but also wayyyy more expensive.