I can add some insight to why GM didn't add the 5 speed into 5.7l camaros before the fourth gen. The 3rd gen 5.7l camaros and firebirds were the number one killer of drivers under 25 for many years running. The high power coupled with the posi rearends made them kick sideways during cornering when they shifted under power. GM deamed the manual too dangerous due to improper shifting in such a high powered vehicle. If you dumped the clutch at high speeds, the car would be off the road before you could react. It wasn't until the 4th gen, when the hydralic clutches could be made to engage slower, that they allowed manuals to be used. If you have ever driven a 4th gen with the 5.7, and tryed to catch a wheel in second, you know what I'm talking about. When you shift, then dump the clutch under power, It feels like it slips for a second before it grabs. This is what keeps it from loosing control in the corners.

 

I dont think so. My 84 TA with a stock L69/auto combo would spin you in a circle while going a around a turn if you jumped on it and werent ready. Ive had 11 Trans Ams. Any RWD V-8 with a decent amount of power/gearing and a posi will do that. FYI, GM went to hydralic setup in 1984. Any fourthgen ive ever driven feels no different than a thirdgen as far as clutch engagement.

 

Third gen had hydralic cluctch since 1984, so I do not think that's the case.

 

.........

 

So they decided, well if they're going to die, lets add a 275 horse LT-1!

NO, go hard or go home LS-1

 

I don't know where this came from, my LT1 will kick sideways and keep spinning when I powershift to second

 

My '97 tears **** up when i powershift into second lol... definetly doesn't slip. If your clutch is slipping, then you've got problems!

Maybe I should go dump the clutch at speed a couple times to test your theory

 

Thats funny stuff.

The correct answer is simply the T5 wasnt rated for the hp and torque that the TPI 350 motors produced period.

They dont care how many people die, they simply care about the bottom line and warranty costs.

later
Jeremy

 

No guys, really, GM does care about us and our well being. And while I'm at it they also care about our opinions!

 

wow, this guy is not much of a thinker. maybe he should go into politics, or maybe work at a meat packing plant. maybe a mod should make a sticky out of this as an example of "dont be dumbed tooo".

 

Not only that the 350 ate t-5s for lunch & dinner then ate small kids for dessert lol

 

Actually the T5 is a much maligned trans.

There are many many examples out there taking some awfully serious abuse.

Yes they wouldnt take the torque rating of a TPI 350, but they were never made to in the first place if u think about it.

The 305 it could deal with.

The biggest factor on the T5 is simply weight of the vehicle and the actual driver skill. I know alot of people putting huge power thru them and lasting many years. U grind gears and dont use a clutch its not gonna last long. U know how to drive and get clean shifts every time, you wuold be suprised at what they put up with.

Look at Mustang 5.0, lots of them going really fast using a T5, they break there too, but most of the time, its not the guys who can drive a stick car clean at the track, its the hambones who think they can drive a stick lol

Our cars were all 3300+(and most a decent amount more) whereas the comparable Mustang was 3300 at its worst and most were lighter.


later
Jeremy

 

3rd gen hydraulic clutches are just like LT-1 style setups.