T5 upgrade/questions
 

Hello all,
I was curious to get some input from you guys on my potential thoughts on future upgrades to one of my Camaros. I have a 71 Camaro that I've restored and currently have a 4 speed in the car. I am picking up a 5.3 liter off of a buddy of mine for cheap that I am planning on rebuilding/boring, and packing more punch into my 71. The current 350 only has a mild cam and low compression pistons, but came with the car when I bought it as a roller. As I'm sure many of you no a free running engine will certainly do when trying to get a car done and on the road. I am currently trying to get answers from my buddy on exactly what kind of 5.3 it is. Regardless, my thoughts are I have a T5 transmission just sitting in my garage I bought for my 84 Camaro as a spare or to potentially rebuild for that car if the current WC T5 was to go. So my questions are to all of you are...

Do they make rebuild kits for the T5 that would withstand more power from a 5.3? It is not a WC T5

Can a T5 be used with a 5.3 engine? My thoughts are it would be great to have overdrive on those long drives.

Is it worth all the aggravation? I figured if I were to rebuild this transmission regardless I can still get use out of it in my 84.

Am I better off putting the time and effort into rebuilding the 350 and linking it up with the T5?

Thanks in advance!

Re: T5 upgrade/questions
 

Is the 5.3 a LS motor? If so then it is kinda a PITA to mate the T5 up to the motor. Grab a t56 meant for LS motors. Other than that there are not a lot of upgrades for a NWC t5

Re: T5 upgrade/questions
 

Yeah. What Midias said. I agree.:yup:

Re: T5 upgrade/questions
 

It wouldn't be the first time a NWC T5 was used with an engine bigger than a 305. I would rather have one than a 4 speed. If it's a third gen 83-87 V8 version, the ratios are good for a V8 2nd gen. The third gen shifter position is pretty good in the 2nd gen, but don't expect it to match the console location etc.

Driveshaft will need shortened. The LS flywheels are all 168 tooth and too big for the third gen bellhousing (McLeod makes a 153 or you could get a Lakewood or a few ways to do it.)

Re: T5 upgrade/questions
 

It is an LS motor. I have read on the forums after doing some review it can be done. The problem is that it is only a NT5. If in going to try and get any horsepower out of that engine there's a good chance I'll shread the transmission. I'm wondering if I can upgrade the transmission at a cost effective price without buying a T56.

Re: T5 upgrade/questions
 

There are no upgrades for the NWC T5 as far as I know. The WC T5 can be upgraded it willl cost about $2000. If you don't treat the trans like an idiot it can last but it is a much smarter choice to get a large based t56 it will probably end up being cheaper than adapting a t5 to a ls motor.