i have an 83 trans am 5 spd i am getting done up body and motor i have a 350 with lots of performance parts going into it. I have done alot of work to my 83 t5 and it seems to run hot, i have a chance to get a 90 t5 plus pay 400$ should i do it?

 

No.

The T5 is a weak transmission. Even if it is built up they tend not to be that strong. I don't know what you mean by "a 350 with lots of performance parts" but if you're building a motor up, you should go with at least a T56 if not a Tremec.

 

dont get me wrong i love trans ams, this was my first car i held onto for ten years, but if i drop that much money in a transmission its going into a muscle car like a chevelle or something.the cars already run me about 6-7 thousand in work and parts. i just would like to know the difference between the 83 and the 1990 t5?

 

as for the motor it is a 4 bolt main 350 rebuilt with oversize heads crane cam, edelbrock intake, shorty headers, roller rockers, upgraded timing chain, balanced crank shaft, edelbrock carb, and im sure im forgetting some more, i will probly upgrade it some more with ignition n such

 

The 1990 T5 is a World Class T5, and the 1983 is a non World Class T5. The torque ratings on the nonWC T5 is 250 ft/lbs and the WC torque rating is 300 ft/lbs. Sure they've held up behind big motors before, but people have also broken them behind 305s too.

Basically, you could spend $1000 - $1500 getting a T56 or used Tremec and have a transmission that will last and take a beating, OR take your chances with the T5.

Honestly, do not pay money to get another T5. If you already have one, stick with it, and if it breaks, then upgrade. Run it until it dies. It will last if you drive nicely of course. What really kills them is the hard launches with slicks and dumping the clutch etc.

Hope that helps. Keep shooting questions if you've got more. Good luck bud.

 

Thanks for the info. I found out the bellhousing was cracked at the bottom and once the motor was out there was play on the shaft so i coughed up 350$ to exchange it for the 90.