I got an 86 camaro z28. Its got the 305 coupled to the t5 trans.

Its a southern car so no real rust issues. Dash pad is pretty bad like normal.
But im not having an issue with cosmetics.

My issue is in the trans. It has a new clutch.
The trans does numerous things at random times
1. It locks up completly. Hard to get moving in the intersection when it happens. It only does it going into first. You gotta put it in reverse and back up a few inches then it will be fine
2. When you put it in reverse, It goes forward. It does this all the time. Sooner or later it will move forward. Its just a real pain in the butt at times when your in a hurry and it decides it wants to be dumb.
3. It shifts itself out of reverse after the clutch is fully out unless you hold it in.
4. The car has a trans leak from somewhere. I dumped trans fluid down the top of the trans after i replaced the speedo sensor. I put about 3 quarts in it. I know some of it was over flow coming out. But could it possibly be still blowing it out? In little puddles? Sometimes it leaks. Sometimes it doesnt.
Now to a diff subject.
The exhaust.

Its leaking from somewhere and its all stock. I checked all the bolts but still cant seem to find it. Its leaking from the front passenger side. Im thinking maybe that gasket?

If this helps. The trans and motor only have 80000 miles on it. But the previous owner started the little rust hole on the hood and decieded to prep the car for paint. SOme of the paint is great. but its got spots where he tried to touch up. Messed up. so he rubbed it off. Its a good car besides these problems.

Any help on the trans? thats my biggest concern right now.

Thanks

well, the fluid usage is most likely a seal, like around the front shaft or rear seal. The popping out of gear at times or getting hung up sounds like it could be bad syncros. Just a guess on my part there, but I had a Nissan once that did that kind of stuff and the syncros were shot in it or at least that is what I was told by the shop. On the exhaust, is the exhaust leak up by the motor or can you tell? Could be leaking around where your cat mates to the exhaust pipe. Lastly, the tranny could be on it's way to a rebuild too, not trying to bear bad news, I know 80,000 miles may not seem like a lot, but them 5 speeds usually get rung out pretty good....

I tried tightening all the bolts and it didnt solve anything. Its closer to the motor then the cats. Like right about where the wheel would be. but its not the exhaust manifold. I the trans isnt almost blown. I'd get one from a yard before i rebuilt it. the previous owner admitted he beat on it alot. Ugh. any more advice?

hope*

well, the only thing I can think of is to jack the car up and look under it on the passenger side where the down pipe connects to the exhaust manifold. There is a donut gasket there and sometimes those deteriorate over time and cause an exhaust leak. Look for the tell tale sign of black soot around the joint. If it is present, it's leaking.

one thing to keep in mind is another 5 speed from a yard might be rung out too... I think I would at least get a quote from a transmission shop on a rebuild.

I dont think my bank account could do that. How hard is it to throw an auto in it and be done?

Well, pretty easy if you have everything. The radiator is different I believe, at least on the 2nd gens they were and the flywheel will need to be changed. Most likely the tranny mount is different too. Then there is the TV cable if you get a 700r4 and you will need a torque converter too. I am sure I have missed some items as I am not an expert in this area by any means. Most likely you'll just about break even with rebuilding the one you got. We had a 700r4 rebuilt last year and it was about $1200.00 when it was all done, so autos aren't cheap either. Not trying to be discouraging to you, just passing on some things I have come across in the past

Well i've got a trade offer for an 83 k5 blazer in mint condition.... I dont know if i should take it or just throw another trans in the camaro

K5 is cool, but man a 83 ???? gas hoog, 4X4 issues and the list goes on !!!!!!

this one is restored and such.

IS the ac and all working, u need to check it out good, i seen them go real cheap ...i actually seen one go for 1 dollar..lol

Shoot,a mint Blazer in trade fora T5? Someones getting a deal!!


Heytightening things up wont help your problems are in the trans, in the meantime noones carpooling with you right?


You said you filled the trans throught the vent tube? Howd you do that?
If its overfull it could be puking some out. Why not use the fill hole?

Know its risky on a junkyard trans but if budget doesnt allow a rebuild (guarantee thats what you need) may be your only option.

Good luck

It sounds like you over filled the trans. Did you have the upper plug on the passenger side on the trans removed when you added fluid. Once fluid comes out of that hole the trans is full. Also, if you put it in reverse and the car goes forward, it in not in reverse! By "locks up completely" do you mean like it is in two gears? If that is the case then you have an internal problem with the linkage which could also explaine the not going into reverse problem. Sounds to me like an overhaul is needed, or take a chance on a salvage yard replacement.

I think im gonna opt a rebuild. do you know of any places off hand or anything to help me get started? Im trying to keep it numbers matching thats why im hestitant on putting the junk yard trans in it

How far are u from Bardenton, i can rebuild it for ya !!!!

im about an hour and a half from there. Maybe a little more

Call me 941 592 5815 !!

Scott

will do. any certain time?