Automatic to manual transmission swap
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Bethel Park pa
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1984 Chevy Camaro
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 7.5in 10 bolt with 3.08
Automatic to manual transmission swap
I have a 84 camaro. It has the 700r4 in it now but I really want a stick shift. Problem is I have no idea what transmission will fit and hold up. I'm building a 383 to power it so the tranny has to be able to handle at least 400-500 horsepower/torque.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
#3
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 86 Iroc-Z, 92 Firebird Formula
Engine: 350 carb, 305 TPI
Transmission: T5, T5
Re: Automatic to manual transmission swap
Yeah, most people are going to tell you to go the t56 route. However, there are a lot of guys who have rebuilt/beefed up a T5 and had great luck with it. I'm getting ready to swap an older 4 speed in place of the T5 in my camaro right now. My camaro has a built 383 and had no problems with the T5 once it was built up a little bit, and I raced it last season as well and have had no issues. I just like 4 speeds.
#4
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Wichita Falls, TX
Posts: 916
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 91 Firebird,00 c2500,75 Vette
Engine: 3.1 but 350 soon, 350, 350
Transmission: T56 soon
Axle/Gears: stock 3.42 Posi to come
Re: Automatic to manual transmission swap
You have several choices as to what to use.
1) 93-97 T56 from Camaro or Firebird. Preferably 94 and up. It is fairly easy to find and relatively straight forward swap. Need a new cross member. Read the T56 swap sticky at the top. It has two overdrive gears so can give better fuel mileage. It has the pull type clutch not the normal push type.
2) T5 from 83-92 Camaro and Firebird. These are a relatively weak tranny. Some upgrades are available for rebuilds but can get costly. Generally hold up well for normal everyday driving. For spirited or performance driving many have had issues. It does have one overdrive gear so a little better fuel mileage but not as good as the T56.
3) An earlier 4 sp like the T10 or Muncie. The trans is fairly strong but requires an early Z bar set up from 82-83 to use. A hydraulic throwout is possible eliminating the Z bar mechanical linkage. It is fairly strong but does not have an overdrive so mileage will suffer some. Torque arm mounts?
4) An aftermarket trans. Possible clearance and or clutch issues but easily solvable. Some modifications may be needed. Usually a 5 or six speed trans with overdrive. These are strong but may need some adapting to work and are pricey.
This gives you an idea of the normal choices and a few pros or cons.
1) 93-97 T56 from Camaro or Firebird. Preferably 94 and up. It is fairly easy to find and relatively straight forward swap. Need a new cross member. Read the T56 swap sticky at the top. It has two overdrive gears so can give better fuel mileage. It has the pull type clutch not the normal push type.
2) T5 from 83-92 Camaro and Firebird. These are a relatively weak tranny. Some upgrades are available for rebuilds but can get costly. Generally hold up well for normal everyday driving. For spirited or performance driving many have had issues. It does have one overdrive gear so a little better fuel mileage but not as good as the T56.
3) An earlier 4 sp like the T10 or Muncie. The trans is fairly strong but requires an early Z bar set up from 82-83 to use. A hydraulic throwout is possible eliminating the Z bar mechanical linkage. It is fairly strong but does not have an overdrive so mileage will suffer some. Torque arm mounts?
4) An aftermarket trans. Possible clearance and or clutch issues but easily solvable. Some modifications may be needed. Usually a 5 or six speed trans with overdrive. These are strong but may need some adapting to work and are pricey.
This gives you an idea of the normal choices and a few pros or cons.
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: indianapolis
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 86iroc, 84c10, 87 caddy deville
Engine: 355, 305, 4.1 250ci
Transmission: 700r4, th350
Axle/Gears: 3.73, 4.11
Re: Automatic to manual transmission swap
sorry I am posting here, but i am unsure how to make a new post anyway I have a 86 iroc with a 1970 355 4 bolt main hooked up to a 700r4, I want to put a manual in and can get a muncie 4 off a friend dirt cheap. I do not have cash for a t5 ot t56. I'm trying to this swap on the cheap, what parts will I need? is there a vehicle I can get a driveshaft and crossmember off on the cheap like at the junk yard? any advice helps other than people telling me to put a t56 or th350 in lol
#6
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Wichita Falls, TX
Posts: 916
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 91 Firebird,00 c2500,75 Vette
Engine: 3.1 but 350 soon, 350, 350
Transmission: T56 soon
Axle/Gears: stock 3.42 Posi to come
Re: Automatic to manual transmission swap
For the Muncie you should be able to use an early 82 and maybe 83 crossmember from a Camaro or Bird that had a t350 auto trans. The driveshaft from the same should be the right length. I am not sure about the yoke though. You will heed to do something for a torque arm mount though. The Z bar would have to come from a 82-83 Camaro or Bird also.
#7
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: indianapolis
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 86iroc, 84c10, 87 caddy deville
Engine: 355, 305, 4.1 250ci
Transmission: 700r4, th350
Axle/Gears: 3.73, 4.11
Re: Automatic to manual transmission swap
my torque arm is alright mounted to the body, so that's no problem. What do you mean the z bar? you mean the rear suspension on top of the differential? and if so how does swapping in a muncie 4 affect that? thanks for the advice!
Trending Topics
#8
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Wichita Falls, TX
Posts: 916
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 91 Firebird,00 c2500,75 Vette
Engine: 3.1 but 350 soon, 350, 350
Transmission: T56 soon
Axle/Gears: stock 3.42 Posi to come
Re: Automatic to manual transmission swap
You have two choices. First is a z-bar mechanical type clutch linkage from a 82-83 Camaro or Bird. The second is to find a hydraulic throwout bearing to use with a 84-92 clutch hydraulic master cylinder and have hydraulic hoses made up for this application. The factory did not use a hydraulic throwout bearing in 84-92 in these cars but somebody should or does make one that can be used.
#9
Re: Automatic to manual transmission swap
Hey guys I was thinking about putting a manual transmission in my 91 RS preferably a 4 speed any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
1992 Trans Am
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
1
08-08-2015 08:16 PM