I am serioulsy thinking about buying a v6 or 305 camaro w/ a t-5, but my knowledge on it is limited. I was wondering how strong of a tranny it is and if it will hold up to a massaged small block 400 I plan to fit between the wheel wells. Or do I get a T56 like a lot of people are talking about? If I go the t56 route is it a direct bolt in or is there some kind of computer bull **** that goes with it? I would like to know this before I make this purchase. Thanks

 

I plan on running my non world class t-5 with my 406 small block, everyone says it is not going to hold up, take a look at message board on this page. There is one guy in there that has a 412 and has been running it for awhile now he says he has no problems and races it every weekend. So i am going to go ahead and try it, i mean all i can do is blow the tranny no big deal ill just get another one.

 

A T-5 will last with that big of an engine if you drive moderately. Race with it and can blow anytime. Thats why everyone goes to a Tremec or a T56.

 

First, a V-6 T-5 will not hold up as well as a V-8 T-5. The input shafts are different and because of the slightly lower first gear ratio they are not rated for the same torque amount. You can bolt them up to a V-8 but the V-6 clutch size is smaller. If you go that route you can have a V-6 hub installed in the V-8 disc.

Second, yes, it will hold. At least for a little while. If you race or drive it hard it's life will be short and the end will be swift.

 

Yeah I guess that guy is me. The KEY is NOT to powershift it and dump the clutch. That's why my tranny is still fine after almost a year of driving it and racing it. And I only paid $125 for it! lol

 

Yeah, i think it will be allright as long as i drive it right. As long as it lasts until i have enough for a 6 speed ill be happy. Ill let everyone know how it holds up

 

How did you mate the 400 with the T-5? Did you use the T-5 flywheel or did you get one custom made?

Are you still running it, and does it still work?

Thanks,
Jason

 

I doubt it, been a long time on this post......

Regardless, a 400 (or a 383) is an externally balanced motor as opposed to the internal balancing on the 305 and 350.

So a 383/400 motor requires a different auto trans flexplate and manula trans flywheel.

On my 383 I had to get a McCleod flywheel to get the external balancing and use my T-5 from my 305. Still working fine, but only 2500 miles so far. A TKO or G-force is probably in my future....

 

i got a 305/350 ram racing flywheel 153 tooth and had it balanced to my motor. As for did it last yeah for awhile, after a few trips to the strip it started popping out of second. So i changed over to a th350, no problems since just not as fun

 

you can use a flexplate and a flywheel at the same time?

 

If that was directed at me - NO!!!

I was just trying to say that a 400/383 with an auto tranny requires an external balanced flexplate (i.e., not the same as a 305 or 350), and that a 383/400 with a manual trans requires an externally balanced flywheel.

Sorry if I confused anyone.....



- Ye Old Phat Phart, Vern