I want to do a 350 swap but am afraid the T-5 would just crumble into pieces. I have heard that it was only designed to handle 300 ft lbs and no more. I may hold off the 350 and get a tremec T-5 replacement or hunt for a cheap T-56. What do you think?

 

ttt

 

I believe the regular T5 is rated at 295 ft/lbs while the World Class T5 (found in 88 and up IROC/Z28) i rated at 310 ft/lbs. However alot of people have said that a T5 can handle more if driven responsibly. No powerhifting, no dumping it at 4000 rpm, stuff like that. I'm pretty much in the same boat as you, but I have the 350 with an auto instead of a 305 with the T5. I too fear a T5 swap (even W/C T5) would just be asking for it to break.

Right now I'm looking into mods for the 350 TPI to increase HP instead of torque. The TPI long tube setup was designed for max torque, so going with a StealthRam, or LT1 intake should result in more HP and less TQ. I would be happy with 300 rwhp, 300 rwtq, and a T5. Dont know if I can pull it off though. Seems counterproductive to do mods that dont focus on the strong points of the engine ...

If you can find a 93-97 T56 I think you should go with that. I will prolly end up going that route too.

 

none! screw the t-5 and whoever decided to put it behind a v-8 in the first place!

 

I know the 305 is a weak motor but I have done a few mods to it. Anyways, my T-5 has held up great and I power shift whenever I run it. It is still smooth and always goes into gear with no problem. I would say that I am pushing the 300 ft lbs now and afraid that if I do heads and cam my drivetrain would fall apart. I am not sure if I should hold off on the 350 and upgrade the tranny.

 

Well, we'd all like to go T-56 if we were in your situation. It isn't always reasonable for time or money constraints though. For instance, right now I would do the swap and keep the T-5. It would be cheaper, and give me time to locate a T-56 since that is of course what I really want. The T-5 can last with some power behind it. I know there are a few guys who've run 12's through T-5's (WC). Another issue you can think about is traction. If you have an open rear end, I would be amazed if you could hurt the transmission (short of missing shifts and whatnot). I never could put much power through my T-5 after swapping the 350 in due to the open rear end and lack of traction. I could only put as much power through it as it took to break that right rear tire loose.

 

When we got to 320 rwhp it broke. 13.0's were fine 12.80's and it broke.

 

Thanks guys, That is what i wanted to hear. I could spend the 1700 on a tremec but 1700 could also get me on my way to a nice 350.