Hi everyone. Need some help with this one. I have an 86 Z28 with a 350 (fairly mild) and a T5 (works well). I am concerned about the doom that this tranny may suffer as I start to get more power out of this car, so I am looking at my alternatives. I really enjoy the feeling of a manual. There is just something sporty about it. What is cheaper and easier in the long run- T56 or an auto such as the 700R4? What is going to suit me the best? Thanks a lot for your opinions/trial and errors.

 

what type of driving do you do? if you drag race then an auto with a high stall coverter would probably be the best. But if you autoX, do alot of street driving, or if your just better at manual for drag racing. Then the T56 would be the best. Also because the T56 can handle more then the 700r4. For me the 700r4 cant handle it at all. The type of driving puts alot of stress on the trans. Requiring alot of upshifting, down shifting, and alot of sudden locking up of the rear tires. As you can see for a Automatic this is things that will send it to hell FAST. So in the long run for me a T56 would be best. And even for driving ability the T56 is the better option. So pretty much its up to what type of driving you do.

 

I wouldn't bother with a T5.. a stout V8 will blow it to peices in no time. I've even heard of a few V6 cars destroying them.

 

go with T56 for performane and economy

 

im in your opposite situation. i have a 700R4 and want to go to stick for my iroc. nothings wrong with it, shifts great. ill trade it plus all my changeover parts for your t-5 with changeover parts. just to make it worth your while ill even give you my old 305. everythings there but the oil pump shaft and intake. ran when pulled. i just need a stick. get back to me at rockfourone@aol.com. thanks

 

even with a stout V8 (400-450 horse/ft lbs.)....the stock T5 lives...

there are guys runnin basment 12's on the stock tranny and rear
launchin @3800-4000 on slicks...

yea u could launch it and shift it a little harder but hell when your whoopin the fastest street cars (viper lambo couple porches) who cares about tryin to get that last tenth to dip the 11's....track conditions will come for that


like said above its all about your drving style...what do u need in your car....personally i do a lot a road racing/auto-x and ive learned quite a bit on how to launch a stick car so a stick car is perfect for me.....ive seen a guy runnin low 9's hi 8's with a stick..launchin in a wheelie for all of first and shifting fast enoungh to catch it falling in 2nd....absolutly awesome...


do what u need

 

Is the T-5 weak by design or can it be beefed up? I have a T-5 in my car and a ZZ4 crate engine in my garage. It's going in in the spring and I am also concerned about blowing up the T-5.

Tom