I have an 83 Z28 with a standard T5 that is about to die...leaks..vibration..ect. I just put a moderately built 350 in her not too long ago. It is a 1979 block with a split rear main.
Being that it is just a weekend car, I have decided on installing a 3speed automatic such as the TH350.
This is what I know so far....

1. I will need a torque arm mount like one sold at Spohn
2. I will need to cut out the floor slightly and get an automatic console /shifter.
3. I will need to replace the clutch/brake pedal assembly.
4. I will need a flexplate
5. I will need an automatic starter
5. I will need to cool it somehow

What am I missing, and what automatic would be the strongest and easiest swap? I want to stay clear of the 700r4 if possible. Can I cool it with just a good transmission cooler, or do I need to put an automatic style radiator in? I also need to know about driveshaft problems if any. Thank You for all of your help, James

 

the crossmember will change too. I found that the kit sold in jegs or summit made it pretty easy to swap. It is also a good time to install a good tranny mount.
As for cooling it, all you need is an aftermarket cooler mounted in front of the radiator. Don't worry about putting a new radiator in.
GOOD LUCK!

Chris

 

Thanks for the info, One more question...

If I get a TH350 with a 6" tail then I will need a longer driveshaft then my stock t5 correct? If this is so, does anyone sell a TH350 with a longer shaft and if not, what driveshaft do you suggest? Thanks Again

 

I am not sure about the T-5 and the 350 with the 6" shaft, but you can look up the dimensions and figure the differences in length between the two (don't forget differences in yoke lenth too). This length need to be pretty exact (with in 3/4 of an inch)

 

Ok man, here ya go, i'm in the process of converting from a TH350 to a T5 right now, and have a lot of stuff left over if you need any of it. I currently have:

Spohn 350 torque arm (red) 2 weeks of use ($300, paid $450)

I have the largest trans cooler B&M makes w/ 2 weeks use ($25)

Flexplate (have both one and two peice rear main seal) ($20)

B&M Temp Gague ($20)

B&M Mega Shifter ($25)($150 new, but u'll probably want a new handle cuz this one's dirty and the cable's burnt through, but it works fine)

I also have a driveshaft for a 6" 350, it was cut down at a proshop, rebalanced, painted and new u-joints, and never even used once, paid $160 to have that done, asking $100 for it.

You won't need a different starter, the one you have will work fine.

You can use the brake/clutch pedal assembly you have now if you don't mind it, but I do have the auto brake pedal. ($25)

If you want a bunch of stuff i'll knock the price of it all down a lil for ya, everything is in perfect condition and it's just sitting.

If you want any of the stuff I have just reply to the post or e-mail me directly (stingraye@aol.com), and if you have any questions at all about the swap or anything of the sort feel free to e-mail me, I just did the whole 700-350 swap 2 months ago (and i'm already going T5..... blew the input sprag, 5'th trans in 9 months, decided no more auto's for me).

 

Thank you for the offers, currently I am in the planning stage, but I will drop you an email when I am ready to see if you still have any parts. I have a question for you though, if you keep blowing automatics, what makes you think that a T5 will last? Even the WC model is a waste of space behind any 350, they can barely stand a V6!!!? Just curious.

 

Thank you for the offers, currently I am in the planning stage, but I will drop you an email when I am ready to see if you still have any parts. I have a question for you though, if you keep blowing automatics, what makes you think that a T5 will last? Even the WC model is a waste of space behind any 350, they can barely stand a V6!!!? Just curious.

 

Ok, just send me an e-mail when you need any of the stuff, i'm not going to toss any of it, so it will just be in my garage until someone makes an offer. The reason i'm going to a T5 is becuase each of the automatics that I have gone through in the last 10 months, not once has it ever been my fault, or caused by too much power (cept the first 700 when I first put my crate engine in). It has always been a problem like a sprag blowing up, or not spinning the way it should, and the whole trans would just go to hell. I've baffled two different trans guys cuz i blew two up so bad, but they realized it wasn't even my fault. So the reason i'm switchin to a T5 is because I just realized I have NO luck with automatics, and I can't keep dumpin money into these stupid things and keep putting my car up in the air after a month of use. Two of my friends have 84 TA's with T5's and one of them is putting out about 400 Horses, and i'm at about 350, and he's had no problems, and the T5 I just got in newly rebuilt, so i'm hoping I don't have any problems with it. But that's why. Ok, well i'll hope to hear from ya soon if you need that stuff. Take it easy,