Hey this is my first post on here and I have no idea where I would put this topic so since one of my issues is trannies I figured why not, lol.

What i'm lookin for is opinions on what you guys think I should do. Currently I'm driving an 86 base model firebird, T5, 2.8 V6, hardtop. Now my uncle is trying to get me to keep the car and build a small block 350 with him to put in their. Now the tranny issue is I do not wanna drive an automatic. I love driving standard, it's really enjoyable and i don't wanna give it up for nothing. But from what I'm hearing the V6 T5 wouldn't be a good choice for a 350. Also I want a t-tops car which wouldn't be an option if i keep the car. Now if I do want to build a 350 and have a standard tranny what would be my best option, and how much do you think it would set me back.

If i do get rid of the car instead of keeping it I would probably get an 87-90 GTA maybe a 91 92 if one comes up. I just don't know what I should do. I do know however, I would be building a 350 for it, and I do want a standard transmission.

So what are your guys thoughts. What would you do if you were in my shoes.


P.S.

I'm really pumped i finally found a board where people talk about good cars, none of that **** rocket.....five point slow......etc stuff, lol.

 

oops, didn't know i wasn't allowed to say the "R" word on here, sorry guys, lol.

 

Your transmission selection is going to depend on the engine you build. A mild 350 will probably be OK with a 'good' T5, probably WC. If you are building some power, you probably want a T56 for the added strength(some argue this is why a 350 never came with a manual). If it was me , keep what you have, build an engine for it, swap in a WCT5 or T56(depending on power) and have fun(you will be faster than any stock GTA and a little faster than if you put all those parts in a GTA--they are a bit heavy). FYI, my 82 is just an SC.

 

thanks for the input,

how much do you think an average T56 conversion would run? including parts and labour? just a rough guesstimate, I just wanna get an idea at what i'd be lookin at.

 

oh yes, also, when you asked am I building a mild or powerful 350 what would you consider mild?

 

Do some searches and/or ask that question directly on the board. Many have done the swap(but not me )

 

hey thanks alot,

boy if my car had t-tops it would make this decision so much easier. SO nice cruising in the summer with the tops off. Maybe I'll hold off for a bit and try to find a nice t-tops bird to work with. I don't wanna rush, I wanna make sure it's gonna be something I like. But thanks alot for the input.