anyone have any details as to what it entails to swap a 85 T5 out of an 85 trans am into a 71 Z28? the 71 is a standard already, but not sure what i will encounter. I have the transmission, bellhousing and slave cylinder from the 85 Trans Am, but need to know any other mods ill need to make. thanks!

ps can i use the mechanical clutch linkage from the 71 on the T5?

 

You need a T5 bellhousing set up for a mechanical linkage. I think they made one in '83. Then you will have to fabricate or modify a Z-bar and linkage rods to adapt the frame mount position on your '71 to the mount location on the bellhousing and mate up the peal to the clutch fork.

The trans mount might be in a different spot too. You might be able to modify your stock 4-speed crossmember, or it might have enough adjustment in the slotted mount holes to work.

You need a mechanical speedo drive to work your car's speedo. I think the '85 trans will have a VSS instead of a hookup for a mechanical cable. Trans Ams switched to digital speedos in '84 I think.

The shifter location won't even be close. If you've got a console you'll have to make a small dog-bone style offset arm to get the stick in the right location. Mods to the console are likely as well for clearnace and to make sure the linkage works well.

In all honesty, to go through this much trouble for an '85 T5, which isn't even World Class really isn't worth it. I'd use a '89-up World Class T5 instead. Just my opinion.