I am asking about the standard transmissions in the 3rd gens because there is one in a local salvage yard. Are the V6 versions the same as the V8's. I know there are differences for automatics but what about standards? Are the 3rd gen manual transmissions any good? I appreciate any input becuase this would be a big swap from auto to manual for me to do. Thanks
Tony

 

Very Interesting... I was just going to post the exact same question, just different sircumstances... I have a BW 5speed right now, and when I went to 5speeds.com, and ran the tag ID, it came back 1985 Camaro/Firebird 2.8 V6, and I need to mate it to a 305 4bbl. Were these manufactured to the same standards, or was there a power difference between them? I know the reputation of the T-5 isnt the best, but thats not what I am looking for, just know if theres a difference.

Wasnt trying to hi jack your thread, Hoping I helped it since we are wondering similar things...

Anyone?

Thanks

 

no, V-6 and V-8 T-5's are not the same. different bellhousing and input shaft. not to mention weaker than a WC T-5.

 

1st year or two ('82-'83) you could get either a Borg Warner Super T10 or a Saginaw 4-speed in these cars. Clutch linkage was mechanical.

Then they went to the NWC T5, which lasted until somwhere in '88. Torque capacity is around 250 lbs/ft. Clutch linkage went to hydraulic.

Then they went to the WC T5. Torque capacity is 300 lbs/ft.

The V8 and V6 T5s are different as noted. You can use a V6 T5 behind a V8, but it requires a special clutch. I wouldn't recommend it personally, but there are people here that are running these setups right now.

The T5 has a semi-deserved reputation for weakness. It isn't a hardcore race trans like a Tremec. It's a nice, smooth, overdrive 5-speed that works well in stock and lightly modified vehicles. If you want to launch at 4,500 RPM on slicks and bang gears the T5 isn't up to the task and won't last long, at least not stock. There are a couple of great options for upgrading the T5. Superalloy gears will take the T5 up to around 400 lbs/ft. G-Force internals can get you up to 500 lbs/ft. and 600 HP. Guys have run 9s with these setups without problems. I do all of these conversions in my shop. Drop me a PM if you're interested.