I am going to be swapping out my 2.8mpi for a 327ci that I'm rebuilding in My 88' Firebird. The car came with a V6 WC T5 thinking about going with a non WC T5. It seems to be the only thing I can get my hands on now with all componets I need for the engine swap for cheap. What are the differences between them, and would I need to anything to the car by going that route? I have been also thinking about going to 700R4, but don't now the different requirements to do the manual to auto swap? Please, let me know. Any info or opinions are helpful. THANKS!

 

well with the t-5's you are comparing cr*p to cr*p, i would go with the 700r4 or t-56 six speed if you plan to make any power

 

i would stay with the manual tranny's. there more fun to drive. but like what was said before go with a t-56. they hold up better. whenever i hit the lottery im gonna put a t-56 in mine.

 

The difreance is the imput shaft on the 6 its 1 in on 14 spline and the v8 is 1 &1/8 on 10 or 26 . I have heard that the tranny is the same on the inside. If so the W/C one would be better . The problem with the 6 is it only accept's a 9 5/8 clutch . I also have heard that there is a spicel clutch you can get . I would try it out with the 6 with a nice new disc and turn the fly wheel and see what happens its the cheep way out intill you can afford a better set up (NO COOKERS) till then good luck man .

 

The only thing is I can't afford a T56 swap right now I am not going 2 b keeping the T5 for the V6 I can't seem to find a big enough clutch just the standard size clutch. How easy would it be 2 go to 700r4? What would I need to do, change the crossmember, tailshaft, driveshaft????

 

crossmember is the same the drive shaft is the same. you will just need to find a torgue arm mount for the 700r4. personally i would rather spend the money trying to get the t-5 working rather than throw a 700r4. i hate automatics. there only good for burnouts, maybe drags, and special occasions with your girl. if you know how to shift right and work the clutch, you can still do a good burnout, and get good times at the drags. whatever is in your budget run with that.

 

The auto swap will definatly going to cost more then sticking whith the manual . I you do not want to stick with the 9 5/8 clutch find a 10.5 old style fly wheel for that 327 , and call McLoad for the a costom disk .