Hi, I'd like to swap the automatic transmission from my camaro to a manual. Does anyone have any suggestions as to the kind of transmission I should be looking for? Do I have to be really specific or would many shiftkits work with the camaro?

 

if you took the time to search you would know

what kind of car is this going into year, engine size, mods, rear end size. power output.

 

Hi, I've been searching, but sometimes I just get a little confused. Most times, people shorthand a lot of tools and products and I just figured the easiest way would be to ask my question directly.

It's a 1987 Camaro RS with a 305. The engine is completely stock.

 

do you have any plans to change to a 350, or tpi, or you gonna leave the engine alone

if so id go with a world class t5 setup, if you plan to go any more than a stock 305tpi, than a t56

 

I am not sure of your skill level, but it's not hard and not easy at the same time.

We've done a few trans swaps here at my place, converted my 88 formula to a manual while converting my friends 88 GTA to an auto.
another friend with an LT1/auto in his 82 and we converted it to a T56 manual.
converted my 86 trans am from manual to auto and then to manual.
and my brothers 96 Trans Am converted from a manual to an auto then to a manual and then back to an auto, due to the auto dying after 1000 miles.

 

My father will do the job with me. He has done tranny swaps before, I'm just taking it upon myself to find what transmissions you all have decided were better than not for an 87 305 camaro.

 

If you can afford it, go with a T56 from a 94-97 Trans Am/Camaro Z28.

 

Thank you sir. =)

 

T56s would be your best bet...they are very durable transmissions compared to the T5s. I don't own a T5 and was thinking of switching to one, but figured my money would be best spent building my automatic transmission.

But then again, going with a T56 is kind of pointless if you are gonna stay with that 305...kinda seems like a brash statement, but the T56s were used to power performance oriented cars. The power output is too strong for just a 305

 

Actually, not brash at all. That's why I asked the question. =)

Since our 305 runs really well, my father wants to not add any modifications to the engine, and meanwhile, build a 383. Personally? I wouldn't mind just keeping the 305 and modifying that. We have already made modifications to the intake and exhaust systems and I think it would be nice to just maintain and swap out new for old in our 305. I'm only 18 and in college, so I'm more on a budget anyways.

The T-5's looking like the way to go. Thanks for all of your help fellas.

 

It also depends on what gears he plans on running.
I've had 3.23 and 3.73 with the auto and 3.73 and 4.10 with my 5 speed. I love the 4.10's since it gives you crazy acceleration in any of the gears, but I end up cruising down the highway at 3K rpms.

 

Its not cheap but my TKO600 is badass. I love it. It decided to use it because buying a T56 and swappin my rear gears cost about the same as just buying the TKO600. The TKO600 will also stand up to any motor I will ever build.

 

Well, our plan is to maintain our 305 and, meanwhile, build a 383. If I were in fact to get a t-5...Would it be able to handle the 383, on top of my flowmaster exhaust, potential modifications fo the intake manifold and exhaust headers, etc.

 

most likey not, but they do make a replacement rebuilt kit.
the G-Force kit should stand up to a very stout 383.

 

"G-Force kit should stand up to a very stout 383."


What is a "G-Force Kit"? Is it a rebuild kit for a t-5?

Also, does the TKO-600 require a modified crossmember?
Is it a direct bolt in?

 

G-Force is a rebuild kit with very strong parts. I think the parts cost about $1000.

 

Do the swap, even if you just use the t-5 with the 305 for a little while, it's so worth it, i did the swap and i consider it easy, dont rush it take your time, it's a helleva lot more fun to drive afterwards, id recomend an aftermarket shifter assembly for the t-5 though, the stocker is garbage, try the pro 5.0 and a nice heavy shift ball, it;s great !

 

That sounds like a plan. We'll see how money comes and goes. If I have the dough, maybe I'll grab the T56, if not, your suggestions great.

Thanks for all your help fellas. I'm 18, and have wanted a camaro ever since I could say third generation. I finally got one, and its not so bad looking either. But since the last owner directed his budget towards aesthetics, It's pure stock except for the exhaust, so you can bet I have plenty of things in mind. I've been reading your posts for a solid year now and have learned alot, so I think I'll be alright with the direction I'm headed in.

Thanks again.

 

i'm in the same situation ive been reading about transmissions for a while now and have learned alot. i almost decided to just get a b&m shifter for the 700r4 but rumors have said that i have a good 700r4 but not one of the best. so i want to swap a t-5 in place of the 700r4 for now to have fun with, and eventually put the g force gears in. good luck on the swap and if you have time check out my camaro!!!!

 

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