Transmission Swap
05-14-2006, 07:01 PM
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Transmission Swap
I just bought an 84 Camaro as a parts car and i want to put the 5 speed transmission into my girlfriends 88 IROC camaro. What we were wondering is if the bellhousing has to be replaced or will this just bolt up with no problems? I had read the tech article on the tranny swap and i dont know what an A4 F-body is??? Has anyone done this yet, from 84 to 88??? What do i need to know and what is the process involved??? The engine in the 84 is a 5.0 carbed engine where as the 88 IROC has a 5.0 TPI setup, does this make a difference???
05-14-2006, 07:11 PM
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Car: 1991 RS Camaro
Engine: L03 (want LS1)
Transmission: 700R-4 (and T56)
Axle/Gears: 4th Gen 3.23 posi
As far as I know, they should go. I'm not sure, though. The A4 from a 3rd Gen is a TH-700R4. I'm sure if I'm wrong that someone will correct me.
05-15-2006, 10:10 PM
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Car: 1991 RS Camaro
Engine: L03 (want LS1)
Transmission: 700R-4 (and T56)
Axle/Gears: 4th Gen 3.23 posi
I really don't think there will be any problems (unexpected ones) I just didn't want to be the one to steer you wrong.
05-16-2006, 09:37 AM
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Car: 09 Cobalt SS Sedan. 92 Z28 vert
Engine: 2.0T EFR6758; 5.0TT T3/T4 8psi
Transmission: F40; 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.76 LSD; 3.23 posi
An A4 F-body means: ANY Camaro or Firebird with a 4 speed automatic transmission. however, I believe the tech article is specific to 82-92 F-bodies with V8 engines and TH700r4 automatic transmissions (which is what the 88's came with). So that tech article directly applies to your intentions. I have done an auto to maunal swap in my 92, and I just want to warn you that your not in for a fun time! People don't realize the little things like wiring the clutch pedal and the reverse lights and PROPERLY drilling the firewall that make the job very long and difficult. Usually the torque arm needs to be replaced (I made a custom mount).
not 100% sure about the following:
Also the 88 has an electric speedometer, while the 84 has a mechanical one. You'll need to buy and install a transmission tail housing for a Camaro/firebird with an electric speedo, which is also a pretty big deal
I think it would be worth it to sell the tranny out of the 84 and buy a newer one used.
not 100% sure about the following:
Also the 88 has an electric speedometer, while the 84 has a mechanical one. You'll need to buy and install a transmission tail housing for a Camaro/firebird with an electric speedo, which is also a pretty big deal
I think it would be worth it to sell the tranny out of the 84 and buy a newer one used.
05-16-2006, 10:11 AM
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Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
I'm assuming that the 88 is also a T-5 car from the way you ask the question.
It will go. No modifications whatsoever to anything are necessary.
Bell housings are the same.
You will however be downgrading from the 2nd design T-5, to the original design. If your newer one isn't torn up or something, it's the better transmission.
88 and 84 are both cable speedo in the Camaro. And in any case, even if one was electronic, all that would have to change is the VSS vs the cable "sleeve". One 10mm-head screw, takes about 10 seconds if you stop for a cold one in the middle of the job. The extension housing is the same.
Carb vs TPI makes no difference.
No, no one has ever swapped transmissions before.
I had a total mixture of parts, from 84 up to 91 or 92, in my 83 car (swapped out the mech clutch garbage for hydraulic a LONG LONG time ago); everything fit and interchanged just fine for about 20 years or so. It has a T-56 now.
A4 = 4-speed automatic
F-body = Camaro/Firebird
It will go. No modifications whatsoever to anything are necessary.
Bell housings are the same.
You will however be downgrading from the 2nd design T-5, to the original design. If your newer one isn't torn up or something, it's the better transmission.
88 and 84 are both cable speedo in the Camaro. And in any case, even if one was electronic, all that would have to change is the VSS vs the cable "sleeve". One 10mm-head screw, takes about 10 seconds if you stop for a cold one in the middle of the job. The extension housing is the same.
Carb vs TPI makes no difference.
No, no one has ever swapped transmissions before.
I had a total mixture of parts, from 84 up to 91 or 92, in my 83 car (swapped out the mech clutch garbage for hydraulic a LONG LONG time ago); everything fit and interchanged just fine for about 20 years or so. It has a T-56 now.
A4 = 4-speed automatic
F-body = Camaro/Firebird
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