i got a t5 out of an 87 camaro but its a 6 cyl tranny and i have a small block so i need to know if i can just swap the input shaft to make it work will a small block bellhousing fit the trans

 

Sure, you can do that; except that you also have to change the countergear.

Easiest and cheapest way to come up with a clutch gear (that's the right name for the part that everybody wants to call "input shaft") and a countergear, is to buy a V8 transmission.

So here's how to do it, step by step:

1. Buy V8 transmission
2. Buy rebuild kit (bearings, shims, etc.; REQUIRED when changing those parts)
3. Disassemble 6-cyl transmission and V8 transmission
4. Put all V8 parts into 6-cyl case (cases are identical)
5. Throw away unused case and 6-cyl parts

Now: explain what value steps 2 - 5 add.

It's possible to use some kind of otehr clutch, and leave the 6-cyl clutch gear in there. I don't recommend it AT ALL. You will HATE the 6-cyl transmission behind a motor with some power. Its gear ratios are REAL wide, such that the engine goes from "scream" to "lug" when you shift, and always seems like it needs a gear in between the ones that are there. 1st is too low, and there's too big of a jump between all the rest. Plus, it's weaker than a V8 one, so you'll tear it up quicker.

 

so basically buy a v8 trans get a rebuild kit and get rid of the 6 cyl trans? wanna buy a 6cyl trans?

 

Note that you need the kit at step 2, which is one of the non-value-added ones. If you buy a working V8 trans, you don't need the kit. You just put the trans in and skip directly to throwing away the 6-cyl one.

No, I don't want a 6-cyl transmission for anything myself. Those aren't worth squat because nobody else does either. But good luck to you in selling it, it's not impossible that someone will smoke one in their 6-cyl car, and need it in a hurry or something. I wouldn't hold my breath until that happens though.

Incidentally, if all you have is a 6-cyl bell housing, that will NOT fit a V8 motor.

 

i had a 6 cyl t5 on my 89' with a small block in it. everything fit well. the only problem was the 6 cyl t5 had a smaller clutch so they were wearing out quickly. the 6 cyl is geared a little better for low end torque but to me it wasnt worth replacing clutches every 6 months