I've come across two identical TA's that I am interested in. One is a 5 speed 305 tpi, and the other is 350 auto. And I've got a few questions for you people out there about the 305 tpi 5 speed.

I've owned a 305(modded) auto and driven several 350 autos before so my question is only about the 5 speed 305 combo.

How much better, if any is the 305/5speed on gas?
How reliable were the 5 speed trannys in the 1987 model year. Also how reliable were the clutches. I'm just looking for general answers I know we beat on these cars and that can change things.

These cars are both under 61k miles fyi.

I have a lot of traffic and stoplights/signs in my area is it a chore to drive in medium/heavy traffic?

And last how is the parking brake? Does it have a tendency to fail?

Just some things I would like to know before I end up with the wrong car

 

auto's are usually better on gas when the same engine size, i dont have any numbers on the difference from 305 to a 350. I love manual cars, though if you drive in a lot of stop and go traffic they can be a pain.

The T5 is the weak point in the drive train, but if you dont abuse it it will have no problems lasting a good long time.

Just make sure the 350 car IS a 350 car, Trans Am's dont come with a 350, just formula 350's and GTA's.

What year and condition is the 305 5 speed car?

 

Nah it's a 350 they are both 87 GTA's with the WS6 package.

The manual is 50kmi and the auto is 64k original miles.

I've always heard you can get better mileage with a manual since you control the shift points. But then again I've only driven sticks occasionally and never owned one to check the mpg myself.

So if I plan on modding the 305 or swapping for a crate 350 I'm going to need something stronger like a t56 then? Is there a HP rating on the t5?

 

I've heard the horsepower rating is around 250. I would guess you could run more hp if you don't go around dropping the clutch or putting drag radials on or anything like that.

 

On a street car that's driven with some moderation, I suspect the T5 will last a long time. I've been running it for a couple of years or so behind a 350/330 and have experienced no problems--and if it does go, good time to upgrade.

JamesC

 

better mileage with manual transmission if you know when to shift and if you have long gears/axle...

my 350 Z28 converted to T5 has a better mileage now...but I still have the original 3.22 rear axle and the t5 with the long 5th gear. Not the best for performance but if you consider mileage (especially if you live here in europe ) it's the best you can get.

and I think a thirdgen is MUCH more fun to drive with a manual tranny...hell..those are sports cars!

horsepower is not what breaks a tranny...it's torque...and the L98 has lots of it...but if you dont go dragracing it there should be no problem