First off hello everyone i'm new to this site. The names Travis, I have a 91 RS camaro overhauled TBI 305ci bored 40 over. Mods, Subframe connectors, hedman headers+down pipe, Electric dump valve, Flow tech high flow cat, 3" cat back flowmaster, Mild cam, 700r4 trans, 65 dry shot NOS, Spectre custom made cold air intake, T-body spacer, Vette injectors, Jet chip ECU stage 1, 2.73 gears.




My question is can somebody please tell me the cheapest way to do a manual trans swap and what will I need to do so. Cause other places i've been to keep telling me that a T-5 is a bad idea and others tell me it'll be fine. I'm only gonna be pulling 350-400bhp and close to the same torque when I'm done building the other 305ci. Thats all I want for the car. Thanx dudes.

 

if you use the search feature, im sure you will find more info and opinion that you would ever care to read.

On the home page, in the tech section, there is an article on the swap, it includes a list of what you need, a good set of instructions, and some pics. Check it out.

As for the t5, it is the cheapest way to do the swap. Its a bolt in deal with all factory parts, and the only cutting required is cutting hole for the shifter and drilling a couple holes for the pedals.

The t5 in good condition will live a long and healthy life in a car thats used as a driver when its taken care of, the clutch is used when shifting, no power shifting, high rpm clutch dumps or shifts ect. Its when you start pushing the trans hard that it tends to break. the case is small, light and weak, so it flexes and causes havok on the rest of the parts inside.

the other options are a t56, the trans is much better, though will probably cost around 700 +/- used from a 93-97 lt1 f-body, you will need a different crossmember and a couple other parts.

You could also do a tko 5 speed, though its unlikely you will find them used, and new they are around 2k for just the trans.

hope this helps

 

Thanx dude that really halps a bunch
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Thanx dude that really helps a bunch

 

be aware that the T5 was never offered with a 2.73:1 axle, partly because first gear times axle gear comes out too tall. If your car had come with the T5, it woulda had a 3.08:1 axle, and the 0.625:1 fifth. However, considering your plans, this isn't ideal, either. My point is, and I'm sure others would agree, plan on a rear gear change. The TPI T5s came with a 0.725:1 fifth.

 

I think doing it in stages is best. Right now when you DON'T have your 400hp engine, you can get a complete changeover kit from this site from the classifieds. I got mine for about 600 bucks. It came with everything; bellhousing, flywheel, trans, crossmember, clutch pedal/brake pedal setup with the hydraulics, etc....

Do the swap and get the car on the road with a clutch pedal first. Then you can up the tranny and swap in a t56 or TKO afterwards. The hard part of getting the clutch pedal stuff and all the crazy wiring issues, etc.. will be far, far behind you!

Good luck, man!