I’ve just acquired an ‘84 Z28 with a blown 4 speed manual transmission. A colleague has informed me that they where notoriously delicate and that I should replace it with an newer 5 speed. Is this true ?

I plan on upgrading the engine (possibly replacing the 305 with a 350). How should this affect my options ?

 

The saginaw 4 speeds are a weak suck compared to the t-5. Make sure to get a wc t-5 if you plan on going the 350 route other wise a stock replacement 85+ non-wc trans will work fine. I can't say for sure if your crossmember and driveshaft will work with a t-5. I'd say a junkyard t-5 'shaft and crossmember from a later car will work.

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82 z28 350cid, vortec heads, comp 262h cam, Holley 600cfm carb, 2in twice pipes, MSD ignition, turbo 350 trans, 3.73 posi, manly b&m megashifter

 

I was under the impresion that you didn't have to change the driveshaft for a 700r4/t-5( or t56) conversion. Oh well I have an entire t-5 car for parts so I don't see it being that much of a problem.