So, the back story - I need to finish this trans swap. I have the gears out of a 98 Camaro V-6, and the input, and I have a complete, NEW, T-5 WC with the 88-92 style case. I've already swapped all the gears over using the new bearings, syncros, etc. but I read in the "everything we know" thread that the V-6 input and bearing retainer are different lengths on the V-8 trans than on the V-6. So how much different are they? all I have left is to cut down the bearing retainer's sleeve, and cut down the snout on the input and re-bevel the snout. then I can finish re-assembling the trans. Anyone have any measurements to help me out? I just need to know how much to cut off the pieces so I don't have to keep taking the parts or the trans in and out, and so I don't cut it too short.


***DISCLAIMER***

Yes, I know this is NOT the best way to make a V-8 trans, but I got the gears and guts from the donor 98 Camaro for $30, and I already had the 3rd gen V-6 trans. Also, I have V-8 components to include a new Centerforce clutch, new T/O and Pilot bearings, and the pressure plate is balanced with the engine. And I don't intend to beat the snot out of this car. just wanna drive it to the beach and around town for kicks. And I REALLY don't want to spend another $500 -$1000 on a V-8 trans, and still have V-6 stuff I'll never use.

 

Is the '88 input still around? How does it compare to the '98? I was under the impression the 93-up were longer. And only have a V8 T5 hanging around...

 

yes, actually - I can go measure both of the V6 inputs, the newer and older, if you or someone else can measure the bearing retainer and input. I haven't cut anything yet. I just don't have a V8 input to compare it to. my understanding is the V8 is .5" shorter than the V6. just wanna be as close as possible.

 

After some consideration, this may be from a 96 Camaro - but the end result is almost the same for my purposes, at least for now.

Both inputs are identical measurements, except that the newer one is splined farther down the shaft. (well, that, and the fact that it is 26-spline). also, it's wider in diameter/circumference. (which we expected.)

both shafts measure 9.25" from the work surface of my bench to the top of the snout, and the snout itself is 1 3/8" long on both inputs, same diameter, same cone-shaped indentation in the tip. both are beveled. truthfully, except the obvious spline differences and shaft diameter, they're the same size and shape. how does the V8 shaft stack up? I'm about to go and measure the bearing retainer now.

 

Bearing retainer is 2 5/16" from the end of the sleeve to the machined face (flat part) at the base of the sleeve. how does that compare to the V8 version? I can post pics (I think) if anyone else needs the visual of what I'm talking about.

 

searched and search, haven't found any hard numbers or dimensions. I've been looking hard at the comparison photo on Pg 1 of the "Everything we know" sticky. I cut .25" off the end and chamfered the snout. everything I've found from Tremec says the bearing retainers are the same regardless V-6 or V8 as long as they're in the same year range. so the 88 camaro retainer I have is the same as a V8 retainer so I don't need to cut anything. I'm gonna re-assemble and see where I'm at.

 

you are correct on the bearing retainers being the same length. If you cut the .5 off the v6 input shaft, you should be safe. If you're not sure,maybe measure the distance from the front of the pilot bearing to the snout of the crank journal. bottom line it will be crappy gear ratios.good luck

 

Yeah, and I have 3.42s, which means this is going to run out of gears quick. I bought a house, so I'm trying to finish this car and sell it within the next few months. I need the cash to pay for the shop I want to build on the property. the next car I get will be getting a T-56.

Thanks for the response. I'll let everyone know how it works out if it physically works together (and report on just how crappy the ratios really are).