Transmissions and Drivetrain Need help with your trans? Problems with your axle?

350 t5 options?

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Old Jul 19, 2013 | 01:58 PM
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From: The Okanagan, British Columbia
Car: 1984 Camaro Z28
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
350 t5 options?

Wanting to buy a 350 for my t5 trans am. Will a t5 be able to handle a stock 97 vortec trick motor converted to carb? And if not anyway I can build my trans so it can? And if not lol, what trans would you recommend. I'm on a tight budget so I'm looking for the cheapest way of putting a 350 in my manual car and no I will not convert to auto...
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Old Jul 19, 2013 | 03:16 PM
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Car: `86 SS / `87 SS
Engine: L69 w/ TPI on top / 305 4bbl
Transmission: `95 T56 \ `88 200-4R
Re: 350 t5 options?

It will be fine for a while.
If the front countershaft bearing race is already leaking out the front of the case, it won't be a long while.
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Old Jul 19, 2013 | 04:49 PM
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From: The Okanagan, British Columbia
Car: 1984 Camaro Z28
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: 350 t5 options?

Awesome, I was even considering finding a wrecked 97 Silverado and pulling the 350 and t5 out since those trans are able to run the stock 350 non problem at all, I'm just wondering what would be required to put the trans in my car, direct bolt in? And is the Speedo mechanical or electrical?
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Old Jul 19, 2013 | 06:16 PM
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Re: 350 t5 options?

AFAIK the Silvy didn't come w a T-5; it was a NV3550 or 4550, I forget which. If you really care go visit the truck boards. In either case though, you don't want it. It's "strong", but not appropriate for a "performance" application; in the same sort of way that a tractor engine is "strong" but not "performance".

But, the 96-2000 truck 350 is a decent jumping-off point for a strong-running street setup, even though the trans ISN'T.

Put the 350 in your car; leave your existing one in it; drive it GENTLY, that it may last as long as practical; and be saving up for a T-56 all the while.
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Old Jul 19, 2013 | 06:52 PM
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From: The Okanagan, British Columbia
Car: 1984 Camaro Z28
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: 350 t5 options?

Originally Posted by sofakingdom
AFAIK the Silvy didn't come w a T-5; it was a NV3550 or 4550, I forget which. If you really care go visit the truck boards. In either case though, you don't want it. It's "strong", but not appropriate for a "performance" application; in the same sort of way that a tractor engine is "strong" but not "performance".

But, the 96-2000 truck 350 is a decent jumping-off point for a strong-running street setup, even though the trans ISN'T.

Put the 350 in your car; leave your existing one in it; drive it GENTLY, that it may last as long as practical; and be saving up for a T-56 all the while.
That sounds like a good plan! The car currently has a 305 in it right now, but I don't know the condition of the motor, I have to wait a month or two before I can haul the car home... The car has been sitting for the last 10 years, its a 1986 Trans Am with the WS6 package, T5 manual, 305 and t tops..

I might just put a Super T10 in if I happen to come across it, I honestly don't want a built 350, I just want a vortec 350 thats all.

Now with the 350, is it just a direct bolt in? no custom fabing of motor mounts? I know to get the motor to run I need a vortec manifold, HEI vaccum advance HEI dist. and a electronic fuel pump.

Also as for the existing T5 I am under the impress that the owner did rebuild it a while back, he also installed a stage 2 clutch and pressure plate. Not sure what brand however. I only plan on dropping the 350 in if I can't get that 305 running, since I would like to try and keep numbers matching, yet if that 305 is fried, I don't want to rebuild it when I can just go pick up a 96 - 2000 vortec 350..
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Old Jul 19, 2013 | 07:11 PM
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Re: 350 t5 options?

I might just put a Super T10 in if I happen to come across it
Not a good plan... only way you're likely to "come across" one of those that you'll actually be able to get to work, is to find a wrecked running 82 with one INTACT. It's as close to impossible as anything is, to piece that setup together any more.

350, is it just a direct bolt in? no custom fabing of motor mounts?
Nope; direct drop-in. Same mounts as your existing small block Chevy.

numbers matching
That, plus $1.95, will buy you a cup of coffee at the shop on the corner. The same $1.95, without the "numbers matching", will also buy you the cup of coffee. That's how much "numbers matching" is worth in one of these cars. Which is not the same thing as saying "hack your car to bits"; only, that it doesn't have "that kind" of value. its value lies in its ability to provide enjoyment. If you're one of those people that gets a ... yeah ... by going out in their garage and taking the car cover off and comparing the "numbers" on all the pieces, then that's THE ONLY way you'll derive any benefit out of "numbers matching". Otherwise, if you're like normal people and get enjoyment out of your car by DRIVING it, swap a 350 in.

the owner did rebuild it a while back
Since the parts that actually FAILS in those things (the case) isn't replaced during a "rebuild", that tells us 2 things: (1) the trans is already used up, and (2) the PO knew it. Save up quickly for the T-56.

Go ahead and find a truck 350; good plan. Then start looking for a T-56. The one you'll want will be one out of a 94-97 Z28 or TransAm.
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Old Jul 19, 2013 | 07:46 PM
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From: The Okanagan, British Columbia
Car: 1984 Camaro Z28
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: 350 t5 options?

Originally Posted by sofakingdom
Not a good plan... only way you're likely to "come across" one of those that you'll actually be able to get to work, is to find a wrecked running 82 with one INTACT. It's as close to impossible as anything is, to piece that setup together any more.



Nope; direct drop-in. Same mounts as your existing small block Chevy.



That, plus $1.95, will buy you a cup of coffee at the shop on the corner. The same $1.95, without the "numbers matching", will also buy you the cup of coffee. That's how much "numbers matching" is worth in one of these cars. Which is not the same thing as saying "hack your car to bits"; only, that it doesn't have "that kind" of value. its value lies in its ability to provide enjoyment. If you're one of those people that gets a ... yeah ... by going out in their garage and taking the car cover off and comparing the "numbers" on all the pieces, then that's THE ONLY way you'll derive any benefit out of "numbers matching". Otherwise, if you're like normal people and get enjoyment out of your car by DRIVING it, swap a 350 in.



Since the parts that actually FAILS in those things (the case) isn't replaced during a "rebuild", that tells us 2 things: (1) the trans is already used up, and (2) the PO knew it. Save up quickly for the T-56.

Go ahead and find a truck 350; good plan. Then start looking for a T-56. The one you'll want will be one out of a 94-97 Z28 or TransAm.
Excellent and sounds good, honestly I had a 1984 Z28 with a 305 h.o. it was fun but defs lacked the power my original 86 Trans Am had, that van motor was a lot of fun, and the a**hat that I traded the car to, lied to me, my 1986 is still alive, yet the new owner knows NOTHING about the car, it isn't a 1983 Trans Am GTA, infact it wasn't a GTA at all, the guy I bought the car off of put a GTA emblem on the nose and one in the interior, I replaced the T/A seats in the car for a set of Camaro power bucket seats, in mint condition for $30 for the pair and they looked and felt amazing within my car... I honestly feel sorry for my old 1986, that thing was Frankensteined badly...

But yes I will eventually swap a t56 in, when I have the cash, and I have line on a vortec 350 with 172,000km for $220... And a 4th gen center console, and grand prix leather bucket seats.
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Old Jul 20, 2013 | 06:05 PM
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From: The Okanagan, British Columbia
Car: 1984 Camaro Z28
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: 350 t5 options?

Just curious, What would you think would be simpler, or easier. I am wanting to make this car Fuel Injected with a TPI setup, I have a friend who wrecks cars for a living and he has a rear ended 305 TPI Camaro that I can take all the TPI crap off including computer and wiring harness. I don't mind doing the work, like installing bigger injectors and the intake fuel pump, can I use the TPI setup on the Vortec? or would it just be easier to use it on a TBI 350, which is easier to come across a running low km model where I live.

The wiring isn't an issue, I found a few threads on successful swaps with pictures. So that would be an issue and I could get it tuned in town to run properly for me.
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Old Jul 20, 2013 | 06:40 PM
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Re: 350 t5 options?

Why in the world would you take a perfectly good car, and a really strong-running motor, and PUT TPI on it?

No matter what you put in any vehicle, you don't want a TBI motor. TBI itself, maybe; the motor underneath it, no. The heads in particular are anathema to "performance".

Stick with your Vortec motor idea. If you really want EFI, look at the Holley Stealth Ram instead of ... TPI. Personally I don't think it's a good idea to swap EFI into a carbed car, or for that matter, to swap a carb into an EFI car; but that's just me. I think you'd be better off, in THAT car, sticking with a carb. If the car had come with EFI the advice would be different: specifically, throw the TPI (or TBI) in the trash, and get a Stealth Ram.
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Old Jul 20, 2013 | 10:02 PM
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Car: 1984 Trans Am L69
Engine: Sniper EFI Powered 355
Transmission: WC T5 w/ Steel Support Plate
Axle/Gears: 3.42 10 Bolt Posi
Re: 350 t5 options?

Go for it lots of guys here run t5s and 350s for a lot of miles without issues. Drive it like a normal person and dont miss 3rd.
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Old Jul 21, 2013 | 12:52 AM
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Car: `86 SS / `87 SS
Engine: L69 w/ TPI on top / 305 4bbl
Transmission: `95 T56 \ `88 200-4R
Re: 350 t5 options?

I agree; TPI is the restriction on a 5.7L Vortec engine and well, it's just a path to disappointment.
And the heads on the TBI 5.7L were high-velocity, poorly flowing heads. Again, a combination to be avoided.

As far as your friend junking the TPI Camaro, get EVERYTHING off it that can possibly upgrade your car. Fuel tank, all lines, the wiring harness that feeds the sender / fuel pump (might run inside the car with the taillight harness, don't quote me,) the whole harness underhood (including that which goes to the fans) and if you wire it RIGHT just like a TPI F-body, it will run right.

And then, figure out an intake manifold that won't choke the engine and will properly match the Vortec intake ports.
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Old Jul 21, 2013 | 05:07 AM
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From: The Okanagan, British Columbia
Car: 1984 Camaro Z28
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: 350 t5 options?

Would this be a good TPI setup?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/na...make/chevrolet
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Old Jul 21, 2013 | 07:01 AM
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Re: 350 t5 options?

That's not TPI, or anything to do with it.

That's the RamJet.

It would be OK, although rather spendy.

A better way to go, especially if you can get all the other stuff you'd need like the throttle body, computer, in-tank pump, wiring, etc. etc. etc., is the Stealth Ram.
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Old Jul 21, 2013 | 05:28 PM
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From: The Okanagan, British Columbia
Car: 1984 Camaro Z28
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: 350 t5 options?

Originally Posted by sofakingdom
That's not TPI, or anything to do with it.

That's the RamJet.

It would be OK, although rather spendy.

A better way to go, especially if you can get all the other stuff you'd need like the throttle body, computer, in-tank pump, wiring, etc. etc. etc., is the Stealth Ram.
Where would you say the best place to get the Stealth Ram is?
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Old Jul 21, 2013 | 05:34 PM
  #15  
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From: The Okanagan, British Columbia
Car: 1984 Camaro Z28
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: 350 t5 options?

Originally Posted by travisgold
Where would you say the best place to get the Stealth Ram is?
I think I will just go with the traditional carburetor setup... Best setup for fuel economy/power? This car will be a daily driver for the late spring/summer.
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Old Jul 21, 2013 | 07:03 PM
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Engine: L69 w/ TPI on top / 305 4bbl
Transmission: `95 T56 \ `88 200-4R
Re: 350 t5 options?

Originally Posted by travisgold
Where would you say the best place to get the Stealth Ram is?
Weiand makes one for Vortec heads.

Holley makes one for 86-down heads.

And lots of other notes that can be found and read about in the aftermarket EFI intakes section of this forum. Lots of good info.
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Old Jul 21, 2013 | 07:39 PM
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Re: 350 t5 options?

Weiand is a just a brand name owned by Holley. Same company.

The "Ram" itself is actually an old dual-carb thing that Holley sold back in the early 80s called at that time the "Street Ram", that was basically a flop in the marketplace.

For whyever, they've assigned that product to the Weiand brand name in recent years.

Best place to get it is all the usual hot-rod parts sources... craigslist, the classifieds on here, local speed shops, Summit, Jeg's, .... and so forth.
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