I thought I had a WC T5 lined up. Turns out its a non WC from an 84 Firebird. I have the 5.7 and I'm well aware of the concerns regarding the T5. That being said, It would never see a track or drag strip, or even one power shift. I do however like to toy around on the street. Now I'm wondering if I should just get another 700R4? Mine is tired and reverse comes and goes. So no matter what, I have to do something. I found something from Monster transmissions that would probably be close to what I would spend on the manual swap, for a T5. The T56 is out of the question. The American dollar is just to high and would likely be close to $4000 Canadian by the time all is said and done. Just looking for thoughts and opinions.

http://www.monstertransmission.com/7...l#.VTLHCSHBzRY

 

The difference between Non-WC and WC T5 is not really worth sweating. If your trans is really on its way out i say go for the manual swap. I put a TKO in my car and would not go back to auto. Driving stick is just so much fun.

 

My concern is with parts availability as I've heard no new gear sets are available for the Non WC, and I'm also worried about the front bearing race for the counter gear. I understand if for any reason it gets ovaled, the transmission is done. I'm hesitant to open it up and find a mess. that's my hang up

 

Considering how you plan to drive it, I wouldn't worry about it, either. Once you've done the conversion, a TKO becomes a drop-in solution should you decide to go with a beefier transmission. Also, the TKO can be bought new for less than most used T56's.

 

Edge,

Since your across the boarder, I'd recommend stay'n away from Monster Transmission, have your's rebuilt locally.

I bought their "Mega Monster" TH350 back in 2003 for a project that I never got finished, picked it up in person. It's been stored in a spare bedroom closet since, It's go'n in my GTA in a couple months, I ran across some reviews last weekend that has me worried. All you have to do is Google search, their "SUPERIOR HIGH PERFORMANCE REPROGRAMMING SHIFT KIT" is nothing more than hog'n a few holes out in the valve body spacer plate.

After reading many horror stories, I'm taking mine to a local trans guy and we're gonna perform a tear-down inspection before I install it. At that time I'll replace any junk parts they left in it, then toss the hogged out plate and install a REAL shift kit......

 

I actually ended up sourcing a WC T5. Been wanting to do that for 15 years. I think I'd be second guessing myself forever if I did't go this route