I am in the process of building my 1988 305 Camaro with a 700R4 transmission I am looking at different options for the transmission I would ultimately like it to be a manual either a T56 or even a T5 or maybe a 4-speed Muncie? The car will have approximately 400 horsepower Max on a carbed 383 stroker. My dad who is a mechanic told me to stick with a turbo hydramatic 350 or 400 and forget the manual. What would the cost be to switch it to a manual vs getting rid of the 700R4 and dropping in a th350 and which tranny would be most cost-effective or would work best for this application?

 

I'd get the manual. Hawks sells a t5 conversion and t56 conversion for $1200 and $2800.
If you want to drag race stick with the auto.

 

I would go with the T56 myself if I were in your situation (and building a primarily street car). A little harder to swap in, but the T5 would probably not last long behind a hot 383 if you drive aggressively.

I'm just finishing up a 700R4 to T5 swap in my car behind a wimpy little 305 and the process was pretty straightforward.

 

Awesome, thanks a bunch. That kit is really nice. I never knew it existed. I probably can only afford the t5 conversion, but with a good clutch how many HP are the t5's good for safely?

 

Don't know for sure (or from experience), but from what I have read ~300ft/lbs. Stickier tires and/or clutches will have an impact too. But in the end, it really depends on how aggressively you drive. Seen posts from guys with built 350s who have been running T5s for years, and seen posts from guys with V6 and 305 motors who have burned up multiple transmissions. I wouldn't put one behind a 383 simply because you won't get to cut loose - what's the point of a powerful motor if you have to baby it all the time?

I'll be in the 220hp 275 ft/lbs range (headers and a mild cam), and I don't anticipate any problems.

EDIT: I'm no expert, but from what I understand a T56 swap needs a custom crossmember and some wiring changes. Search around, there are some good instructions for the install on this site.