Hello all, i am restoring a 87 Trans Am that had a 305 and a 5 speed. i just pick up a 5.3 to start the swap! i was going to do the T56 but holy heck... $$$$. I did not realize how much they go for...my bad for not really checking into as much as i should have. Now I am thinking of going with a 6L80 instead. The price on those seem to be alittle more forgiving. My question is how hard is it to change out? good bye 3rd pedal but do i have to get a new center console or can I use the one I have? As far as a shifter, is there something better then the stock one, something cooler and fun? As far as parts needed, flex plate, bell housing, torque convertor, and the trans. is there a separate computer or does the PCM that I got with motor do everything? Has any one else done this? Thank you all!!!... Or I can use my T5 transmission....

 

Truck shifters usually are PRNDM with a manual shift option. I haven't done tap shifters, but they have been done.
Floor clearance will need added. This may affect your console.

 

That transmission requires a ECM of comparable age, according to the truck people that swap stuff like that around on a regular basis.

Given that the TPI computer is a relic from the 70s, that barely has enough extra mental horsepucker to light one more light bulb, I'd put your chances of getting it to work that way, somewhere between Slim and None; and Slim just left town.

Might not be impossible though, if you adapted a 201x (whatever year it is) ECM to run your TPI, which after all, is MIGHTY DAMN CRUDE by 201x standards.

Bolts right up to a 305. Assuming of course you get one from out of a vehicle with a V8 to begin with.

I haven't the vaguest clue about shifters.

 

What year 5.3 did you already pick up?

... and are you saying that the engine you nabbed came with its' factory PCM?

- Rob

 

I believe the E38 saw the most truck / Camaro use along with the 6L80E, which has a TCM inside.
It can be used with a manual tune, which is also what is done with a non-electronic transmission.

 

Its a 2005 5.3 and yes i have the PCM...