I have a 1984 z-28 camaro with a 305 HO engine( and 3.73 rear end if that is important) . It currently has a 700-r4 transmission. I want to swap it for a manual.

From information I have gleaned from this board, this looks very feasible. I am looking at either the t-5 or the t-56. Low cost (with adequate performace/reliability) is important. I have been looking at t-5 and t-56 adds on e-bay. Here is my question. Many t-5s come from either Mustangs or 6 cylinder f-bodys. I know that in the automatic world a 700-r4 transmission from a six cylinder car is not a reccomended swap to a v8. Is this also true for manual t-5s. What about t-5s form mustangs.

What do I generally need to look for?

Thank you for taking the time to respond to this question

Regards,
George Clay

 

The mustang T5s have a different input shaft and different tail shaft & possibly a different output shaft. You can scratch that idea.

The V6 T5 depends on what V6 it's from. If it's from a 60* v6 (2.8, 3.1, 3.4) then you can forget it. The input shaft is different. It's said that the internals are weaker, but the guts of my 2.8 trans look just like the guts to my V8 T5.

If you get the T5 out of a 4th gen 3.8, it'll be a good world class T5. The only problem is that you'll still need the thirdgen-specific equipment, which would at the very minimum be the pedals, but probably the master-slave cyllinder setup as well.

 

What about the bell housing between a fourth gen 3.8 and a third gen 5.0 ?

Are they the same ?

 

My friend bought a V6/5spd camaro with a blown motor and dropped a 305 in without swapping transmissions. I told him it couldnt be done but he somehow did it. No custom work or nothing.

 

The only differences I know of between V6 T5 and V8 T5 is the input shaft and the bellhousing. Both problems are easy to solve.

Dale

 

I have a good idea what it takes to both locate a bell housing and replace it.

What is involved in changing an input shaft, and can one be purchased for a reasonable price from an appropriate supplier ?

Or do you just use the clutch from the 6 cylinder ?

 

Try Hanlon MotorSports for the parts. You'll also need to get the appropriate seals,bearings,races and shims involved. Basically, remove the front cover of the tranny, pull the old one out, put the new one in. To get a better idea, you should probably consult a Helm or Chiltons book to see a tear-apart diagram and some of the basic steps for choosing the shims, removing, installing, etc.

Once the tranny is on the bench, it should not take more than a few hours to do the switch. If all goes well, I would say an hour.

This will allow the use of a normal V8 clutch setup. A V6 setup is most likely too weak for a moderate V8.

Dale

 

If the first gear synchro keys don't fall out, maybe an hour if the Gods are on your side. If the keys fall out... pack a lunch.