I got a bird w/ the 2.8 and the 700r4 and my first intentions for her were the 305/TH350 combo in the garage but my 2.8 is running really strong and beats some 305s. So i was thinking maybe swapping in a T5 would be better i doubt im gonna drop a v8 into her ive grown attached to the 6 but i want a manual. What do i need? heres my idea

-T5 tranny w/ 60* v6 bellhousing
-tranny mount maybe?
-driveshaft maybe?
-Clutch and brake pedals
-shifter
-Master cylinder out of a manual car
-Manual steering column maybe?

and how much does this swap ussually cost? and is it possible to do without a lift?

thanks any experiences , pics anything would be appreciated

Im probably not gonna be able to have a manual car right next to mine to swap from thats why im asking

 

Hey! Welcome to the club! =)

You need:

T5 from donor 1985-1995 camaro/firebird V6 (v8 trans no workie)
Bellhousing (hopefully it comes with the tranny)
Flywheel (Autozone, 100 bucks)
Clutch/pressure plate/throwout bearing (Autozone, 90 bucks, LLT)
Pilot bushing (Autozone, 2 bucks)
Clutch Hydraulics (GM Parts Counter, about 200 bucks, 1 yr warranty, sealed system, filled, bled. Bolt-on)
Bolts! ARGH! I spent weeks looking for bolts. Suck up your pride, cuz the 24 bolts I needed ran me $66.66 at a GM parts counter. Flywheel bolts are different from flexplate bolts. They're also TTY, so you *have* to buy new ones =\
If your rear-main seal is leaking, you have to replace it. Oil soaked clutches don't perform very well. If it doesn't want to come out, welcome to my world. Spent a month prying on this thing.. I'm about to get very nasty and risk the motor to get it out, cuz if it isn't coming out, I'm gonna have to tear it down anyway.
Pedals, shifter, interior console cover, shift boots
Manual ECU if you happen to find one cheap for your year car, but not neccessary
Flywheel cover (I'm fabricating one for mine if I ever get that far)

You don't need a lift. I've been working on mine with a pair of ramps and a pair of jack stands. You may need to do extra jack work or find other interesting methods to clear the 700 from under the car. Mine was interesting. Cleared between the engine crossmember and the A-arm.. barely.. after jacking some more.

I'm not sure on the starter.. I've heard many varying arguments there, and I'm not far enough into it to be an authority.

Tranny mount, no. Driveshaft, no. Column, no. So far, my swap has run the following:

Trans/Bell, 150; Fly, 100; Clutch, 90; Bolts, 66.66; Hydraulics, 200; Misc BS, 30.