I'm plotting on another Camaro. This one has less power and costs more. Sounds like a good deal, huh? It's a T-top 91 6 cyl 5 speed with only 87,200 on it----supposedly. It has a few options and he added a set of AR rims, flowmasters and a pioneer Cd system with amp, sub...The guy is asking 2 Gs, but there are some exterior imperfections that I can work with hopefully to get it around 1,700 or so. I booked it at about 1,850 in decent condition.

If I get it, I would like to use it as a daily driver for a year or so, then drop in a 4.3 that I already have. Here are my questions:

1. Does the odometer on the 91s have 6 digits? I'm wondering if this thing really has 187,000+ on it, not 87,000+. I think I'll be able to tell by the condition of the car though.

2. I've been told in order to complete this engine swap, I would have to get a V8 manual trans to match up with the 90 degree 4.3. But I'm confused because I see people with 2.8s, 3.1s, 5.0s & 5.7s all with T-5 transmissions. Is the only difference the bell housing design?

Please help me figure out what I might be getting myself into.

 

1. The 88 cluster I swapped in my ride has six digit odometre, so should the 90's cars.

2. I think the input shaft spline count is different for teh v8 cars, but a better answer should be forthcoming.

 

The 91's have 6 digits, yes.

The t5 is used in many rides, including mustangs, s10's and more. Alot of things are different too, about only thing the same is name, and manufacture.

You will need the v8 t5 because of spline count, power rating, and I even belive the mounting to the bellhousing is different also (then our smaller v6's).

Dont forget, you will have to wire in the ecm system also. You MAY beable to use the 305TBI ecm system to run a 4.3TBI, shorten/extend some wires, and make a custom chip for it.

 

Could always ditch the computer, get a 4.3 4 barrel intak (Astro Van) and put a carb on it.

 

Thanks for the replies. I have everything for the 4.3. It's complete & running in my 89 Blazer. I figured I would keep the ECM for easy cold starts, stock reliability, easy repair and the possible addition of a Syclone / Typhoon turbo setup down the road. I know their ECMs are different, but I figure I could get mine re-calibrated. I know I won't find one of them at the yard and GM would whack the hell out of me for a new one, I'm sure.

 

You can use a WC T-5 with the v-8 motor, a buddy of mine did that. The WC is different then the regular T-5. Hope that helps

 

be sure to get a wc t-5

 

I assume WC stands for World Class? I've seen that on some peoples trans description. What is the difference between the two? Why is the World Class better?

 

the world class is a much stronger tranny, and overall performs better

 

Where can you get them and how much more do they cost? I was planning on getting a trans from the junkyard to save on cash.

 

they are found in all 88 and up camaros, be sure to get a v8 one

 

Thanks for the info, man. I'll keep that in mind when I search around--------------if I get this thing. Was that the only trans offered for those years, or was it an option? Are there any external differences that would show it's a WC for sure? I would guess they are in Birds as well, right?

 

yep, just be sure to get a v8 one a v6 one will not bolt up, all 88-92 camaros and firebirds got them

 

A v-6 one will not bolt up true, however it will bolt up if you change the bell housing on it, then you should be set. Yeah the WC T-5 is much better and built for more power

 

easier to just find a v8 t-5

 

I think the splines will also match up. Just need to swap bell housings. If you can find a v-8 one, go for it, but if not, the v-6 WC will ve fine