I really really need to swap out the autotragic tranny. I've searched some on the T-5 and I was wondering where would be the best and cheapest place to get the parts I need, and what would be the best parts? About how much would it cost me? How hard is it to do? Also where is the best tech article on how to do it? Is it hard to find the parts?

According to Fbodymotorsports, these are the parts I need:
-Pilot Bushing (New)
-Flywheel (New or Used)
-Clutch Disc (New)
-Pressure Plate (New)
-Release Bearing (New)
-Bellhousing W/Release fork from an F-body (Used)
-Transmission from an F-body (Used)
-Either Hydraulic or manual release mechanism (Used)
-Clutch/Brake pedal assembly, entire assy, not just pedals (Used)
-Shifter (Used)
-Lower shift boot (Used)
-Upper console swap with upper shift boot (The console is cut for the shifter throw) (Used)

Is there any other parts I would need?

Sorry for all the questions but I need to know everything I can before me and my dad can do this. Thanks for any help.

 

get a tranny from an 86+ firebird or 89+ camaro, otherwise you will have to convert the cable vss to an electric one. you may end up needing different torque arm and exhaust mount brackets, i did. just have a junkyard nearby where you can get those if you need too. there are only 2 types, and i have no clue which type goes to what kind of car(besides that they are both 82-92 fbodies).

its a pretty easy swap.

 

Are there any Pull A Part/U Pull It type yards near you? At the ones in Atlanta I haven't seen too many 5 speed setups, but if you run across one there you'll save a ton of money. Just last weekend I found a 5 speed Firebird that the tranny was already gone, but I got the shifter plate for about $5 and the complete pedal assembly for $11! They normally sell transmissions for about $50...you could probably get everything for $100 or so.

 

I would also strongly suggest keeping eye out for S-Series vehicles.
I'm very very sure MANY mechanical parts are IDENTICAL
BUT definetly SCORE the console & cosmetic items from the f series.
In end it may be so easier to just repair the auto tranny.

 

search on my name for late last year, early this year as I just did it.

Main thing tha bit me is I did not know the cat-convertor mount AND torque arm mount was different. Couldnt find them locally, and could not make it to the parts yard to hunt.


As for creating the hole in the firewall for the salve. That is a pita and alot of guess work. Best advice I have for that is mount the peddles, use the support arms that come down to make your mount holes. Then the big hole is some guessing.

You will need to swap from your current 3.23 gears to 3.42. I have the parts, just need to get it done.

:edit:
I see your in TN. Shoot me a pm, I might beable to help depending on when.

 

You didnt happen to grab that little "u-bolt" that holds the slave in did you? I'm looking for one Will be up to 4 weeks before I can make it back to my parts yard

 

add to the list.

Backup wire plug. It connects to a sensor in side of tranny, where on autos its in the shifter.

Clutch switch plug, or two weather protected female wire terminals.

Manual ECM (yes, the prom inside is different)

bellhousing dust plate/inspection sheild

4qts atf dm3

make sure used tranny has an electronic vss. If its cable, you must order new vss.

Also make sure tranny is a WC, not a N-WC, and a v6 one. As well as bellhousing is for V6. Your engine block is not designed for manual linkage, so you will have to go with hydro.

Flywheel. Make sure if you get used, it is from 89-95. they are neutral balanced, where pre 89 they are balanced with the crank.

While your in. Might as well go poly transmission mount, and poly torque arm mount. .


Sorry to say, no. I found nothing to be the same when doing my camaro engine into my s10. Bell, flywheel, clutch, tranny, hydros and shifter all different.

 

I was thinking atleast Clutch pedal set up and some other items.
But no, I know you went that route!

 

It (and the slave) were already gone. As far as the hole in the firewall is concerned, why not do a rubbing on the donor vehicle...that will tell you exactly what size the hole should be, and the relation to the mounting holes.

BTW haven't forgotten your request, taking it off tonight.

 

I never had a donor car, so no sketching.

NP on request, not in huge hurry.

 

If the Firebird is still in the yard when I go back (prob this weekend), I'll do a rubbing of it...I'm going to need it for the T56 swap I'm planning for the 87 TA (yes, behind the 455). Anyone else that wants a copy is welcome to it, assuming the car is still there.

 

My transmission is fine, I just hate driving an automatic. Also, I won't be doing the swap here in TN, I'll be driving up to my dad's by Kansas City. He's been a mechanic for about 20 years. So this wouldn't cost me more than like $300? And about how long would it take us?

 

Might wanna look for a whole car at a yard or local. $3-400 for a blown engine car is about right. Then you can sell the rest and make a few buck in the end. By the piece it can cost more. Normal used T5 fetches $100-125 around here. New clutch and parts $100

You really do want to get a WC tranny but a nonWC will work just fine if cash is short. You can allways change and sell the normal one later.

 

Swap can be done in a weekend if you know what your doing, and have EVERYTHING.

As for cost. It cost me about 800 in parts. Plus my torque arm that a splurged on while in the swap.

If your father is a mechanic at a shop, he is likely to beable to get these parts at discount.

Still, if you need help or have questions, give me a pm. I went thru this about 9 months ago. I can also provide pictures of anything you need.