Tranny blew today on the highway (locked the rear wheels at 70mph wooooo! ) so I'm on the hunt for a replacement.

Car is a 83 Firebird V6.

I know I need a 82-84 tranny to be a direct swap in but what differences are there with the 85-92?

I know the clutch was hydraulic so what would need to be changed over?

I've found a few late 80's ones but no early ones, hence my asking.

Thanks!

 

Check for cable or electronic speedometer.
The clutch parts that operate it are bolted outside of the bellhousing so they won't be much of a concern.
I had an 84 Camaro v6 back in the early 90s, the tranny went out. If I recall, the used one was from an 85 firebird.

 

As long as the trans is a 5 speed it will be hydraulic and work in your car. The only problem you will run into with a later trans is an electric speed sensor as you need a mechanical one. Heck, you could even use a 3.4 4th gen t5 will the correct bellhousing and clutch kit.

 

1. True.
2. The word isn't WILL but MAY. If the donor is a pre-90 Camaro, then there will be a speedo cable. If the donor is a Bird with the idiot light cluster, there will be a speedo cable. Anything newer than 90 has a VSS. And there are 2 types of speedo cable bullets, one having a nylon gear/shaft assembly and the other having a nylon gear pushed onto a metal shaft (which you would want to find if your donor has a VSS and you want to use the gear on it).

OP, you would need to find a way to get rid of the manual clutch parts and cut the hole in the firewall for the clutch master followed by getting the right bellhousing for the slave cylinder if you want to go hydraulic. I just hope that there wasn't any serious engine damage... Engines don't usually like being mechanically locked up by external means...

 

I was able to push the clutch in and keep the motor running.

I'm headed two hours north to pick up a V6 3rd gen tranny.

Keeping the manual clutch. Rather just unbolt & bolt back in.

Did order a new clutch & throwout as I might as well while I'm in there.

Aside from adjusting the clutch afterwards this should be a pretty easy job!