transmission swap option?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Car: 89 firebird
Engine: 2.8 v6
Transmission: 700r4
transmission swap option?
Hi,
I will be putting together a turbo 3500 once i collect all the parts to build it. I'm looking to see if anyone has thought of (or has done) putting anything other than a 700r4 behind there 60 degree v6.
I know of a few options such as the th350, r154, and i believe it was caffeine put a t56 on one.
As much as i would love to go manual, i don't like the idea of not having a steel bell housing and as far as i know it would require a custom piece made which would cost a pretty penny.
I would like to keep an overdrive trans as it will be mostly a street car with some autocross/track use.
Would a built 200r4 or any other options work assuming one could make the trans and torque arm mount work and the electronics to need for some autos .solstice trans? jeep trans?
I will be putting together a turbo 3500 once i collect all the parts to build it. I'm looking to see if anyone has thought of (or has done) putting anything other than a 700r4 behind there 60 degree v6.
I know of a few options such as the th350, r154, and i believe it was caffeine put a t56 on one.
As much as i would love to go manual, i don't like the idea of not having a steel bell housing and as far as i know it would require a custom piece made which would cost a pretty penny.
I would like to keep an overdrive trans as it will be mostly a street car with some autocross/track use.
Would a built 200r4 or any other options work assuming one could make the trans and torque arm mount work and the electronics to need for some autos .solstice trans? jeep trans?
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 451
Likes: 1
From: Monroe, Michigan
Car: 1991 Camaro RS
Engine: 4.8l LS
Transmission: TH350
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: transmission swap option?
I can't chime in much, but I can give some thought.
The 700r4 probably won't hold together very long with a turbo 3500. I believe there is many modifications needed for the t56 to work, along with the r154.
Both fastedddi and Mars have used the th350 behind their applications and they seem to hold up great. Not to mention they are cheap and easy to build up compared to the 700r4/t56.
The 700r4 probably won't hold together very long with a turbo 3500. I believe there is many modifications needed for the t56 to work, along with the r154.
Both fastedddi and Mars have used the th350 behind their applications and they seem to hold up great. Not to mention they are cheap and easy to build up compared to the 700r4/t56.
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,370
Likes: 18
Car: 1973 Datsun 240Z/ 1985 S-15 Jimmy
Engine: Turbo LX9/To be decided
Transmission: 5-speed/T-5
Axle/Gears: R200 3.90/7.5" 3.73
Re: transmission swap option?
For direct bolt ins you've covered them all.
In my own turbo LX9 swap I went to a Nissan FS5R30A, because I feel it's far better than any GM trans I could bolt to the engine. I started with an adapter plate, but them moved to a custom bellhousing because the adapter wasn't quite as centered as I had hoped to make it.
I have considered a highly customized 4L80E, but the customization is not typical and could be adapted in similar fashion to any of the other large pattern transmissions listed.
In my own turbo LX9 swap I went to a Nissan FS5R30A, because I feel it's far better than any GM trans I could bolt to the engine. I started with an adapter plate, but them moved to a custom bellhousing because the adapter wasn't quite as centered as I had hoped to make it.
I have considered a highly customized 4L80E, but the customization is not typical and could be adapted in similar fashion to any of the other large pattern transmissions listed.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Car: 89 firebird
Engine: 2.8 v6
Transmission: 700r4
Re: transmission swap option?
What are the specs on the fs5r30 and how do u like it in the car? Where did you get a bell housing made and is it steel scatter proof?
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,370
Likes: 18
Car: 1973 Datsun 240Z/ 1985 S-15 Jimmy
Engine: Turbo LX9/To be decided
Transmission: 5-speed/T-5
Axle/Gears: R200 3.90/7.5" 3.73
Re: transmission swap option?
The FS5R30A is found in the Nissan 300ZX, Pathfinder but there are some differences. It's been known to handle over 700 HP in the heavy Z32.
Mine is not in a 3rd gen, it's in a '73 Datsun 240Z, that I installed a turbo LX9 into.
The bellhousing is a modified stock bellhousing, where I cut apart the Nissan front case half (It's more than just the bellhousing) and welded the flange from a T5 onto it at the correct depth. I plan to make a steel one in the furture, but for now, what I have works. I have ideas on how to make it bolt to the front of the trans case once I fully cut the bellhousing section off, but will need to actually try it before I know how well it will work.
Part way through the modification:

Reasembling the trans:
Mine is not in a 3rd gen, it's in a '73 Datsun 240Z, that I installed a turbo LX9 into.
The bellhousing is a modified stock bellhousing, where I cut apart the Nissan front case half (It's more than just the bellhousing) and welded the flange from a T5 onto it at the correct depth. I plan to make a steel one in the furture, but for now, what I have works. I have ideas on how to make it bolt to the front of the trans case once I fully cut the bellhousing section off, but will need to actually try it before I know how well it will work.
Part way through the modification:

Reasembling the trans:
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Car: 89 firebird
Engine: 2.8 v6
Transmission: 700r4
Re: transmission swap option?
How would a bulit 200r4 be? Would the speedway adapter kit work to bolt it to the 3500 ? I like the gear ratios much better than the 700r4 but I'm unsure if it would work with the 3500 v6
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,287
Likes: 41
From: Northwest Ohio
Car: 1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Lq4 6.0 SBE s485 turbo E85
Transmission: Fsi th400 stage 4. TSI 5500 st
Axle/Gears: Strange S60 4:10s
Re: transmission swap option?
I run a th350. Alot alot of thirdgens have swapped to a th350 or th400 for street strip applications. I really do love my trans. Holds up fine to the hp I'm tossing at it. Although it's no turbo 3500. I am easily pushing 450 HP and 450 tq to it with my engine. It's a swap that's been covered litterly 100 times on this site and a few times on the v6s. The only difference being the adapter plate to mount a 90 degree trans to our 60 degree housing and a pilot adapter.
I have 3.23 gears now and it's ok on the highway without od. About 2700 rpm at 65 mph on 26 inch tall drs. The car still gets a solid 25 mph highway which is good. City is another thing.. but really who builds a built up engine for mpgs.
I have a sticky on the v6 forum for the swap. It's quite easy to do and keep in mind there is a reason why th350 th400 and glides are in litterly 75 percent of street/strip and strip cars that are automatics weather it's a ford or a gm. They are literly dirt cheep to build up. Handle hp and tq. Easy as can be to work on. And are dime a dozen to find.
I have 3.23 gears now and it's ok on the highway without od. About 2700 rpm at 65 mph on 26 inch tall drs. The car still gets a solid 25 mph highway which is good. City is another thing.. but really who builds a built up engine for mpgs.
I have a sticky on the v6 forum for the swap. It's quite easy to do and keep in mind there is a reason why th350 th400 and glides are in litterly 75 percent of street/strip and strip cars that are automatics weather it's a ford or a gm. They are literly dirt cheep to build up. Handle hp and tq. Easy as can be to work on. And are dime a dozen to find.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dennisbernal91z
Suspension and Chassis
13
Apr 14, 2016 05:42 AM
BADNBLK
Auto Detailing and Appearance
2
Mar 23, 2016 12:39 PM
rickyzZ28
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Wanted
1
Mar 14, 2016 07:52 PM






