Auto to manual

[RcamaroS]

Well I have a 1989 Camaro RS with the 305 and the 700r4 in it. I was planning on putting the/a 350 tpi motor in it and build the trans up with a shift kit but I was also wondering how hard it is to switch it to manual (5 speed). I know I need a hole for the clutch obviously and also need a tune after but what else would I need. What would be a good trans to get? It might not go through with the swap but I've been thinking about it. So what all would I need to do and need to get for a successful trans swap?

[ryanwarby01]

My cousin and I did it a few years ago. We put in a 383 LT1 and a T56 in his 1986 305/auto Camaro. It was a decent amount of work. The main issue was doing the pedals, but it can definitely be done. I think hawks third gen has a lot of the stuff you need.

[Iroc'nthe87]

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/tr...-thread-2.html

[Gregs_gsxr]

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/tr...-thread-2.html

holy shit he is alive !!!

[JoeliusZ28]

If i was going through the trouble of swapping an engine and transmission, id certainly use something better than a 350TPI with a 5 speed... unless maybe i got those parts for free. If you plan on keeping this car a T56 is a worthwhile investment. If you have not compared the transmissions you should find some friends that will let you drive one - its a much bigger difference than just an extra gear.

[1BADAIR]

did they ever make a t5 350? thought it wasnt an option due to lack of strenght

[alwaysmessedup]

no they never put the t5 behind the 350 because the t5 cant handle the torque.. i did the auto to t5 swap in my car which has a healthy 350 and the t5 lasted about 3k befor it blew.. i wouldnt put one in, i would search for a t56 for sure.. just my .02

[RcamaroS]

The guy listed all the things he did with the motor when I got it and he said its pushing close to 330hp because of the little things he's done to it. Itll be a pretty healthy 350tpi. I was thinking a T56 swap or a 4l60e swap with the driveshaft. Would a 4l60e fit?

[JoeliusZ28]

A 4L60e would fit, but im not sure how you would make it work considering it needs a PCM to function which a TPI computer would not accomodate for. You would probably need to go 700r4 or use a manual valve body for the 60e to work. I'd just do the right thing and get a T56 though

[s8bayer]

I have a 350 t56 combo in my camaro. It was a bit of work but all the major stuff is out there. No really fabricating other than measuring and cutting the hole for the shifter. I also fabbed up a rubber boot to cover the hole around the shifter. Your car should have the hole precut for the hydraulic mount for the clutch slave. My 82 did. I just had to punch it out. I would recommend a pre 96 donor car. The LT1 t56 is a bit easier to handle and adapt to the 2 piece rear main sbc. Spohn has a great crossmember I used. The t56 is a bit longer than your 700. Also get the driveshaft out of the donor car. It will droop into yours. I got the full rearend out of the 95 car, but I took the wheels too because it is wider than your third gen. You will need to pull the brake master to mount the pedals, which I would also get from the donor car.

Crossmember:
http://www.spohn.net/shop/1982-1992-...ossmember.html

Great walk through, the best information I got before I did my work:
http://www.skulte.com/T56.html

Total when all done was about $3200. The trans and all parts to get into my car was $2200. Clutch, not real great, $250, $300ish for centerforce adapter flywheel to run a sbc instead of an LT1. It was a lot of work, and plan on not driving the thing for a while because it took a bit of time to get the kinks out, but now, it has never been this fun to drive. The car just came alive! Well worth it if you can find the parts for a reasonable price. Too bad your on the other side of the state. I would be happy to show you around my car to help you understand what I did. Let me know if your in GR, or just ask on here and I will be happy to give you my two cents.

[c0ncEpT]

I'd just do the right thing and get a TH400 though

Fixed

[RcamaroS]

I need the overdrive tho so I cant go with a TH400.

[RcamaroS]

I have a 350 t56 combo in my camaro. It was a bit of work but all the major stuff is out there. No really fabricating other than measuring and cutting the hole for the shifter. I also fabbed up a rubber boot to cover the hole around the shifter. Your car should have the hole precut for the hydraulic mount for the clutch slave. My 82 did. I just had to punch it out. I would recommend a pre 96 donor car. The LT1 t56 is a bit easier to handle and adapt to the 2 piece rear main sbc. Spohn has a great crossmember I used. The t56 is a bit longer than your 700. Also get the driveshaft out of the donor car. It will droop into yours. I got the full rearend out of the 95 car, but I took the wheels too because it is wider than your third gen. You will need to pull the brake master to mount the pedals, which I would also get from the donor car.

Crossmember:
http://www.spohn.net/shop/1982-1992-...ossmember.html

Great walk through, the best information I got before I did my work:
http://www.skulte.com/T56.html

Total when all done was about $3200. The trans and all parts to get into my car was $2200. Clutch, not real great, $250, $300ish for centerforce adapter flywheel to run a sbc instead of an LT1. It was a lot of work, and plan on not driving the thing for a while because it took a bit of time to get the kinks out, but now, it has never been this fun to drive. The car just came alive! Well worth it if you can find the parts for a reasonable price. Too bad your on the other side of the state. I would be happy to show you around my car to help you understand what I did. Let me know if your in GR, or just ask on here and I will be happy to give you my two cents.

Will you be at the meet and greet the 4th or no?

[JoeliusZ28]

I need the overdrive tho so I cant go with a TH400.

Everyone thinks they need overdrive! You'd be surprised how decent the mileage is with a 3 speed. but its OK, a T56 has two overdrives

[Curt_irocz]

if your interested, I got a t5 with clutch, flyhweel and the pedals, just need shifter knob and hydralics.