T5 Installed

[SayBye]

I've been working on this alone for the past 2 weeks, not being in any hurry. After removing the 3 speed, I figured since its out, might as well replace the rear main and reseal the oil pan. I did both of these, then moved on to installing the t5.

Couldn't have done it without Jays (lugnuts65) help! BIG THANKS!!!! Keep in mind that 2 week ago I didn't even know a t5 existed lol. After reading his write up, pm'ing and some phone conversations he was able to get me through it. His t5 page can be found here and has some excellent info and pictures for anyone wanting to do this swap!

http://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebly.com/

He goes into all the details on his page, so Ill just hit a few highlights of my swap. Once the input shaft was changed and cut down it was time to measure the driveshaft length. A driveshaft shop would frown upon doing this but I have cut a few drive shafts down over the years and never had any issue. I measured, cut and welded the driveshaft back to the length it need to be, replacing the ujoints while I had it out.

Once the t5 was in place, I measured for the shift hole in the floor. My advice, cut a little, measure a lot and you'll do just fine! I also bent a long and high gear shifter (might take some out of it, but I dig the high and long look). Still waiting on my 8ball shift knob to arrive.

[SayBye]

The ebrake crossmember has to be removed to get the t5 in place. I drilled the factory rivets out. Once t5 was in place, I moved the crossmember under the frame and made some spacers, bolting it back to the frame.

[SayBye]

As I said my gear shifter is huge but I dig the look. Prolly will end up cutting it down some more but we will see...

[SayBye]

Got the fluid top'd off last night but didn't get to take it for a spin. Cant wait to get off work and take it down the road! I did pull it forward about 10ft then back up in my garage, lol felt good!

[TJ's Chevy]

Sweet! Look forward to seeing how you like the T5.

[dhamilton62]

Nice work and looking good! You'll love that T5, it makes a huge difference! Just make sure you get that driveshaft balanced, mine wasn't and I was chasing down vibrations in all gears for a while until I had it rebalanced.

[canadian_diesel1964]

Man that's sweet ... Nice job

[Lugnutz65]

I'm grinning cause he did the Jeep shaft swap too! Awesome!

[SayBye]

Took it to the gas station today and around town for a minute, drove great! Absolutely love the t5! Highly recommend for anyone looking to get away from the column shift.

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by SayBye

Took it to the gas station today and around town for a minute, drove great! Absolutely love the t5! Highly recommend for anyone looking to get away from the column shift.

How does 1st gear feel? I think yours is a 3.97 IIRC? Anyway, you will probably like the little extra jump off the line when the light turns green.

[SayBye]

Originally Posted by Lugnutz65

How does 1st gear feel? I think yours is a 3.97 IIRC? Anyway, you will probably like the little extra jump off the line when the light turns green.

First gear feels great, it's not a super quick shift to 2nd by any means. Got it on the interstate up to 65 in 5th and man did it purr. No driveline vibration either!

Although, I fear my rear main seal swap was a waste of time

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by SayBye

First gear feels great, it's not a super quick shift to 2nd by any means. Got it on the interstate up to 65 in 5th and man did it purr. No driveline vibration either!

If you have a tach, look to see what your RPMs are next time you do 65 MPH. That info along with the tire diameter too. You said your diff was 3.73, so I'm thinking you are turning around 2100 RPMs at 65 MPH. Or close to it.

[WTX-65LWB]

I am currently working on this install myself. The information from LugNutz65 is great and very accurate! Glad to see someone else finish this - keeps me going!

[SayBye]

Originally Posted by WTX-65LWB

I am currently working on this install myself. The information from LugNutz65 is great and very accurate! Glad to see someone else finish this - keeps me going!

Great to hear! Like I said it took me, by myself, about two weeks working on it a few hours a night Monday through Thursday. Keep at it, its a sweet reward!

[xRAY76]

i went to look at a 65 with a 350 w/T5 near st.louis
it drove great but the guy wanted way too much for his junk truck.

[TJ's Chevy]

Glad yer happy with the T5. You'll notice some better mileage as well. I'm doing a TKO600 for my hopped up 292...Bang shifting time! lol

[duallyjams]

You can put the rear view mirror on top of the shifter as tall as it is. Just put pistol grips on the shifter were your hand natural fits.

[Mathew21]

Nice job!

[SayBye]

Originally Posted by duallyjams

You can put the rear view mirror on top of the shifter as tall as it is. Just put pistol grips on the shifter were your hand natural fits.

That's right. I like it though, actually took about 2" outta it tonight and put an 8 ball on it. No leaning up, no unatural reach, just throw ur hand up and it's there

[duallyjams]

Need a go pro shot of you cruising it.

[SayBye]

Originally Posted by duallyjams

Need a go pro shot of you cruising it.

Ended up taking more out of it after a few beers. Haven't driven it yet, kinda nervous that it won't feel as good as the higher version...

[SayBye]

One more. Will update tomorrow on the feel of things...

[SayBye]

Originally Posted by SayBye

One more. Will update tomorrow on the feel of things...

Looking for a factory radio to fill the void if anyone has one laying around, working or not working, just need one for looks. iPod setup going in the glove box...

[jcramsey]

Looks great... I know one thing for sure Jay (lugnutz65) is passionate about T5's and more than willing to give some great advice when it comes to them. Hopefully I can be that helpful to someone else on the board one of these days!

[Thiessen1960]

My engine and tranny are at the shop. I'll be using a 235 with the T5 behind it and I cant wait.