How to install a Camaro T-5

[Lugnutz65]

Call Richie. He will get you what you need.
Brake & Clutch Supply
Ask for Richie
407 So 8th St
Waco, Tx 76706
254-752-4307
Fax 254-752-7533

[CRGRS 66]

Thanks lugnutz! I called Richie, great guy, he says that i need a clutch pack for an 86-90 Astro van with a 4.3, but he also said good luck finding one. If i can't find one he will fix me up. I will follow up here with my results.

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by CRGRS 66

Thanks lugnutz! I called Richie, great guy, he says that i need a clutch pack for an 86-90 Astro van with a 4.3, but he also said good luck finding one. If i can't find one he will fix me up. I will follow up here with my results.

Richie can actually make what you need if necessary.

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by Lugnutz65

Richie can actually make what you need if necessary.

Yes sir, we discussed that. I would have absolutely ordered the pressure plate and clutch from Richie if were in the US of A. Great guy, very helpful.

[CRGRS 66]

Okay, so I hope this helps someone at someone at some point. My original set up is a 66 C10, short fleet, 283, 3speed manual (I was told that it was an HD Saginaw 3spd). I had originally bought the MU56-1 perfection clutch set, which seemed to be the right choice as my transmission is from a Camaro. Little wake up call when I try to install, as the bolt circle on my fly wheel (to attach the pressure plate) does not match the MU56-1 pressure plate, it is smaller. Lugnuts to the rescue, says call Richie, so I calls Richie, Richie says... You need the clutch pak for an 86-90 Astro van with a 4.3V6. Richie cautions me that he gave up trying to find these on the shelf some time ago, he has an HD prssure plate he can sell to me fir $xx.00, and he can make a clutch disc no sweat! Price seems real effen good, but being in Canada, i have customs duty, brokerage fees, and shipping. I hangs up the phone and calls Partsource (local jobber), he says "sorry, don't have that in stock, but I could have one here in themorning....so, long story longer, I order it up, it is in Saturday morning, and installed not long after. The odd part is that the spline count is different, but the correct spline is the astro van disc.

[Lugnutz65]

Sounds like you got it sorted out. How does it drive?

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by Lugnutz65

Sounds like you got it sorted out. How does it drive?

just a roller right now... it will be a completely different ride though (hopefully next spring), all new suspension, power brakes and steering to go with the 5spd and 350 crate engine.

[Lugnutz65]

Looks really nice. Clean work. Anti-sway bar front and back, frame is nice and bagged for the LOW ride!

Looks like you put the stock S10 shifter in a press to straighten it a bit. Go easy on that T5 with the V8. It can handle it but not any abuse or side stepping the clutch. Haha! Have fun and stay in touch with updates.

[jadedbird]

so camaro t5s are better for our application?

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by jadedbird

so camaro t5s are better for our application?

Yes and no. It depends on your engine horse power and rear diff gear.
My 1965 C10 came with a 3 speed on the column. First gear was 2.95 in the 3 speed, and of course 3rd gear was 1:1 drive. Most 3 speed column shift trannys from 1960-1972 had a 2.95 1st gear. I have a 3.73 rear diff and that is a very common rear diff for the 1960-1972 years.

A V8 Camaro t5 will have a 2.95 1st gear and 5th will be either 0.73 or 0.63.
I recommend a V8 with decent HP for a T5 with a 0.63 5th gear.
An inline 6 matches up fine with a T5 and a 0.73 5th gear.
Of course, a V8 matched with the 0.73 OD gear will be just fine too.

A V6 Camaro T5 usually has a 3.75 1st gear and a 0.73 5th gear. They are easier to find and I think they work well with the inline 6 or V8. Some say that 3.75 1st gear is a little too low but most don't mind.

I'd say if you have a V8 SBC with average or above HP and just want a better tranny with OD then look for a 1993 S10 T5. It is exactly the same as the V6 Camaro T5 but already has the shifter where it will clear the bench seat. Plus the 1993 S10 T5 will be a World Class T5.

[made2drag]

What T5 is a direct swap to bolt to a 350 that can use just the regular 3 speed bellhousing out of a 79 c10? I will run buckets so shifter hole position doesn't matter.

Could you give me ideas on what to look for at a junkyard? Im assuming v8 82-92 Camaros...but what else is a direct bolt in with no input swap or tail swap? I basically will be using a stock 79 350 and just drive it normal. I would like to just bolt one to a 3 speed belhousing and find a driveshaft the right length.

Thanks

[Lugnutz65]

Find a 1983-92 V8 Camaro T5. It will have a 26 spline input shaft that will be the correct length and will not need any modification. You will need to change the clutch disc to 26 splines.

[made2drag]

Originally Posted by Lugnutz65

Find a 1983-92 V8 Camaro T5. It will have a 26 spline input shaft that will be the correct length and will not need any modification. You will need to change the clutch disc to 26 splines.

Thanks!

[CRGRS 66]

The shifter will come out partially under your seat... Unless you get an S10 tail section, then it comes out in what could not be a more perfect spot. There are other threads on this in the FAQ section, good to review all available info before diving in. My application is the Camaro gear box with the S10 tail section.

[made2drag]

Originally Posted by CRGRS 66

The shifter will come out partially under your seat... Unless you get an S10 tail section, then it comes out in what could not be a more perfect spot. There are other threads on this in the FAQ section, good to review all available info before diving in. My application is the Camaro gear box with the S10 tail section.

with buckets the Camaro trans will be perfect

[Lugnutz65]

If the Camaro tail housing shifter location is something you can live with (bucket seats of course) then the bonus is that ALL Camaro tail housings 1983-92 will accept a TH350 trans bullet style driven gear housing. That means you can keep the cable speedo working as long as you use the correct DRIVE gear and DRIVEN gear combo for your tire size.

[made2drag]

Originally Posted by Lugnutz65

If the Camaro tail housing shifter location is something you can live with (bucket seats of course) then the bonus is that ALL Camaro tail housings 1983-92 will accept a TH350 trans bullet style driven gear housing. That means you can keep the cable speedo working as long as you use the correct DRIVE gear and DRIVEN gear combo for your tire size.

Bonus! Thanks!

[typerr]

Great information! I've got my WC T-5 out of a Camaro (already converted to an S-10 tail housing) on the way thanks to Ebay. I'm running a mild 350 and am not one to do smokey burnouts and have another truck for towing so I think the T-5 will be fine.

Question: My existing bell housing has frame mounts and I plan to reuse this bell but do most folks add an additional transmission mount to support the end of the transmission? If you add this mount do you eliminate the mounts at the bell?

Thanks

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by typerr

Great information! I've got my WC T-5 out of a Camaro (already converted to an S-10 tail housing) on the way thanks to Ebay. I'm running a mild 350 and am not one to do smokey burnouts and have another truck for towing so I think the T-5 will be fine.

Question: My existing bell housing has frame mounts and I plan to reuse this bell but do most folks add an additional transmission mount to support the end of the transmission? If you add this mount do you eliminate the mounts at the bell?

Thanks

Keep the original bell housing and cross member. I reused mine in both of my trucks. Here is a link that may help a lot.
https://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebl...rear-axle.html

Many opinions exist about adding another crossmember under the T5 tail housing. I’ve never heard a report of the T5 failing or breaking because they DID or DIDN’T use a crossmember under the tail housing (as long as you have one beneath the original bell). I don’t have any support under the tail housing in either of mine.
You will likely want to delete your park brake cross member (1963-65) and convert to a 1966 all cable park break. Here’s how . . .
https://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebl...-1972-c10.html

[typerr]

Thanks for the info Lugnutz65! and I'll spend some time going through the pages on your site. Looks like more great information. Love this board!

Originally Posted by Lugnutz65

Keep the original bell housing and cross member. I reused mine in both of my trucks. Here is a link that may help a lot.
https://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebl...rear-axle.html

Many opinions exist about adding another crossmember under the T5 tail housing. I’ve never heard a report of the T5 failing or breaking because they DID or DIDN’T use a crossmember under the tail housing (as long as you have one beneath the original bell). I don’t have any support under the tail housing in either of mine.
You will likely want to delete your park brake cross member (1963-65) and convert to a 1966 all cable park break. Here’s how . . .
https://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebl...-1972-c10.html

[Pillow]

Originally Posted by Lugnutz65

Keep the original bell housing and cross member. I reused mine in both of my trucks. Here is a link that may help a lot.
https://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebl...rear-axle.html

Many opinions exist about adding another crossmember under the T5 tail housing. I’ve never heard a report of the T5 failing or breaking because they DID or DIDN’T use a crossmember under the tail housing (as long as you have one beneath the original bell). I don’t have any support under the tail housing in either of mine.

Amen! I followed Lugnutz65 info years ago when I did my LS swap and the NWC T5 is holding up just fine behind an LS. Just use the factory crossmember bolt locations and you will be fine.