5 speed trans choices

[LockDoc]

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Also take into consideration the fact that there are two major sizes of transmission locator holes in the bell housings, 4 11/16" and 5 1/8". If you have a large hole bell housing you may need one of these adapter rings depending on the size of the input bearing retainer on your trans. Very important you have a snug fit on this.

http://dennymac.com/mod.php?mod=user...103&page_id=54

Some good info here too...



LockDoc

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

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Also take into consideration the fact that there are two major sizes of transmission locator holes in the bell housings, 4 11/16" and 5 1/8". If you have a large hole bell housing you may need one of these adapter rings depending on the size of the input bearing retainer on your trans. Very important you have a snug fit on this.

http://dennymac.com/mod.php?mod=user...103&page_id=54

Some good info here too...



LockDoc

I knew about the differences with the small and large holes but that page had some great references on how to tell bell housings apart and the different types. Now I know what clutch size I have base on the bell housing.

[chuckmc8]

OK< so I found a 6.0 that a local guy that specializes in LS swaps can fit to a 5 speed for me- heres the d'tails, 6.0 engine, (I dont remember what year, but has 80K miles) I told him I wanted a 5 speed manual, he said he would bolt the engine to a T-5 (low mileage trans) with new clutch/PP etc. He said I would be able to use my stock clutch linkage rather than having to do the hyd
setup. He did have other tranny options, but much more $$$.
I'm not planning on racing, but I do plan to bark the tires occasionally, will the T5 hold up to the 6.0?

[raycow]

Originally Posted by chuckmc8

I'm not planning on racing, but I do plan to bark the tires occasionally, will the T5 hold up to the 6.0?

The general consensus is that a T-5 is NOT a good choice for a performance application. GM never installed this transmission behind any engine larger than a 305. They used to blow up with regularity in 305 Camaros and 5.0 Mustangs if they were driven hard. Your 6.0 puts out a lot more power than those engines. Neither maker now offers the T-5 behind any kind of V-8.

Ideally, you would want to use something like a Tremec TKO, but this is an aftermarket-only transmission and won't be cheap. A more affordable choice would be a T-56 6 speed. The later ones will bolt up to an LSx engine using stock Camaro parts, but you would then have to use hydraulic linkage. You can get an aftermarket adaptor plate that will bolt it to a stock truck bellhousing and this way you could keep your mechanical linkage.

For still less $ you might consider an A833/MY6. This is a 4 speed overdrive transmission that was offered in mid-80s trucks and can be used with mechanical linkage. It was derived from the Mopar muscle car 4 speed of the 60s, so is decently strong. Its only real downside is that it is somewhat hard to find, but they are definitely out there.

Another possibility would be an NV3500. These were supplied in GM trucks starting in the late 80s and were used with engines up to 350. This one is more common than the MY6, but it is not easy to install. It comes only with an electric speedo drive and will require hydraulic linkage.

I have no hands-on experience with the above mentioned Jeep AX-15, but if you can get an aftermarket adaptor plate for a stock truck bellhousing, it will likely be an easier install than the NV3500.

Ray

[68_chop_top]

I have had 3 T-5 trannys behind my 327 and tore up all 3. If you chirp the tires with a T-5, that will be the last time you shift that tranny. All 3 were built for heavy duty and my 327 ate all 3. I have a Tremec TKO 600 and do regular burn outs. This Tremec is the boss! Do not think you can baby a T-5 and get by, it will not last.

[chuckmc8]

I don't want to have to worry about tearing up the tranny, but I don't have a lot of cash either. But I AM planning to bark the tires.........so looks like the T5 won't work. The hydraulic clutch isn't a deal breaker either, so looks like the T-56 is prob the best option. What year camaro did these come in?

[epashhans]

I've got a used T-5 out of an 89 V8 camaro with an s-10 tail shaft behind my 454 and have been driving it for over a year. I don't do hard launches, burnouts, or powershifting though, but that being said, I haven't babied it that much either. I figure it will eventually go and I can upgrade from there. Not sure if I will try to rebuild it or try something else. It was a really easy swap and cheap. Oh, I also run syn in it.

I have come across a variety of advice to different people about the T-5 on different forums/websites. Here are a few articles to check out as well...

http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2005/12/T5Rebuild/

http://www.mustang50magazine.com/tec...ion/index.html

http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/all-...ealy-take.html

http://www.gforcetransmissions.com/tran_gt-5.asp

[raycow]

Originally Posted by chuckmc8

The hydraulic clutch isn't a deal breaker either, so looks like the T-56 is prob the best option. What year camaro did these come in?

4th gen. The LSx version started (I think) 98. If you get one of those it will bolt up with its stock bellhousing, assuming you want to use the stock hydraulic clutch setup . If you want to run mechanical linkage, you can use an aftermarket adapter plate on the truck bell.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=386136
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=300087

While you are looking, also keep an eye on craigslist, ebay, etc for a TKO. If you can find one used it won't put such a bad dent in your wallet.

Ray

[209jose71]

i have a 350 stock and was going to turbo it i was wondering if i should go 5 speed or 6 speed out of trans am

[raycow]

I forgot to mention, with either the T-56 or the TKO, you will need to re-locate the shifter unless you have buckets or want to put a hole in your bench seat.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=300892

Ray

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by raycow

I forgot to mention, with either the T-56 or the TKO, you will need to re-locate the shifter unless you have buckets or want to put a hole in your bench seat.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=300892

Ray

With the TKO, you can buy the mid shift location which would work with a bench seat. That's the beauty of the TKO series, I believe you can get 3 or 4 different shifter locations if you buy the right parts needed.

[cpnbnanamn]

Resurrecting an old thread.. I'm building a 400 SB engine (First-ever engine build), and am wanting to go manual drive. From the looks of it, a NV3500/4500 is out for me, because they are slow to shift. I'm not looking to race this truck, but considering my driving habits, and the fact that I will want to occasionally bark/burn the tires, and launch once in a while. That also rules out a T-5. A TKO is a crap-ton of cash, and will be a last resort (due to cost and I have a bench seat.. for now).
Also, LockDoc's links for DennyMac are out of date.. None of them work. So here are my questions:

What is the AX-15 like to shift? Long rows, or does it shift quickly? What type of speedo connection?
A T-56 is a possibility.. Again.. I have a bench seat.. Uggh.

Since this thread is a few years old.. What have you guys found that has worked well? Any recommendations for me? I'm taking out the inline-6 w/ 3OTT, and really want to stick with a manual trans with my 400.
Any info you guys can provide would be appreciated.

[cpnbnanamn]

Anyone? Bueller?

[chevy_mike]

I did an AX-15 in my last '65 C10 and was very happy with it. I liked it enough that I bought one for my current C10 panel. It shifts nice but with the stock shift, they are a little long on throw but not too bad. There are aftermarket short throw shifters available.

As for speedo, I think early ones had a standard cable attachment and later ones were electronic. Luckily you can swap either style as I had swapped from electric to cable drive. Found the drive unit from an earlier Wrangler. You can use drive units out of a 4x4, which are much easier to find.

Only downside is you'll want to limit your HP and torque as they are good for about 300 of either. Oh and don't drive like an idiot, i.e. no clutch drops, power shifting and such.

If you want to see a thread about it, here's one I did http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=475370

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by cpnbnanamn

Resurrecting an old thread.. I'm building a 400 SB engine (First-ever engine build), and am wanting to go manual drive. From the looks of it, a NV3500/4500 is out for me, because they are slow to shift. I'm not looking to race this truck, but considering my driving habits, and the fact that I will want to occasionally bark/burn the tires, and launch once in a while. That also rules out a T-5. A TKO is a crap-ton of cash, and will be a last resort (due to cost and I have a bench seat.. for now).
Also, LockDoc's links for DennyMac are out of date.. None of them work. So here are my questions:

What is the AX-15 like to shift? Long rows, or does it shift quickly? What type of speedo connection?
A T-56 is a possibility.. Again.. I have a bench seat.. Uggh.

Since this thread is a few years old.. What have you guys found that has worked well? Any recommendations for me? I'm taking out the inline-6 w/ 3OTT, and really want to stick with a manual trans with my 400.
Any info you guys can provide would be appreciated.

As far as the DennyMac site links in my posts, all you have to do is click on the DENNYMAC.com link in the error page that comes up and it will take you right to the DennyMac web site.... So in reality they still work.

LockDoc

[FL71C10]

Would a 2000 Jeep wrangler with a 4 cyl 5 speed by an AX-15?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by FL71C10

Would a 2000 Jeep wrangler with a 4 cyl 5 speed by an AX-15?

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge...ns/manual/ax15

LockDoc

[FL71C10]

OK, so I've got a 68 with a 292 and a 4 speed. Sounds like the T-5 would be ok for that application, right?

[cpnbnanamn]

I'm reading over the America Powertrain stuff.. Kinda liking it.. They seem to have everything I need for my conversion. I think I saw one guy that had used them. Did you like them and their products?

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by FL71C10

Would a 2000 Jeep wrangler with a 4 cyl 5 speed by an AX-15?

I believe 2000 and later were NV3550, not the AX15. Unless you are doing a 4x4, the only models that were 2WD are Jeep Cherokee's (Not Grand Cherokee). These were available in 2WD and 4x4. Problem using the 4x4 is it has a transfer case for the rear output. It has a different output shaft and no correct tail housing for a slip yoke.

That is the downside of the AX15 swap. There were not as many 2WD Cherokee's made, which makes them hard to find. I got my current one from a yard in Kansas and had it shipped to CA. Couldn't find one local at the time.

[ratty69]

Originally Posted by chevy_mike

That is the downside of the AX15 swap. There were not as many 2WD Cherokee's made, which makes them hard to find.

They also came in 90s Dakotas with the 3.9. I got mine from a 93, and it has the mechanical speedo drive. The yoke uses internal snap ring ujoints. Idk if 2wd Jeeps use the same setup.

I'm not familiar with these, so do you see anything about this trans vs the Jeep version that makes it unsuitable for the swap?

Also, how's shifter clearance with a bench seat?