transmission and rear end question?

[orkid1989]

i have a 97 automatic camaro rs with a 3.8l and i was wondering which manual transmissions will fit (preferably a 6 speed). i know that modifications will have to be made to the car but i am mostly wanting to see which ones will bolt on to the engine. also i am wanting to buy a rear end that is lsd and disk breaks but not sure what years and models will fit. any help would be awesome

[A fireman]

Re: transmission and rear end question?

berg-warner T5 will hook up because thats what comes with the car

The T56 that is in the V8 cars will fit the area but will require an adapter plate and a new set of rear gears to compinsate for the taller gears all around. you can run a 4.10 and still get about the same mileage as a T5 w/3.42 but its not really useful on these underpowered cars.

both transmissions will require a new shift plate and clutch setup for your year car

[orkid1989]

Re: transmission and rear end question?

berg-warner T5 will hook up because thats what comes with the car

The T56 that is in the V8 cars will fit the area but will require an adapter plate and a new set of rear gears to compinsate for the taller gears all around. you can run a 4.10 and still get about the same mileage as a T5 w/3.42 but its not really useful on these underpowered cars.

both transmissions will require a new shift plate and clutch setup for your year car

well thats good news. i was worried they wouldnt fit. i was kinda wondering what year cars they came in? im looking for a parts car with the lsd rear end and disk breaks as well at the T5 or T56. that way i will atleast have the majority of parts i need. also where would i get the adaptor plate?

[A fireman]

Re: transmission and rear end question?

I'll see if I an find the place again but I have only seen one company that makes them.

[techsan23]

Re: transmission and rear end question?

where would i get the adaptor plate?

This is for a third gen, but Im pretty sure I saw them for a 4th gen a while back. Might want to message the seller and see if they can build you one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GM-T5...Q5fAccessories

[bigbrian442]

Re: transmission and rear end question?

I'll see if I an find the place again but I have only seen one company that makes them.

And they went under, but may be in business under another name. Six Speeds Inc.

[ssms5411]

Re: transmission and rear end question?

Looks like no 6 speeds, if you want a stout 5 speed , G-force 5 speed is the way to go, can take over 500 WRHP.

[cam98aro]

Re: transmission and rear end question?

dont put a 6 speed in, unless you love replacing clutches... the trans gear ratios are totally different, its like starting out in 2nd or 3rd gear every time with the t5

[orkid1989]

Re: transmission and rear end question?

Looks like no 6 speeds, if you want a stout 5 speed , G-force 5 speed is the way to go, can take over 500 WRHP.

dont put a 6 speed in, unless you love replacing clutches... the trans gear ratios are totally different, its like starting out in 2nd or 3rd gear every time with the t5

so whats the pros and cons of a T5 vs T56? is the T5 more durable or something? i was under the impression that the T56 was the best.

[DAS BOOT]

Re: transmission and rear end question?

T5 is weaker...

The most powerful car the T5 was ever in was the 305 TPI with like 220 hp, and whatever torque...

The T56, has been the choice of american cars that make powers, Camaro, vette, Viper, I think the 03 Cobra too.


As for gear ratios. I don't think its really that far off on the lower gears, the big difference on the upper gears.

[bigbrian442]

Re: transmission and rear end question?

T5 is weaker...

The most powerful car the T5 was ever in was the 305 TPI with like 220 hp, and whatever torque...

The T56, has been the choice of american cars that make powers, Camaro, vette, Viper, I think the 03 Cobra too.


As for gear ratios. I don't think its really that far off on the lower gears, the big difference on the upper gears.

5th gear is about the same ratio in both. 6th gear in the T56 is a steep 0.5:1 overdrive.

[orkid1989]

Re: transmission and rear end question?

T5 is weaker...

The most powerful car the T5 was ever in was the 305 TPI with like 220 hp, and whatever torque...

The T56, has been the choice of american cars that make powers, Camaro, vette, Viper, I think the 03 Cobra too.


As for gear ratios. I don't think its really that far off on the lower gears, the big difference on the upper gears.

so T56 is better? but possibly goes through more clutches?

[orkid1989]

Re: transmission and rear end question?

5th gear is about the same ratio in both. 6th gear in the T56 is a steep 0.5:1 overdrive.

so basically they are close to the same except the T56 has an extra gear (6 speed)

[A fireman]

Re: transmission and rear end question?

gears 1-3 are taller by little as stated before like taking off in second and 6th is a stupid overdrive. If you are dead set on a T56 then get a 4.10 I did the calculations and it will put your 65mph RPM's at about the same as a T5 with a 3.42 so it will cost more in every way for the extra gear.

[DAS BOOT]

Re: transmission and rear end question?

Saying the same is not true at all, completely different. Completely different design. All the gears are different, not too far off, but different, the overdrive is taller overdrive, but it would still work fine.


You wouldn't burn through mroe clutches, there are no more strains as long as you drive as you should with any manual car, don't lugg the engine.


The problems you will have...

1st... bellhousing to bolt up. It doesn't, you will need an adapter or a custom bellhousing
2nd... Input shaft, you will need some sort of custom input shaft that fits, and also makes up for the custom adapter that doesn't exist.


The above can be done but will be expensive as hell, and you could probalby buy a built 5-speed for less. I haven't been up to date, but I assume used T56s are still outragously overpriced, I remember seeing T56s needing a rebuild going for $800-1000.


I looked into it years ago when I was breaking 5-speeds and racing. I just decided I didn't want to spend that money, and stopped racing the car realizing the drivetrain was my weak point for my style of driving. Then again plenty of people have gone faster then me with 1 5-speed