5-speed Swap?

[nwilson44]

How hard is it to swap the 5-speed for the 4L60E? I have the auto and I hate it, although the hypertech did wonders for it, I'd prefer the better gearing of the 5- Speed. My car has the 3.42's though. I just had questions like if the same driveshaft would work and If the mounts are the same. I am trying to get a feel of how many extra parts and time I'd need.

[nwilson44]

Re: 5-speed Swap?

Sorry I just realized I reversed the first question. It should say... How hard is it to swap the 4L60E for the 5-Speed.

[Docta]

Re: 5-speed Swap?

IIRC you need a new crossmember for the tranny, pedals, center console, PCM, hydraulics for the clutch...I think. Haven't done it myself.

[vanbibber]

Re: 5-speed Swap?

http://forum.camarov6.com/showthread.php?t=82112

[flamingchicken]

Re: 5-speed Swap?

Hey man, if you really wanna do it pm me and I can tell you how it goes down. It took me about 2 days start to finish. You need all the parts mentioned above, plus flywheel, pilot bushing, clutch and pressure plate, amd some wiring. Driveshaft works, and the auto pcm works but the speedo is super off, so you really do need the 5 speed pcm.

[flamingchicken]

Re: 5-speed Swap?

And I used the link bibber posted

[nwilson44]

Re: 5-speed Swap?

Looks like lots of work but I'll do it if my 4L60E blows up. I also need to know where to go next with mods. So far I have a new motor with not even 1000 miles on it. So far I have MSD 8.5mm Superconductor wires, Accel Coils, K&N CAI, Hypertech tune, BMR Shock tower brace, and 1.5 inch rear anti-roll bar. I used to have a BMW 540i and in comparison, this car launches with authority but has no top end. I actually raced a firebird with 4.10's and full bolt ons in my 540i, and he actually took off the line on me (i had a 3.15 LSD), but by the time i reached the top of first gear (49-52 MPH) I caught him. My tranny was close ratio so by the time 2-3 shift came I was gone. Obviously this car isnt a V8 nor does it have a close ratio tranny but I would like some more top end. My hypertech has it shifting at 6000 RPM's.

[2.8 Bird]

Re: 5-speed Swap?

What's your goal with your car. If you plan on modding it up to 300 rwhp then you better stick with auto. They are far stronger than the 5 speed.

[nwilson44]

Re: 5-speed Swap?

To be honest, I have no idea what Im going to do with it. At the moment I really want some more top end power and some better gearing. Every time the 4L60E shifts, the engine falls almost 2000 RPM. Its ridiculous and I hate it falling out of the power band. Will the Tremec T-56 fit on the 3.8L?

[A fireman]

Re: 5-speed Swap?

only with an adapter plate for teh bell housing. The conversion is not all that hard if you take your time and read the write up a few times. I did it with my 94 3.4L and all totaled it ran me around 1100 after all parts and tools not to mention the 2 days under my car. If your going for power, go for teh T5 when your trans first dies to learn the shift pattern and work out how every thing feels, then look into your upgrade options. T56 plus adapter plate will set you back 1500-2000 depending on age and quality( you need to get the proper year trans depending on the plate) or go for a Tremec TKO good for 500-600 HP that is based off the 3rd gen T5 or a mustang T5 depending on your build request. Anything can be made to work it just depends on the time effort and money you can spare

[nwilson44]

Re: 5-speed Swap?

Would you agree with this? I just feel like I need to get the engine the way I want it first and then do the Tranny. I have like 0 top end. Should I address the engine first?

[Ibanezz]

Hate to break balls but that's the downside these cars. 3800s are known for having low end power but fall short in the top end department. I'm sure a Turbo would fix that. By the time you hit a high rpm that thing spool and you'll be gone

[nwilson44]

Re: 5-speed Swap?

Yeah its especially noticeable when you hit the 2-3 shift. If your going about 55-60 MPH and just nail it, It'll kick down to 2nd and rev on out to 6000 RPMs put its barely pulling. After the shift (prolly about 4100-4200 RPMs) it feels like its halfway pulling again. Idk if thats how Hypertech tuned it or what.

[Ibanezz]

Our cars are only capable of so much. Bolts ons only get you so far but a whole other level is opened if you go into internals. You can't expect to pull like a modded v8 while in a stock 6 cylinder. But you can get pretty damn close with a cam and a tune or go into the world of forced induction. I never really liked hyper tech personally. Harder shifts are caused by increasing pressure in the tranny lines which reduce the lifespan of your tranny. This might not be a problem to someone who either can rebuild it, replace it, or in your case swap to a t5, but for me I want longevity. And hyper tech power programmers just make it run rich and kill MPG.

[bigbrian442]

Re: 5-speed Swap?

6000 RPM Is way out of the power band of the stock motor. shifting that high just makes you slower in the 1/4. Stall the auto and turn down the shift RPM and it will run better than any 5 speed.