what are the trans power limits and downfalls?

my brother found this and i wanted to know what it could handle. http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/cto/2154104146.html

 

T5 trans can not handle a lot of torque. For the most part the T5 is the same all thru its production. Remember back in 84 the Z28’s where push 180 HP. When GM re-released the 350 in the Iroc the engineers refused to install a T5 in with the 350. The 350 simply had too much torque (235 hp). You can make these trans stronger but the case is a weak spot.

Now with all transmission how you use it not just how strong it is will determine how long it will hold together. GM has to assume your going to beat it and they will have to replace it under warranty. You stick a t5 behind and 383 and you get some nice wide tires and a posi rear and try to do a drag style launch and it will go bye bye the first time. But in a high reving 327 and some open road racing type racing it could hold together for awhile. Id keep a spare on hand just in case

 

good info, thanks

the owner did put a 350 in it.

any bolt up trans for an upgrade?
or a not to expensive upgrade?
we want to keep it manual

 

No real cheap atlernative. In terms of cheap the only think that comes to mind is the T10 4 speed but they are not as strong as a M21 or a M20 4 speed. The most common upgrade is the T56 6 speed. They do make one that is a direct bolt in to a 3rd gen but I doubt you will find one used. You can convert your car over to a used T56 from a 4th gen but they are bringing about $1000 just for the trans. There is also a new Termec T5 which is a beefer version of the base T5. But again finding one used is tuff. They sell for $2500 ish new.

 

thanks again!