my 89'camaro has a automatic 700r4 transmission. I havent had any luck with these trannies. My motor revs out and the car does not scoot like it should, point is, this is the 2nd Iv broken. I want to put a manuel T5 in the car, i've been reading maro's & firebirds have used both hydralic & mechanical clutch linkages. which won is better/easier to use?

Ive started a list on manual parts needed for the swap. T5, flywheel, clutch plate, clutch disc, fork, throughout bearing..linkage, pedal, cut the trans tunnel.?
let me know if you have done this swap or have any advice.. thanks

 

Well not to burst your bubble but if you are breaking the 700r4s then you would not want to be swapping in a T5....

The t5 were made specifically for the v6s and the turd 305s... they cant take too much abuse before they break as well...

If you are set on a manual get a T56... if you want an auto to hold up get a TH400

 

i did the same swap. wut can i help u with??

 

I did hear that T5's cant handel to much power, i only have a fresh rebuilt 350, bored .40 over, Edelbrock performer package, ported/ polished heads .Nothing major, i want to do the swap cause when i hit throttle motor revs out, transmission ain't puttin to the Wheels. (3:23 posi limited slip) My buddies got a 91' stock 305 5peed car, when we cruise, his car got alot low end torque, freakin hauls. not even close to how my car feels, so im preparing for this swap. if i go with Turbo 350, i heard i have to lengthen my drive shaft, buy a torque arm mount kit (jegs),throttle linkage kit, plus transmission price. would be as/ if not more expensive than T5 swap.

 

that is tru. u can also go 6speed from the 96+ camaros. they handke alot more power.

 

I would agree frenchels, the t5 is not a good idea. But, I'd like to know what you are doing to break them, and what exactly is breaking them. I've got a 450hp stroker with 595 torque on a 4l60 (non E) so thats the same thing as a 700R4 and mine is just fine. It is just as strong as a Th350, and some argue even a 400 if built correctly. That manual swap could be fun, but I doubt even a T56 is as strong as a properly built auto. My motor builder put a 510HP/625ft lb stroker on a bone stock 700R4 and he said it was just fine except it got hot and broke down the fluid then finally ruined the clutches. Are you sure your TV cable was properly set along with torque converter clearances? Just checking as I still can't believe you broke 2 with a motor that I can't see making 350Hp based on what you've described.

 

if you are going to go with the swap, i second getting the 6 speed. correct me if im wrong, but i think the t56 is a double overdrive with 6th gear being somewhere near .60. you would be able to run a 4.10 rear and still have a decent cruising rpm of around 3k at 70 mph. and dont forget to get the bell housing as well. you shouldnt have to cut the tunnel, however you may need a custom driveshaft made or the stock one shortened ( a competent driveline shop should be able to shorten it for $150-$200)

however, i dont know why you have been having bad luck with the 700r4. i know of people who simply added a shift kit to increase main line pressure and did a few minor mods and are handling 600hp small blocks. just remember, a 700r4 is a th350 with overdrive, its the only major difference.

 

u have to cut the tunnel for the shifter. the only way i can see breaking them is shifting urself as is how i broke mine too. but i did mine on purpose so i had an excuse for wifey to let me buy a manual tranny after some convincing.

 

i wasent doing anything retarted with my camaro to break trannies, i broke my 1st 700r4 when the car had a 305, i was doing burns outs in a parking lot. NOT OVER REVING, or even maxing gears out. Just having fun. im sure i fried the internal clutches- not gears. i was not useing a decent sized tranny cooler, so the fluid probably broke down/(GOT A NEW TRANS COOLER) Now with the 357, i hear the motor rev up, but it just WONT SCOOT LIKE it Should. i did reset the t.v. cable, have a proper bracket for it. t56 is expensive and hard to find, is a T5 SWAP Worth My time? That 91 rs 305 5speed, beat my car,......WTF....gotta do somthing please more advice

 

i think its worth it nothing like banging gears. i have a mild 350 with a cam and high comp pistons for a 11.5 comp. for about 360 hp and 400lbs of torque and i have no prob with it even when i get pedal happy. lol