LoganKello

Hi Guys,

I've got an 84 T/A, 305 with a T-5 manual transmission (just literally bought it and the trans took a dump 50 miles down the road *sigh*). 82k miles behind a bone stock 305 and it is toast, won't shift into gear, etc...I heard a pop when driving down the interstate in 5th gear, the shifter started vibrating and popped out of 5th shortly after and was no longer able to be driven.

Now here is where I'm looking for some feedback. I don't plan to be putting any kind of crazy horsepower into this car...Its main purpose will be as a leisure cruiser...but at the same time, I've read that the T-5's can go out seemingly at random and can't withstand much powershifting or abuse. I don't plan on powershifting, slamming gears, or anything of the such...again it'll be a cruiser. However, if the T-5 is an inherently weak transmission to begin with, I'm wanting to know what the best option will be to potentially increase durability/longevity, in the most financially economical way possible.

I've looked at the TKO 500/600, which while not as expensive as other transmissions, still will set me back a couple grand from WSP, Forte's, or Summit. I don't really want to put a junkyard trans in the car either. So I'm faced with having the shop rebuild the T-5, purchasing a new more durable transmission, or if any possibility exists, having the current T-5 in the car rebuilt, but with more durable internals (if this is even an option)?

Basically, I'm looking for your feedback on the "sweet spot" of not spending an excessive amount but also going with an option that should give me years and years of worry free cruising.

And if anyone is wondering, I'm not mechanically inclined when it comes to transmission repair, nor do I have the time to learn at this point, so I'll be using a trans shop to perform the labor. I've just got too many irons in the fire to try and navigate such a repair on my own right now. And I'm pretty disappointed because as far as I could tell, there weren't any warning signs during the initial test drive that would have suggested the trans was on its last leg (no gear whine, no grinding, no issue shifting in or out of gear, etc...it literally just took a dump in 5th gear at 2300 RPM...I'm assuming there were probably stress fractures that finally gave way. The shop should be taking a look to confirm diagnosis in the next few days, at which time I'll know more...so just trying to plan out my options now, so I'm not scrambling once I hear back.


Thanks

Aaron R.

Whatever you do, DONT rebuild that T5 (it's a non WC). I made that mistake (twice). Both rebuilds had to reuse so many old parts because there are no new parts available for these non World Class (WC) T5. Cost me about $3,000 for all that to still end up junking the original T5. I actually found a brand new old stock 1992 factory leftover still in crate on Ebay for same price as rebuilding one. It is a WC model and so far holding up fine to my 305.

Moral of the story, dont waste any money on a non WC because the new parts they need are not available. The WC internals are different enough most do not interchange with non WC. New WC parts are available, so rebuilding one of them is a viable option. Or some other trans.

gt4373

What Year Did GM Go To The World Class Tranny

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

GM switched to the 2nd design in 88 if memory serves.

I refuse to call it W... Wo.... W... [ppppppppppuuuuuuuuuuuukkkkkkkkkkkkkke] [vvvvvvvvvvvooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmiiiiiiiiit] I had ENTIRELY ENOUGH of PIT teams, "Quality circles", six sigma, 4ups charts, worker empowerment, and all the rest of those BUZZWORDS from back then, back when they were still "fresh" and "current". I REFUSE to use the Engineering Department's summer sophomore intern's project as the name for a product. I am willing to run it up the flagpole, circle back around, take it offline, ping the stakeholders, and maybe even do lunch over it.

LoganKello

In your opinion, are the TKO 500 or 600s reliable transmissions for this application, I received a quote for $4,200 for a brand new 600 w/ clutch.

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

I have never used either but I would expect so.

They are comparable internally (shaft sizes, spacing, and such) to the T-56, which we all know works just fine. Made by the same company.

A company named Forte used to be the go-to for TKO stuff. Might still be, I have no idea. They were a dealer for the Tremec products like many other companies are, but more than that, they put together kits, adapters, etc. to facilitate installation. You could check with them if you haven't already. IMO the availability of tech support and the like is more important than shaving a few pennies on the price of something like that.

aliceempire

iTrader: (14)

you were quoted $4200 for a new trans and clutch installed or just parts? Installed, take that deal. Tko's are reliable and nice. If that's not installed then what's the cost on that? If you're not going to upgrade engine at any point then being honest, a T5 isn't that difficult to obtain or swap out. It may be more cost effective to find a 88-92 unit on these boards and swap it out.

LoganKello

parts, shipped. Not sure on labor quite yet. Another T-5 is an option, but if this one threw in the towel behind a dog 305, I don’t have tremendous confidence in them at this point...that’s my only fear.

aliceempire

iTrader: (14)

I know the horror stories of T5s breaking from the drivers sneezing but there are plenty of people that have had good use from the later T5s. I've had a warm 355 in front of the same 92 T5 for 17 years. Don't sweat it so much. But a tko or t56 is a much better trans, they will cost you significantly more. Upgrading the engine? Then don't bother with a T5. Sticking with that 305? It may be a viable cost effective option.

jmd

iTrader: (4)

Any V8 T5 that you can verify came from a third gen is the correct answer. Then, when you can put the right parts together. Like the bigger engine you want, and stronger rear, and the trans that are a well matched combo, go spend for What you want.

Oh wait, you just want a leisurely cruiser. Then any V8 T5 that you can verify came from a third gen is the correct answer. Now, your opportunity cost is going to be a lot of time to find one. The internet helps that. But also makes good parts move fast.

So, if you can find one, move on it. If you can't, accept ypur costs will be higher.

Now, for 2 more deep thoughts. A T56 Magnum can be purchased with 2.97 1st gear and 0.63 sixth. Gearing makes a HUGE difference in how fun and drivable a car is. (My L69 3.73 T5 was nicely geared and fun) So that trans. could match V8 T5 ratios almost exactly. And the rear shift location is really good in an original T5 car. If you later wanted 0.75. 5th and 0.50 6th, those can be swapped.

Why not the Magnum F? The shifter position is further back. The length ( because of the LS length input) is longer than a T5 assembly when you install so your driveshaft wont work. And, the torque arm-on-trans. is a poor design.you need a crewmember anyway, so get it off there. Just go with the reg. T56 Magnum.

That's my take.

Gordon G E

If it was me I would get the TKO 600. Oh wait, I did that swap. It wasn't a real hard swap. I used a bell housing from Southwest speed as the 1 your car has is tilted 18 degrees to the left for shifter location. I also used a hydraulic throw out bearing that bolted up to the input shaft sleeve. There is a swap with the 600 in the %ans section here. Read it, as it is a very good detailed install with pictures. The T5 is not a reliable trans. I went through 6 both new, junkyard, & rebuilt. Do not waste your time with a T5. You will be better off if your planning on keeping the car.

Gordon G E

If it was me I would get the TKO 600. Oh wait, I did that swap. It wasn't a real hard swap. I used a bell housing from Southwest speed as the 1 your car has is tilted 18 degrees to the left for shifter location. I also used a hydraulic throw out bearing that bolted up to the input shaft sleeve. There is a swap with the 600 in the tans section here. Read it, as it is a very good detailed install with pictures. The T5 is not a reliable trans. I went through 6 both new, junkyard, & rebuilt. Do not waste your time with a T5. You will be better off if your planning on keeping the car. Also the 600 has the same gear ratios as the T5. The 500 doesn't.

Gordon G E

If it was me I would get the TKO 600. Oh wait, I did that swap. It wasn't a real hard swap. I used a bell housing from Southwest speed as the 1 your car has is tilted 18 degrees to the left for shifter location. I also used a hydraulic throw out bearing that bolted up to the input shaft sleeve. There is a swap with the 600 in the tans section here. Read it, as it is a very good detailed install with pictures. The T5 is not a reliable trans. I went through 6 both new, junkyard, & rebuilt. Do not waste your time with a T5. You will be better off if your planning on keeping the car. Also the 600 has the same gear ratios as the T5. The 500 doesn't.

gt4373

For You Purpose A Stock T-5 Should Work Fine,As Long As You Don't Beat It

89fast5oh

I've ran both TKO 500 and 600. Either will hold up just fine. Shifting is questionable. I was super disappointed in the shift feel from T5 to TKO. A TKO is like shifting a old truck.

89fast5oh

How much power are you making to blow 6 transmissions?

Gordon G E

The first 5 were over 20 years. The last was brand new W.C. Granted the last was behind a 383 that is done right. No problems with the diff because I have a Zexel/Torsen carrier with 3:73 gears.but the wc did not hold up at all. Too much torque. It burnt out the input and counter shafts. The original lasted about a year with driving it like a baby carriage and 50 k.

Gordon G E

Sorry about the 3 posts. My bad.

LoganKello

I ended up locating a WC T-5 (65k miles) to swap into the car. I've read around the forum, but still don't quite understand what needs to be done regarding the speedo drive/driven gear. The WC has the electric assy, where as the previous NWC had mechanical. Its my understanding these can just be swapped out.

However, are the speedo gears in the assy itself, or do those need to be removed from the trans and swapped over with the speedo assy? And I should note, I don't know what kind of gearing the donor car had.

Thank you.

Aaron R.

My NWC gear driven speedo stuff swapped right over to replace the late model electronic stuff.

t/adreams

iTrader: (1)

Should swap right over.

Since we're having a good T5 conversation- can a manual trans from a 6 cylinder 4th gen swap into a third gen?

Leon82

I'm looking at the tkx. Same power ratings and price but with the higher rpm shifts from the carbon cones.

redneckjoe

Lots of good info, pics, links, etc about the T-5 in this link. Very informative.
https://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebl...info-page.html

MY-92-RS

iTrader: (3)

I am in the Process of swapping to the new Tremec TKX trans purchased from American Powertrain

Wish it would get here already .. FedEx is in no hurry to deliver it .

CG

Leon82

I ordered mine from summit. It said 3/5 ship date. We will see....

85Z28NOS

iTrader: (2)

ran across this article and found it very interesting as it could also be used on a sbc

Budget Friendly Manual Transmission Option For An LS Swap (lsxmag.com)

MY-92-RS

iTrader: (3)

Fresh from American Powertrain Tremec TKX Extreme able to handle over 900 hp

midias

Please make an install thread with PNs and details

Blackbetty1982

id say if you wanna keep it manual and even get an extra gear and maybe better fuel mileage, id say go with a T-56, its a six speed and im fairly sure someone on here would have a console piece with the shift pattern on it, should bolt right up if i understand correctly. most cost around 4,000-7,000 brand new and some more expensive because of it being built, but you can find these in some vettes, newer camaro, or even the Chevy SS id say look on like a pull a part near you and find a used one or copart and find a cheap camaro and use it for parts

WildCard600

I will second midias' request for install info if at all possible. Really looking at the TKX as well. Even just a rough outline with part numbers will go a long way to helping others what is needed and involved in the swap.

MY-92-RS

iTrader: (3)

i will do it plan on Installing around the week 20 -25 march

Leon82

What do they charge for their 900 upgrade if you don't mind me asking

MY-92-RS

iTrader: (3)

$1065 over cost of transmission
about extra two weeks for them to do it

MY-92-RS

iTrader: (3)

I am going to start an new thread I did not Mean to to hijack this one

To the OP I wish you the best of luck as you can see the are many options as what can be done about your T-5 transmission


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88RS

iTrader: (7)

My research says those have the Ford style bolt pattern main case, so no. Internals may be of use though.