Transmission options

[BHM298]

Before I start my cab restoration, I'm trying to decide on a transmission. The engine I'm using is a 331cid sbc (327 .030 over), makes appx 400hp. What would you run? Not opposed to 4, 5, or 6 speeds. Price is a factor but don't exclude your opinion due to price

[NC_John]

Originally Posted by BHM298

Before I start my cab restoration, I'm trying to decide on a transmission. The engine I'm using is a 331cid sbc (327 .030 over), makes appx 400hp. What would you run? Not opposed to 4, 5, or 6 speeds. Price is a factor but don't exclude your opinion due to price

The 4L60e I have for sale! Give yourself an overdrive for the big road.

[BHM298]

John I wish you had a manual that would work for me! I'd run down one state and make a deal

[NC_John]

Originally Posted by BHM298

John I wish you had a manual that would work for me! I'd run down one state and make a deal

Well then go old school and buy my entire 3-spd set up! (I'm putting a t-56 6-spd in mine)

[BHM298]

I have two Saginaw 3 speeds myself. Will the t56 bolt up to a sbc without an adapter?

[Mock1]

Originally Posted by BHM298

I have two Saginaw 3 speeds myself. Will the t56 bolt up to a sbc without an adapter?

Thats the great thing about chevys, any trans will bolt up. Two speed powerglide, three speeds, 350 turbo, 400, 200 r4, 700r4, 4L60. Small block or big block. Bellhousing bolt patern is the same. They even bolt up to the new LS engines with the exception of one hole I think.
I wish I had spent my money on something with an overdrive. Havin only three gears sux on the highway. Ive been thinkin about the 4L60.

[Lattimer]

TKO 600 or T-56, depending on if you want 5 or 6 speed. I have the TKO and love it. Bought the whole kit from American Powertrain. Bolts right in.

Have to change the clutch, and if you have a later bellhousing you need an adapter for where the bearing retainer pilots into the bellhousing (I had a machine shop make mine). If you have an earlier truck bell ('67 or earlier) or a car bell its direct bolt up. Kit came with everything but a shifter boot.

I went 5 speed because I didn't want the extra expense.

[BHM298]

Originally Posted by Lattimer

TKO 600 or T-56, depending on if you want 5 or 6 speed. I have the TKO and love it. Bought the whole kit from American Powertrain. Bolts right in.

Have to change the clutch, and if you have a later bellhousing you need an adapter for where the bearing retainer pilots into the bellhousing (I had a machine shop make mine). If you have an earlier truck bell ('67 or earlier) or a car bell its direct bolt up. Kit came with everything but a shifter boot.

I went 5 speed because I didn't want the extra expense.

How much did the kit run you? Are the TKOs available in any cars/trucks I can find as a donor?

[Lattimer]

Originally Posted by BHM298

How much did the kit run you? Are the TKOs available in any cars/trucks I can find as a donor?

Total kit was $3900 shipped. Trans/clutch/shifter/crossmember/new driveshaft/speedo adapter/hardware all included.

The TKO is the aftermarket trans. I think its very similar to the TREMEC used in Mustangs, but I know the input shaft at least is different.

[BHM298]

Gotcha. I'm looking more along the lines of something I pull from a donor car and drop in

[Lattimer]

How much horsepower? I know a lot of people have pulled the 5-speeds from 80's Camaros and swapped in parts from an S-10 to get the shifter where they want it. Won't handle a ton of power though. Other option is the 90's 5-speeds in the pickups. They can be made to work as well.

[WayOutWest]

There is a guy in the S.F. Bay Area that sells complete 5 spd set ups with clutch, pedals, hydraulic set up, bell housing, etc. (complete) in the Auto Parts section of C.L. He runs a Transmission Shop in Castro Valley/Hayward. He advertises regularly the set up for $750, maybe he'd ship one?
-Jason

[BHM298]

Around 400hp/450 lb ft tq. Do you think the camaro transmissions would hold up?

[Lattimer]

Originally Posted by BHM298

Around 400hp/450 lb ft tq. Do you think the camaro transmissions would hold up?

Seriously doubt it. They were designed to go behind a 305 making 180 hp.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by Lattimer

Seriously doubt it. They were designed to go behind a 305 making 180 hp.

You are aware that the 375 HP 396 Camaro was available with an auto? That surely ain't a 305.

[markmdz]

What does everyone think about the NV's? I have seen the NV3500 take some serious abuse, and the NV4500 is just a big heavy beast that I have yet to see detonate. ...but then again, I haven't really seen someone try to break it.

[Lattimer]

Originally Posted by markmdz

What does everyone think about the NV's? I have seen the NV3500 take some serious abuse, and the NV4500 is just a big heavy beast that I have yet to see detonate. ...but then again, I haven't really seen someone try to break it.

I know people who have swapped them in and seem happy. I looked at getting one for my truck before I did the TREMEC, and junkyard prices near me they were $800 and up for 100k+ mile transmissions. And I still would have had to figure out the crossmember, change the clutch, etc. to complete it.

I still could have done it for a little under half what the TREMEC cost, but I would still have a trans with 100k on it and no idea what condition it was really in until I tried it. Too much risk not enough reward for me.

[BHM298]

Will any of the newer six speeds work?

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by BHM298

Will any of the newer six speeds work?

The T56 six speed will work but the trans tunnel will likely need some re-work. The T56 clutch housing is HUGE. The TH400 3-speed automatic transmission is a better choice. It first appeared on GM passenger cars in 1965. For first-generation Camaros, it was only available in, and was the only automatic transmission for, big-block V8 engines. In 67 and 68, it was limited to the L35 325 hp and L34 350 hp engines. In 69, the TH400 was also available with the 396 and 427 solid lifter engines (you know them as the monster motors). The model number comes from the nominal transmission torque capacity, 400 lb-ft of torque.

My 650 HP 650 ft-lb ZZ572 is backed up by a TH400. In 15,000 miles it has not been a problem. Don't let anyone tell you an overhauled TH400 won't stand up to a small block!

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by Fitz

The T56 six speed will work but the trans tunnel will likely need some re-work. The T56 clutch housing is HUGE. The TH400 3-speed automatic transmission is a better choice. It first appeared on GM passenger cars in 1965. For first-generation Camaros, it was only available in, and was the only automatic transmission for, big-block V8 engines. In 67 and 68, it was limited to the L35 325 hp and L34 350 hp engines. In 69, the TH400 was also available with the 396 and 427 solid lifter engines (you know them as the monster motors). The model number comes from the nominal transmission torque capacity, 400 lb-ft of torque.

My 650 HP 650 ft-lb ZZ572 is backed up by a TH400. In 15,000 miles it has not been a problem. Don't let anyone tell you an overhauled TH400 won't stand up to a small block!

Oh YEAH? REALLY? How do you get 650HP through that single exhaust pipe?




Just kidding. BTW, I think they are talking about Camaro 5 spds as Lattimer had suggested an 80's Camaro as a donor, I believe the 5 spd only available with the 5L.

[Longhorn 70]

get a Corvette ZF6 Black Label out of a ZR1 from the early 90's. They do 450 ft/lbs and 500 HP.

[BHM298]

Originally Posted by Longhorn 70

get a Corvette ZF6 Black Label out of a ZR1 from the early 90's. They do 450 ft/lbs and 500 HP.

I'll look into that, thanks! Corvettes didn't even cross my mind for some reason