Transmission question for the gurus

[Mister laugh]

I am looking into doing the T-5 swap behind my 250, and have found a good deal locally on a T-5 from an 88 firebird. The problem this presents is that it is an electronic Speedo. I was wondering, since i was planning on doing it the S-10 hybrid route if i were to find a mechanical speedo s-10 tail shaft, would that work out for me? Or would I have to find an electronic tail shaft as well, and be stuck with the electronic speedo output?

[SactoJim]

Not sure about the tailshaft thing but I did see in one of the magazines that somebody is making a converter that changes the electronic signal to a mechanical output. Sorry I can't remember who, but it's out there.

[Mister laugh]

Originally Posted by SactoJim

Not sure about the tailshaft thing but I did see in one of the magazines that somebody is making a converter that changes the electronic signal to a mechanical output. Sorry I can't remember who, but it's out there.

I know it's out there, i was hoping if at all to avoid using them because they are VERY expensive last time i checked.

[piecesparts]

Have you considered a change in the instrument gauges and just put in an electronic speedo, that works off of the tranny's sending unit?

[Mister laugh]

Originally Posted by piecesparts

Have you considered a change in the instrument gauges and just put in an electronic speedo, that works off of the tranny's sending unit?

I have considered it, but there are two problems with that.

1. Budget, mine is very low, and a decent quality electric gauge is out of it. I try to stay away from buying cheap for anything that matters at all. "Buy it cheap buy it twice"

2. I still need to change the tail shaft of the transmission anyway, because the shifter location of the f-bodies T-5 is too far back to clear the bench in my truck.

But thanks for all the suggestions.

[89 crew]

Try these guys. I have never dealt with them but they have a couple gear options online. maybe they have what you need.http://www.transmissioncenter.net/sp...#Misc.%20Gears

[Brad]

IIRC '88 & up was WC and you can't mix and match WC with NWC. You'll need a WC tailshaft from an S-10 which may move your shifter, but you'll still have the pulse speedo. Go with a gauge set from VDO or Autometer. That'll take care of the problem and upgrade your dash at the same time.

[Mister laugh]

Originally Posted by Brad

IIRC '88 & up was WC and you can't mix and match WC with NWC. You'll need a WC tailshaft from an S-10 which may move your shifter, but you'll still have the pulse speedo. Go with a gauge set from VDO or Autometer. That'll take care of the problem and upgrade your dash at the same time.

Thanks you are just the person i was hoping would respond. You have confirmed my fears that this transmission would be more complicated than i want to use, i will just continue my search for a pre 88'

[Brad]

Maybe you can send that T-5 down to me. I just grenaded mine yesterday.

[70rs/ss]

T-5's are kinda weak to begin with, they came with a high hp rating of 250-60! Even a "weak L6 can break one! I'd use an NV3500 they came behind 350's for a lot of years and then you get a hydraulic clutch set up as well. TKO 500's are only $1500 new, buy it cheap buy twice, right?!

[Mister laugh]

Originally Posted by 70rs/ss

T-5's are kinda weak to begin with, they came with a high hp rating of 250-60! Even a "weak L6 can break one! I'd use an NV3500 they came behind 350's for a lot of years and then you get a hydraulic clutch set up as well. TKO 500's are only $1500 new, buy it cheap buy twice, right?!

A t-5 should be more than adequate for my little 250, which even though is not stock i suspect is around 200hp. I would consider an nv3500 but dont really want to mess with a hydraulic clutch. And as for a TKO, I'm 18 and my daddy doesn't but my parts. $1500 is what i paid for my truck, theres no way i can justify that in a transmission.

[71stub]

Last year we put a T5 out of a 1993 s10 behind a 250 in a 67 C10 and it worked out pretty well. We did however change the tailshaft out to one from an 88 or 89 i beilieve to get the mechanical speedometer. You will need a longer speedo cable and a different clutch plate and to make a new driveshaft and modify the trans hump cover. Other than that it was pretty straight forward and it seems to work really well. Its not a powerhouse by any means but it gets driven hard and seems to hold up well.

[Brad]

Mike, a good T-5 should last with no problem behind a 250. Mine came from a 305 V8 Camaro. I strongly suspect something wasn't quite right with it, but haven't had a chance to look at it yet.

[70rs/ss]

Originally Posted by Brad

Mike, a good T-5 should last with no problem behind a 250. Mine came from a 305 V8 Camaro. I strongly suspect something wasn't quite right with it, but haven't had a chance to look at it yet.

For some reason my RIGHT foot is way bigger and heavier then the left one, maybe that's it?! I imagine a T-5 in good working order should hold up to an L6, but I have an NV3500 so that's what I am trying. I have an NV4500 but I believe that might be overkill?! Maybe when the 496 BBC gets done, that'll warrant an NV4500. Good luck on a T-5, I'd probably buy a builder (less $$$) and then have it gone through to ensure it is good, as opposed to getting a T-5 out of a car that may have had a driver with my same affliction (heavy right foot, ya know what I mean!?)