Random T5 question

[Lo1dakota]

This is kind of a 2 part question

You guys that have a T5 behind a SBC what did you do for a trans mount? Did you use the factory crossmember or an aftermarket?


Question 2.

Is it possible to install my T5 now (behind my 235) (yes I know it can) but not have to redo everything once I go ahead with the SBC? Ie it's going to be a while before I can install my 327 and was curious about throwing the T5 in now but I don't want a bunch of problems later.

[AZ59apacheguy]

Originally Posted by Lo1dakota

This is kind of a 2 part question

You guys that have a T5 behind a SBC what did you do for a trans mount? Did you use the factory crossmember or an aftermarket?


Question 2.

Is it possible to install my T5 now (behind my 235) (yes I know it can) but not have to redo everything once I go ahead with the SBC? Ie it's going to be a while before I can install my 327 and was curious about throwing the T5 in now but I don't want a bunch of problems later.

Either way if you are mounting it behind a 235 or SBC you are going to either need a spacer plate or cut some of the T5's output shaft off ( there are TONS of threads on this ). You can't use the 235 bell housing with the SBC. You'll either need to get a bell housing from an SBC or a 292 L6. I'm not sure if the clutch pressure plate would need to change from 235 to SBC, maybe another member could elaborate on this. I mounted a T5 behind my 283 and did NOT use a trans support crossbar. Some people on this site have used the trans crossbar and some have not. I have about 1000 miles on my motor trans combo and have NO issues. Hope this helps

[Lo1dakota]

Thanks for your input. I am aware of the plate/shaft issue. I was planning on purchasing the spacer from a manufacturer. For the sbc I'll be using an sbc truck bellhousing. Interesting on you not using a crossmember. I've heard of that before.

[AZ59apacheguy]

Apparently since the T5's casing is aluminum, having a crossmember will not let the case flex at all and may crack it.

[NEWFISHER]

Okay, stupid question: If there is no trans support used, other than the 2 left and right engine mounts what is securing the engine and trans assembly?

[AZ59apacheguy]

Atleast on my Task Force, the bell housing is supported on the rear engine mount crossmember.

[Lo1dakota]

Originally Posted by AZ59apacheguy

Apparently since the T5's casing is aluminum, having a crossmember will not let the case flex at all and may crack it.

Didn't the S10'S have a crossmember on the tail

[MidLifer]

There are tons of threads on this subject on this forum, on the HAMB, and on others. I'm in the process of doing a T5 swap and do not plan to use a rear crossmember. Many guys have written that they've gone that way and have no problems.

Regarding fitting it to the 235 or SBC - the issues are the same in both cases. Having gotten tons of advice from board member Lugnutz65, I'm forgoing the spacer plate and buying a Jeep input shaft. I'll still have to shave 5/8" off the end but the splines are deeper than on the Chevy shafts so you can run it with a stock 10-spline clutch (which my 235 has) and not have to worry about it binding. You can buy Jeep shafts on eBay for $70-80. Just make sure your T5 has 21 teeth on the input shaft. So it's cheaper than an adaptor plate also.

Either way you'll have to drill out the bolt holes in your case to 1/2" - the S10s had metric bolts.

Jay/Lugnutz65 has put up a thread about this swap - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=6649858

[agnes the dog]

I did this swap a little over a year ago. I made my own crossmember - It's painted now. :-)

It took a little thought since I used a Camaro T5. There is an 18-ish degree twist in the Camaro tail shaft which needed to be built into the crossmember. I also put mine behind an SBC. However, I did not have to cut any of the input shaft. Fit perfectly. I have heard that you will need to shorten the shaft when using a T5 behind the original motors.

As far as the flex, I used the original rubber mount from the Camaro and incorporated it into the design so there is some forgiveness in the movement.

I did a write up on the whole swap, but just realized I have never gotten around to posting it. Should be able to have that in the next few days.

[Lo1dakota]

Thanks for the post

[agnes the dog]

Here's a link to the write up. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=635405

[Lo1dakota]

Thank you

[sweet70beast]

I put a T5 from a 92 V8 Camaro in my Nova. did the same as Agnes. I used my 11 inch flywheel and pressure plate but the 92 Clutch disc did the swap a couple of years ago and haven't had a problem. Mine had an electronic plug in for the speedo but had actual gears on the output shaft. A th350 speedo driven gear fit perfectly btw so I could hook up my cable.

[Lo1dakota]

I'm just trying to figure out if I throw it in behind my 235 now that I won't be creating a huge headache when I do the 327.

[agnes the dog]

I can't think of a reason it would be any harder to put the 327 in with the T5 installed behind the 235, especially if you plan to use the sbc bell housing. Should be pretty straight forward.

[Lo1dakota]

The only thing I see is placement. Ie too far front or back.

[agnes the dog]

My sbc used the old stock mounting points for the rear (front of trans). You'll likely have to fab new front mounts for the sbc anyway. As long as the point where the motor and trans stays the same, you'll be good. My sbc has a GOOD amount of room between the water pump and radiator. You should be fine to install it now and do a motor swap later.

[Lo1dakota]

But you do have a 59. Mine is a 50

[agnes the dog]

Sorry about that. I forgot we were talking about different years.

[55dude]

sell and buy a YUGO!

[Lo1dakota]

Oh Greg. Just come on over. Grab a coke/Pepsi and let's get to work lol. I'll BBQ too!