Easy Transmission Swap?

[Lobo'74]

Will the S10 T-5 fit in our trucks, and is it strong enough to handle some horsepower?

How about the Getrag 5 speed from a 1500? I would think it is strong enough, is it hard to fit it to our trucks?

I have a '79 350 and '79 all syncro three speed now. Looking for a transmission that is a bit more versatile. Would like an auto (like a 700r4) but I have too many other items Truck needs so I'm trying to be a bit more frugal. A direct or fairly direct manual swap out seems the best idea.

Need some thoughts on this, there's a whole bunch of y'all out there who know more than I do about this.

[stelth2002]

nope for the most part on the t5

[adamls]

The S-10 will never hold up to anything more than 200 HP, my guess. I wouldnt put more than 300-350 HP behind a stock 5 spd from a c-1500.

[gr8scott51]

We've had this argument before and I haven't won yet and Andy will chime in for the opposition, too. I have the transmission you're talking about behind my 300+ hp 350. There are weaknesses in the T5 that need to be addressed if you are going to use one. They fit very nicely in the truck. My 350 is in the I6 position and that put the shifter in perfect position. The T5 isn't meant to handle more than about 300 ft lbs of torque. As a cruising tranny it's very well behaved. If you intend to tow anything, I probably wouldn't recommend it. If you intend to race your truck, repeated launches won't do it any good. I had to put a spacer between the T5 and the stock bell housing (or you can cut the input shaft). I kept the stock clutch linkage and used an 11" clutch for an Astro van. There are a couple websites with a lot of good info: inliners.org has a good Tech Page on the T5. JTR.com (Jags that run) has some very good info. I found a T5 for an 85 V6 S10 with a 0.72 to 1 5th gear that allows me to cruise at 80 mph @ 2400 rpm with a 3.73 rear end. I am not sorry that I used the T5. They are one of the most common 5 speeds around having been used in camaros/firebirds, mustangs, jeeps, S10s, Astro vans, even some American Motors. Borg Warner sold out to Tremec and it is still being produced. Hope the info helps, Scott

[adamls]

Are you saying that your engine makes 300 hp but not 300 ft-lb, or are you saying you did something to the transmission so that it now can handle over 300 ft-lb?

[Lobo'74]

Sounds like there is some debate on the T5, how about the Getrag from a newer 1500?

My 350 is supposidly around 350 HP with the mods and improvenebts done to it. No earthly idea what torque it puts out.

I'd like a tranny that works in better in town AND on the highway. At 35 to 45 in town second is revving too high and third is unable to accelerate so I'm continually shifting. On the road at 65 to 75 its revving enough that you can't talk in the cab without yelling, and mileage is worse that what is normal for this series of trucks.

It the Getrag 5 speed will cure those ills and still allow me a bit of fun with the accelerator pedal OK, if not, what are some other suggestions?

Thanks folks.

[gr8scott51]

Adam, I'm sure that I have at least 300 ft lbs of torque from my engine. But like I said, it's just a cruiser. I did have the T5 strengthened when it got rebuilt. Jags that run has some parts they sell to address the weaknesses. It's not the greatest tranny in the world, just the one I chose because I like the way it fit, the gear ratio choices, etc. I drove a friends 32 Ford roadster that had the same set up and enjoyed it. The roadster is much lighter and is never going to have a 1/2 ton of crap in the trunk. My truck probably isn't either.

scott

[Kas68c10]

Never had a problem with mine, but I don't put the stress on it some of you do. I have had the truck loaded so full of dirt the trailer hitch hit the ground, but it pulled it no problem.