5 Speed swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Piece of Work · 10-07-2009, 02:18 PM

Has anyone gone from a TH350/ Th400 to a 5 speed? If so what tranny did you use and how much fabbing is involved? Is there direct bolt in for this swap?

-Mark

BossHogg69 · 10-07-2009, 02:46 PM

I used a TKO-500 and switched from a TH400. No 'bolt-ins' going from auto to manual that I know of. I had to move the crossmember, change driveshaft length, fab up clutch pedal/master cylinder (I used a hydraulic t.o. bearing), and cut a hole for the shifter. The only thing I was able to reuse was the tranny mount itself

here are a couple pics

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=364326

I've posted pics in other threads too, you may try a search. Any specific questions, just ask!

Piece of Work · 10-07-2009, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossHogg69

I used a TKO-500

Did you see any improvment in MPG?

BossHogg69 · 10-07-2009, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piece of Work

Did you see any improvment in MPG?

I'm really not trying to be a smart ass, but I have a 454 and a leadfoot, so MPG was never my intention for the swap. I did it for the fun factor and for the ability to let her 'stretch her legs' on the highway. In fact, I just pulled the 454 out for a rebuild aiming for 530hp... But yes, if driven like a normal adult, the .68 OD will offer decent mpg over a non-OD trans, even with 3.73's. I'm sure I could get 15-16 on the highway if I didn't hammer on it so much. I was getting 12-13 before, but that was at 55mph, not 70-75 like I can cruise now.

BUT- my swap cost right around $2200 by the time it was all said and done, and you can buy a lot of gas for that, so it may be time to get out your calculator and see if it's worth it in the end. Or you can buy a used 4cyl car for $2200 and get 30mpg all day...

In my opinion, an NV3500 isn't worth the trouble. some say they'll live behind a stock motor, and it might if you drive like an old woman. I had one in a '92 ecsb 1/2 ton with a slightly warmed over tbi 350 and they would'nt hold up. That was what I got the TKO for originally, but ended up selling the truck and putting the TKO in my '69. You can pick up a used one for around 400-500bucks all day, but again, you still some fabbing ahead of you.

Is an overdrive automatic not something you want? Do you have a budget in mind?

texanidiot25 · 10-07-2009, 05:15 PM

NV3500 is also a good choice. Same steps as above though.

texanidiot25 · 10-07-2009, 10:43 PM

I'm sorry, I meant the 4500.

I keep thinking 3500 since that's the designation for the 3/4 tons.

*2tons of fun* · 10-08-2009, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texanidiot25

I'm sorry, I meant the 4500.

I keep thinking 3500 since that's the designation for the 3/4 tons.

keep thinking because 3500 is the des for a 1 ton.

you would be better off with a 3500 or 3550 than a 4500.

4500 are less common in chevy, very big and slow shifting, its a truck tranny not a go fast and speeder tranny.

a world class t5 would do ok, you would need to buy the clutch stuff in peices because you will need a 26 spilne disc.

MrBlue · 10-08-2009, 01:24 PM

BossHogg69,
Where does one find a used TKO for $400-500 all day long?
I've been watching several different sites and have only been able to locate new for +$2200!
Thanks
MrBlue

Jim_PA · 10-08-2009, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBlue

BossHogg69,
Where does one find a used TKO for $400-500 all day long?
I've been watching several different sites and have only been able to locate new for +$2200!
Thanks
MrBlue

They are talking about NV3500's for $4-500, not TKO's.

BossHogg69 · 10-08-2009, 05:13 PM

Thanks Jim_PA

I WISH I could've found a used TKO!!! But if you want a t56, those are fairly common on the used market.

.... and that was pretty funny 2tons

texanidiot25 · 10-08-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2tons of fun

keep thinking because 3500 is the des for a 1 ton.

My bad (again)..

Mayo · 10-08-2009, 05:44 PM

I swapped to a T-5 out of an 83 Camaro. I haven't had any problems with it.

clinebarger · 10-08-2009, 08:47 PM

I can tear up a T-5 with a V6 mustang

T56 is the way to go.

10-07-2009, 02:18 PM	#1
Piece of Work Cultural Infidel Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 668	5 Speed swap Has anyone gone from a TH350/ Th400 to a 5 speed? If so what tranny did you use and how much fabbing is involved? Is there direct bolt in for this swap? -Mark __________________ posted via La-Z-Boy -Mark 1972 C-10 Fleetside 350/TH350 PS PB A/C Cab Sadly....Sold 1968 Short Fleet 350/TH400 PS PB Delivered by Fine69 Also sadly Sold! It may be that your whole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others. A man is not complete until he is married -- then he is finished.

10-07-2009, 02:46 PM	#2
BossHogg69 motor exploder Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,346	Re: 5 Speed swap I used a TKO-500 and switched from a TH400. No 'bolt-ins' going from auto to manual that I know of. I had to move the crossmember, change driveshaft length, fab up clutch pedal/master cylinder (I used a hydraulic t.o. bearing), and cut a hole for the shifter. The only thing I was able to reuse was the tranny mount itself here are a couple pics http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=364326 I've posted pics in other threads too, you may try a search. Any specific questions, just ask! __________________ Adam 1969 Chevy CST/10 stepside, DART Big M/TREMEC Magnum Extreme/3.73's w/Detroit Truetrac 1965 Chevy Bel Air Wagon (daily driver), 327/TH350,10 bolt w/3.08's 1961 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe, ZZ454/M21/9" rear w/3.50's & Detroit Truetrac 2005 GMC 1500 ccsb 2wd, 6.0L/4L65e/3.73 G80 2006 GMC 2500HD ccsb 4x4, DMax LBZ/Allison 6spd/4.56's w/Detroit TrueTrac Use the SEARCH function on this forum - it is your friend!!

10-07-2009, 05:15 PM	#5
texanidiot25 Eat My Rust Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cypress, Texas Posts: 3,362	Re: 5 Speed swap NV3500 is also a good choice. Same steps as above though.

10-07-2009, 10:43 PM	#6
texanidiot25 Eat My Rust Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cypress, Texas Posts: 3,362	Re: 5 Speed swap I'm sorry, I meant the 4500. I keep thinking 3500 since that's the designation for the 3/4 tons.

10-08-2009, 01:24 PM	#8
MrBlue Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Laporte, IN Posts: 167	Re: 5 Speed swap BossHogg69, Where does one find a used TKO for $400-500 all day long? I've been watching several different sites and have only been able to locate new for +$2200! Thanks MrBlue __________________ MrBlue 72' C-10 350 TKO-600 Current Project 54' Ford F-100 Life Long Project

10-08-2009, 05:13 PM	#10
BossHogg69 motor exploder Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,346	Re: 5 Speed swap Thanks Jim_PA I WISH I could've found a used TKO!!! But if you want a t56, those are fairly common on the used market. .... and that was pretty funny 2tons __________________ Adam 1969 Chevy CST/10 stepside, DART Big M/TREMEC Magnum Extreme/3.73's w/Detroit Truetrac 1965 Chevy Bel Air Wagon (daily driver), 327/TH350,10 bolt w/3.08's 1961 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe, ZZ454/M21/9" rear w/3.50's & Detroit Truetrac 2005 GMC 1500 ccsb 2wd, 6.0L/4L65e/3.73 G80 2006 GMC 2500HD ccsb 4x4, DMax LBZ/Allison 6spd/4.56's w/Detroit TrueTrac Use the SEARCH function on this forum - it is your friend!! Last edited by BossHogg69; 10-08-2009 at 05:15 PM.

10-08-2009, 05:44 PM	#12
Mayo Cool Truck Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Bowie,MD Posts: 1,869	Re: 5 Speed swap I swapped to a T-5 out of an 83 Camaro. I haven't had any problems with it. __________________ 1968 Chevrolet C20 Longhorn "Cool Truck" 1937 Chevrolet Pickup - Project Looking for a patina'd 68 50th Anniversary longbed

10-08-2009, 08:47 PM	#13
clinebarger Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 6,370	Re: 5 Speed swap I can tear up a T-5 with a V6 mustang T56 is the way to go.



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