Trans opinions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Tim64 · 10-18-2007, 02:49 PM

Hey Guys,
I’ve seen a couple threads regarding early 80’s S-10 T5 transmissions being put into our year of trucks. I talked with Tom Langdon @ Langdon’s Stove bolt briefly about it. He said he could sell me a trans that was geared right for my application. I’m thinking shipping on a trans would be pretty crazy, so I was thinking of trying to find one close to home. I would like to hear from someone that has done this. I would like to know what all I have to change and approximately how much money I’m going to have to put into this. My truck is a 230 3spd. I want to make it more drivable at highway speeds. If there is something better to switch to please give me your opinions.
Thanks,
Tim

courage 80 · 10-18-2007, 03:19 PM

I just finished a t-56 (six speed out of a trans am) swap. It is wonderful at highway speed. I have 31 inch tires so I lose some in 6th gear. But I can cruise in 5th all day. AND if I go back to the smaller tires I wont have to mess with the rear end.

I had heard that the t-5 out of the S-10 is not as strong, but ?

I had to get a flywheel to mate the t-56 clutch and bellhousing to work with the crank on my engine (about $300 +/- $50). Then I fabbed the trans mount for the t-56. You want to see if you are going to get the hydraulic clutch, bellhousing, clutch plates, and slip yoke with the trans.

I would say that I have 1500 or so in the swap, to include the trans.

Tim64 · 10-18-2007, 03:36 PM

I had a friend tell me to change it over to a powerglide, and that would bolt right up. What do you guys think about that idea?
Tim

1966gmc · 10-18-2007, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim64

I had a friend tell me to change it over to a powerglide, and that would bolt right up. What do you guys think about that idea?
Tim

It'll bolt up but remember you will only have 2 gears.Will a th350 bolt up to the inline 6's? I would assume they do. 700r4,th400 so many options.Im def goin auto this winter. SBC 350+trying to powershift 3spd=teh suck

Iron-Butt · 10-18-2007, 06:25 PM

I have used turbo 400, 700r4 and 200r in mine autos conversions. I like the 400 as no kick down cable.

Real_McCoy · 10-18-2007, 11:44 PM

What is involved in the TH400 swap? I have an I6 (230?) with a 3 on the tree currently. I need to replace my tranny soon. First gear in the 3 speed is making a loud clanking sound.

Baby Blue 66 · 10-19-2007, 12:06 PM

You mentioned that drive ability at highway speeds is an issue. A power glide, TH350, TH400 and your current 3 speed all have the same final gear ratio. I would think that you want either an OD, 200R4, 700R4, or or a manual box with OD. Or you could change to a numerically lower rear end gear or go with taller tires. I myself have a pretty thrashed 700R4 with 3.73 rear and 28in tall tires, makes for a nice combo. The hardest part of this install is the TV cable and a new drive shaft, you also need a flex plate and possibly a new tranny x-member, but is should bolt right up to a six.

10-18-2007, 02:49 PM	#1
Tim64 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Vandalia, Ohio Posts: 396	Trans opinions Hey Guys, I’ve seen a couple threads regarding early 80’s S-10 T5 transmissions being put into our year of trucks. I talked with Tom Langdon @ Langdon’s Stove bolt briefly about it. He said he could sell me a trans that was geared right for my application. I’m thinking shipping on a trans would be pretty crazy, so I was thinking of trying to find one close to home. I would like to hear from someone that has done this. I would like to know what all I have to change and approximately how much money I’m going to have to put into this. My truck is a 230 3spd. I want to make it more drivable at highway speeds. If there is something better to switch to please give me your opinions. Thanks, Tim

10-18-2007, 03:19 PM	#2
courage 80 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 41	Re: Trans opinions I just finished a t-56 (six speed out of a trans am) swap. It is wonderful at highway speed. I have 31 inch tires so I lose some in 6th gear. But I can cruise in 5th all day. AND if I go back to the smaller tires I wont have to mess with the rear end. I had heard that the t-5 out of the S-10 is not as strong, but ? I had to get a flywheel to mate the t-56 clutch and bellhousing to work with the crank on my engine (about $300 +/- $50). Then I fabbed the trans mount for the t-56. You want to see if you are going to get the hydraulic clutch, bellhousing, clutch plates, and slip yoke with the trans. I would say that I have 1500 or so in the swap, to include the trans.

10-18-2007, 03:36 PM	#3
Tim64 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Vandalia, Ohio Posts: 396	Re: Trans opinions I had a friend tell me to change it over to a powerglide, and that would bolt right up. What do you guys think about that idea? Tim

10-18-2007, 06:25 PM	#5
Iron-Butt 454 club Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,348	Re: Trans opinions I have used turbo 400, 700r4 and 200r in mine autos conversions. I like the 400 as no kick down cable. __________________ David 1965 Chevrolet c-10 454 automatic Custom bbw swb. 1965 Chevrolet C-10 swb (Sold) 1963 Chevrolet C-10 6 Cyl automatic with dual exhaust, pb, ps and 17's. R.I.P "I will miss you. 1967 Chevrolet C-10 6 Cyl Custom lwb 1939 Chevrolet Coupe, 350 v8 automatic. 1935 Chevrolet 2 Dr Standard in the works. 2015 Harley Davidson Street Glide. 2023 Chevrolet Stingray Z51 Convertible. I never want to grow up.

10-18-2007, 11:44 PM	#6
Real_McCoy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: El Dorado, Kansas Posts: 198	Re: Trans opinions What is involved in the TH400 swap? I have an I6 (230?) with a 3 on the tree currently. I need to replace my tranny soon. First gear in the 3 speed is making a loud clanking sound. __________________ Daniel 66 Chevy C10 LWB Support our troops!

10-19-2007, 12:06 PM	#7
Baby Blue 66 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Western NY Posts: 19	Re: Trans opinions You mentioned that drive ability at highway speeds is an issue. A power glide, TH350, TH400 and your current 3 speed all have the same final gear ratio. I would think that you want either an OD, 200R4, 700R4, or or a manual box with OD. Or you could change to a numerically lower rear end gear or go with taller tires. I myself have a pretty thrashed 700R4 with 3.73 rear and 28in tall tires, makes for a nice combo. The hardest part of this install is the TV cable and a new drive shaft, you also need a flex plate and possibly a new tranny x-member, but is should bolt right up to a six.



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