1987 El Camino 4.3 TBI / bad flexplate: fixed with a 5 speed!

[ssn696]

The rear is 3.42 Posi from a Monte SS that I got from a member here - Malibu Mike7981. The T5 is from a 1989 IROC Camaro, which has a 2.95 first gear and, I think, a 0.83 5th gear. This gives a 10.1 to 1 overall 1st gear ratio. This works pretty nicely with the 4.3's horsepower and torque. That said, it ain't no hot-rod!

You scored with this combination.

 

[stew86MCSS396]

I really like that cavalier steering wheel it doesn't scream Chevy and as I imagine that circle chevy emblem could be easily swapped out for something else perhaps if someone was trying to rebadge their interior.

If I may could you place the shifter into 1st and measure the distance to the dash. I'm just trying to establish if I really need to use a S10 tailshaft housing or something in between would suffice. I have an astro T5 at the stable but that's going to force me down the VSS electronic speedo path.

 

[Zelnak Zilla]

I really like that cavalier steering wheel it doesn't scream Chevy and as I imagine that circle chevy emblem could be easily swapped out for something else perhaps if someone was trying to rebadge their interior.

If I may could you place the shifter into 1st and measure the distance to the dash. I'm just trying to establish if I really need to use a S10 tailshaft housing or something in between would suffice. I have an astro T5 at the stable but that's going to force me down the VSS electronic speedo path.

Here ya go:

The seats are adjusted for my 5' 7' body.

Here's another pic that may be useful:

 

[stew86MCSS396]

Thanx for taking the time to take those measurements for all that are contemplating this swap!!!

Thought about starting a new thread to discuss all the options but if I keep it relevant (like leaving out Pontiac 350)...it shouldn't muddy the waters too much. Are you eventually considering Key Release Column???

I have one out of a S10 but I didn't know the details whether it's tilt/non-tilt when it was pulled at the j-yard. It is black which I'm noticing the only Ebay offerings for a Z24 steering wheel is...bbblack gray which I'm sure it won't be objectionable with my (same as yours) blue interior.

Your first pic of the shifter with the tape measure in relation to the dash...I swore I commented about doing a S10 tailshaft in a G-body in another thread but immediately was told "it would place the shifter under the radio." Well your measurements confirms this and as I've mentioned, I do have a Astro T5 here at the stable that puts the shifter at a more suitable location but forces me down the electronic speedo path. However...lots of T5 information over at Lugnutz site. I'm digging the relocation tower mod on a F-body T5 that allows me to keep the cable speedo but judging by where your's comes out of the floor that just means more cutting and welding but it's a means to the end!!! Oh I should mention I have a lot of 26 spline stuff laying around so not springing for 14 spline Astro stuff would be a bonus.

 

[pagrunt]

Thanx for taking the time to take those measurements for all that are contemplating this swap!!!

Thought about starting a new thread to discuss all the options but if I keep it relevant (like leaving out Pontiac 350)...it shouldn't muddy the waters too much. Are you eventually considering Key Release Column???

I have one out of a S10 but I didn't know the details whether it's tilt/non-tilt when it was pulled at the j-yard. It is black which I'm noticing the only Ebay offerings for a Z24 steering wheel is...bbblack which I'm sure it won't be objectionable with my (same as yours) blue interior.

Your first pic of the shifter with the tape measure in relation to the dash...I swore I commented about doing a S10 tailshaft in a G-body in another thread but immediately was told "it would place the shifter under the radio." Well your measurements confirms this and as I've mentioned, I do have a Astro T5 here at the stable that puts the shifter at a more suitable location but forces me down the electronic speedo path. However...lots of T5 information over at Lugnutz site. I'm digging the relocation tower mod on a F-body T5 that allows me to keep the cable speedo but judging by where your's comes out of the floor that just means more cutting and welding however it's a means to the end!!! Oh I should mention I have a lot of 26 spline stuff laying around so not springing for 14 spline Astro stuff would be a bonus.

Look into this at Summit so you can work the speedo off the Astro T5

Speedhut A-299 Speedhut SPEEDBOX | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Speedhut SPEEDBOX with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Speedometer Cable Adapters at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

I've thought about using this so I don't have mess with an adapter box on the Saginaws for both cars.

 

[ssn696]

I do have a Astro T5 here at the stable that puts the shifter at a more suitable location but forces me down the electronic speedo path.

While none of the Astro T5s were World Class, they had the same first gear ratio as a Saginaw 4-speed. You can still find an 11" disc 14-spline clutch kit on RockAuto.

 

[Zelnak Zilla]

Are you eventually considering Key Release Column???

Hadn't thought about it really. It's got an automatic floor shift tilt column now. I can live with it. It's the same as in my '78 Malibu with the T56 Magnum. Good to know about the options though! I might poke around eBay for an S10 column. Since I'm planning to use a 1228746 ECM (late '80's F body TBI) I was thinking about using a PassKey/VATS setup. Very minor surgery to install the lock cylinder. Pretty simple wiring for the VATS module. Did that in my Malibu too. Hmm...

That's too bad about the S10 T5 shifter being too far forward. I guess it's F body or Astro van then. That F body tail-housing hack is pretty wild. Way beyond my pay grade. I can booger weld steel without creating too much of a mess. Welding aluminum is a whole 'nother level...