4 speed manual vs th350

[DRIVEN]

Clutch switch would interrupt the starter wire (purple). I think the backup switch is just B+ in one side and out to the light circuit.

 

[pontiacgp]

I spliced the wires that are there for the back up lights to the switch in the left side of the T5 transmission. It's just an on-off switch so one side is always hot.

 

[mebe007]

oh ok.

 

[mebe007]

anyone run a 3 speed? i found one kicking around in the corner and could work till i found a 4 speed. its just an idea.

i would like to put a T10 in at some point though

 

[pontiacgp]

nice thing about 3 speeds in the long gears and as long as you have enough torque not to be worried about keeping it in the power band they are nice to drive with. What you might not like with the one in the picture is that with the long stick it is from a truck and the first gear maybe a granny gear...

 

[mebe007]

I may have just found a good deal on a t10

 

[Bonnewagon]

Pontiacgp is correct. The 3 bands on the input shaft indicate a 3:50 to 1 first gear. The rpm drop between gears is devastating. That trans came in my 81' Malibu and it was a total dog. But it WILL suffice until you get something better and it does have the correct tail housing and shifter mount that our cars need. Be sure that if you find a Saginaw 4-speed, it has those features. A T-10 will be a better trans, but will need to make some modifications to fit these cars. And beware the OLD 50's/60's T-10's, they are weak, be sure to get a late 70's and up "Super" T-10.

 

[pontiacgp]

Thanks Mark, I didn't know that the 3 bands would tell you what the gearing was...

 

[mebe007]

yeah the bands always tell the ratio for a specific trans. i just didnt know the designation on the three speed saginaw. i believe 3 bands on a t10 is 2.64. although i dont remember exactly. the t10 i am looking at it supposed to be a 74.

 

[Bonnewagon]

Saginaw Transmission Gear Ratio Identification.

Saginaw 3-speed 1st 2nd 3rd
No Lines (grooves) 2.85 1.68 1.00
1 Line (groove ) 2.54 1.50 1.00
2 Lines (grooves) 3.11 1.84 1.00
3 Lines (grooves) 3.50 1.89 1.00
Others found but not with complete specs:
------------------2.54 1.88 1.00

Saginaw 4-speed 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
No lines (grooves) 2.84 2.01 1.35 1.00
1 Line (groove ) 2.54 1.80 1.44 1.00
2 Lines (grooves) 3.11 2.20 1.47 1.00
3 Lines (grooves) 3.50 2.47 1.65 1.00
Others found but not with complete specs:
-------------------2.20 1.64 1.47 1.00
I personally like the 3:50 to 1 model 4 speed so I can run granny gears (2:78) out back. Great acceleration, great cruise rpm. Here are the Borg-Warner specs-Borg Warner Transmission Gear Ratio Identification

Transmission Years 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Spline
T-10 Close Ratio 57-62 2.20, 1.66, 1.31, 1.00
T-10 Close Ratio 62-65 2.20, 1.64, 1.31, 1.00 aka T10C, T10F, T10K
T-10 Wide Ratio 61-62 2.54, 1.92, 1.51, 1.00 aka T10A
T-10 Wide Ratio 62-65 2.54, 1.89, 1.51, 1.00 aka T10D, T10E, T10G
T-10 Close Ratio 64-65 2.20, 1.64, 1.31, 1.00
Others found but not with complete specs:
2.36 1.62 1.20 1.00 aka T10M
2.54 1.74 1.30 1.00 aka T10N
2.36 1.78 1.41 1.00 aka T10B
2.36 1.76 1.41 1.00 aka T10J T10L
2.73 2.04 1.50 1.00 aka T10H



ST-10 74-95 2.43, 1.61, 1.23, 1.00 aka T10S
ST-10 74-95 2.64, 1.75, 1.33, 1.00 aka T10W
ST-10 74-95 2.88, 1.91, 1.33, 1.00 aka T10CC
ST-10 74-95 3.42, 2.28, 1.46, 1.00 aka T10Z
Others found but not with complete specs:
2.43 1.76 1.47 1.00 aka T10P
3.44 2.28 1.46 1.00 aka T10U
2.23 1.77 1.35 1.00 aka T10V
2.64 1.60 1.23 1.00 aka T10X
2.88 1.74 1.33 1.00 aka T10Y
3.29 1.72 1.00 0.80 aka T10AA
4.17 2.28 1.46 1.00 aka T10BB
2.64 2.10 1.60 1.00 aka T10Q
2.64 2.10 1.46 1.00 aka T10T
2.23 1.77 1.35 1.00 aka T10V
2.99 1.86 1.33 1.00 aka ST10-99