Conversion Questions

[RustyKnight]

Hey, I'm looking to stab a 4 speed Saginaw in my 82 El Camino that currently has a TH350c in it, and I was hoping to hear some of the unexpected issues you guys came across on your swaps. Did you guys like the outcome? Anything to avoid? I appreciate you all

 

[melloelky]

Thread 'Does anyone here regret their auto to manual swap?'

Apr 22, 2025

My th350 is toast just as the fun season begun and now i struggle with what i want to do next. I'd really like a overdrive gear but all the options available to me is quite expensive so I'm seriously considering a T56 magnum swap.
These are my options :

-Th350 just like it. boring, but cheap
-200-4r unobtanium where i live
-700r4 Would need to be beefed up and that gets close to 3 grand
-4l80e price especially with a new torque converter and stand alone computer is big $$$. Might as well do a t56 at that point
-AR5 I can maybe find one in sweden but the costs add up fast...

• UnlocatedStig
• Replies: 38
• Forum: Manual Transmission / Clutch / Shifter

this's a good thread that started fairly recent,check it out it may answer some questions you might have.

 

[Malibu795]

1 do you have the transmission currently?
1A open to suggestions?
2 willing to run a hyd clutch vs mechanical?

how much HP do you plan on running? 3-400 range and 3500lb curb puts your roughly similar HP/LB as most current sedans

3650 5sp can be done, common in the 01-10 mustangs probably cheapest but that's my knowledge extent.

TKX 5sp or T6060/T56 mag would be my strong encouragement having the ODs allow for longer cruises and easier traveling. especially once HP is 3-400hp

Sick speed Monty has a nice pedal
Tick performance has nice hyd MC setup
Three pedals is very nice but also ~1000.00

’78 – ’88 GM G-Body Pedal Assembly – Three Pedals

Our integrated clutch and brake pedal assembly is the key to getting a manual transmission up and running in your 1978 - 1988 GM G-Body. If you're looking for

threepedals.com

 

[RustyKnight]

Thread 'Does anyone here regret their auto to manual swap?'

Apr 22, 2025

My th350 is toast just as the fun season begun and now i struggle with what i want to do next. I'd really like a overdrive gear but all the options available to me is quite expensive so I'm seriously considering a T56 magnum swap.
These are my options :

-Th350 just like it. boring, but cheap
-200-4r unobtanium where i live
-700r4 Would need to be beefed up and that gets close to 3 grand
-4l80e price especially with a new torque converter and stand alone computer is big $$$. Might as well do a t56 at that point
-AR5 I can maybe find one in sweden but the costs add up fast...

• UnlocatedStig
• Replies: 38
• Forum: Manual Transmission / Clutch / Shifter

this's a good thread that started fairly recent,check it out it may answer some questions you might have.

Thank you, friend!! I'll read into it 🙂

 

[RustyKnight]

1 do you have the transmission currently?
1A open to suggestions?
2 willing to run a hyd clutch vs mechanical?

how much HP do you plan on running? 3-400 range and 3500lb curb puts your roughly similar HP/LB as most current sedans

3650 5sp can be done, common in the 01-10 mustangs probably cheapest but that's my knowledge extent.

TKX 5sp or T6060/T56 mag would be my strong encouragement having the ODs allow for longer cruises and easier traveling. especially once HP is 3-400hp

Sick speed Monty has a nice pedal
Tick performance has nice hyd MC setup
Three pedals is very nice but also ~1000.00

’78 – ’88 GM G-Body Pedal Assembly – Three Pedals

Our integrated clutch and brake pedal assembly is the key to getting a manual transmission up and running in your 1978 - 1988 GM G-Body. If you're looking for

threepedals.com

You're the man, thank you, brother!

 

[Malibu795]

You're the man, thank you, brother!

The only other option I'd recommend is swapping a 4L80 in.. later model 00-09 2500/3500 GM trucks/vans

Either way you're investing 2-3k at a minimum in parts

 

[RustyKnight]

The only other option I'd recommend is swapping a 4L80 in.. later model 00-09 2500/3500 GM trucks/vans

Either way you're investing 2-3k at a minimum in parts

I figured as much, but I'm not going to invest in a swap and not have a manual! I havent invested in a transmission yet, as I wanted to hear what the experts say first

 

[pagrunt]

Big challenge is finding the correct shifter for direct fit. Hurst dropped the install kit but still sell the Comp Plus shifter cause other models used the same p/n. OE assembly line Hurst shifters are hard to find but out there & costly. Then there's the just as hard to find GM ITM shifter. One good thing is the OE shifters both use the same rods, arms & mount bracket. But keep in mind the direct fit shifter mount brackets need to have a flat side tailhousing on the Saginaw.

The bellhousing is a '78-'88 specific one due to the position of the fork ball stud due to fork shape. Don't beleive the listings for new ones for a G body cause there are none.

In one aspect, going with a T5 & a hydro clutch might be a way to go on a budget. One from a S truck would allow the shifter to clear the bench seat. A F body set up could be better with buckets.

If you have factory cruise control the hole for the upper clutch rod is there as the harness uses the same hole. If not, there is three dimples for the location. One to center the hole with two on the side of it for the rod boot screw holes. Also, everyone sems to sell the 2nd gen F body boot as the correct one but it's very wrong. The closest fit floating around out there is for a square body truck.

 

[buick7332]

You will need a G-Body Bell Housing and clutch fork. I know the clutch fork is reproduced but a bell housing might be harder to find.