T5 Swap Questions

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The Driver

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jun 9, 2013
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I have an 81 Malibu Coupe with the 229 and a TH350, I was wondering how hard it would be to swap in a T5 trans out of a 91 S10 with a 2.8? Would I have to change the driveshaft or will it bolt right up?
 
Alright Im not gonna fool with the T5, I know a guy sellin a T10 which should bolt right up, is that correct? Also will the shifter line up alright with the interior?
 
I'm a bit hazy on shifter angles. I've never heard of any shifter placement issues in these swaps. Just if you have bench seats you'll need a shifter with a curve in it. Do a quick google search for trans dimensions. There are a good number of charts out there. You should be able to find one that has mounting and housing dimensions for both the T10 and the TH350. I can't remember them off hand.
You'll still have all of the same issues up front.
 
the T-5 is not a very strong trans in the first place. There is a reason they did not put it behind a camaro with a 350 in it. I've seen guys with 305 cars easily blow it up. A t56 swap would be awesome, but they are spendy even for a well used one.
 
A T-5 from an S10 is a no go on all levels. The shifter is in the wrong place, the gear ratios in a 6cyl trans suck, and the input shaft on a 6cyl trans is longer than a v8 one and uses a 14 spline clutch .
 
I understand that there are issues with using the S10 transmission, and that the OP is going with a different trans now, but the issues with the S10 transmission can be overcome, and it wouldn't be overly stressed by the 229 V6. You can either cut down the input shaft on the S10 trans to get the correct length to fit the SBC or 90 degree V6, or there is an adapter available from a company called Hamilton Intakes that will provide the correct transmission spacing. As for the input shaft splines, I believe that the clutch disc from a mid to late '80s Astro van with the 4.3 V6 and 5 speed will work for this application. Regarding shifter position, it depends where you want the shifter. If you want it further forward, you get the T5 from an S10. If you want it further back, then you get a T5 from a V6 Firebird or Camaro. There are adapters available that can fine tune the shifter position-check out the thread on the IROC wagon project in the Wagons section on this site. There's some info there.
Like I said before I know that the OP is not using the T5, but it could be done.
 
I understand in theory it could be used but by the time you spend the money for spacers and a special clutch it would be more economical to start with a V8 f body trans to begin with, especially when I have personaly gotten used ones for under $200 and I have found a few in the U-pull its for $65.
 
The important thing to remember about the V8 T5s from the mid '80s to early '90s F body cars, is that the transmission mounting points are angled approximately 18 degrees from straight up and down. You either require a bellhousing with the appropriate mounting pattern, or bend the shifter to get it to sit straight up in neutral. The only GM bellhousing that will work with a mechanical clutch linkage and a V8 T5 is from the 1983 F body, and they're not always easy to find.
 
Thats exactly the setup I have in my 81 Grand prix, V8 t-5 with an 83 F body bellhousing.
 
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