What manual trans to use??

[84dragcutlass]

Ok so im going to a manual trans when i get the body off and finish the frame on my 87 supreme, what manual trans would you guys use behind a 455 with aluminum heads, thumper cam, and air gap intake? Not to sure of the hp output but i dont think it will be to extreme, rear is and 8.5 with 3:73 gears and a posi unit.

 

[DoubleV]

Tremec.

 

[bigmandengo]

If you want overdrive, go with the t56. A t5 wont last long behind a big block.

 

[FE3X CLONE]

I'd go the T-56 route myself. A transmission from a '94-up F-body shouldn't have a problem coping with a not too extreme 455.

That would at least get you setup for the trans and then later, if something does go wrong with it you can choose to ethier upgrade the one you have or buy one of the new Tremec T-56 manuals.

 

[dyrt]

I would take a look at the tremec tko transmissions as well as keilser 5 speeds. They are made to work with a standard clutch and bellhousings so you should be able to swap one in with a blowproof or standard cast aluminum bell. The t56 is a great trans as long as you don't mind the cost of adapting it to your engine. I think you can use an ls1 trans with an aftermarket bell specifically designed for ls1 trans to BOP block.

 

[84dragcutlass]

That does seem to be the problem, getting a trans with all the right options such as being able to run the bop bellhousing and the manual clutch linkage

 

[bigmandengo]

An adapter plate thats less than $200 can be installed on an ls1 t56, so you can use an old style bellhousing with the manual linkage.

 

[FE3X CLONE]

Personally, if it was me I would ditch the manual linkage and go hydraulic. Much easier to setup and assuming you don't already have the manual linkage, would cost about the same.

McLeod makes a blowproof bellhousing that can be used for either the LT1 T-56 or LS1 T-56.

The LT1 T-56 has a shorter input shaft than the LS1 so it requires a different pilot bushing. The LS1 trans has an input length that has more in common with the older 4 speed transmissions.

 

[84dragcutlass]

Sweet looks like im gonna shoot for the ls1 trans with the bellhousing adaptor