Is the tremec the only 5spd/od transmission that will fit in my 69 with no major modifications to the car or bellhousing? I've been looking at that t5, but it looks like this isn't as clean of an install. Are all the t5's mounted at a 15 degree angle and require a special bellhousing? Are there any others worth looking at that are more competitive on the price than a tremec?

T5's are a bit on the weak side, and they are made by tremac too. They were used on thirdgen camaros, set at a 15 degree angle like you said, never on anything bigger than a 305.
TKO 3550's, the fore runner of the current tko 500 & 600 were used on a lot of mustangs. A good trans, tho not as strong as a tko500, but mustang ones would take some adapting to a chevy motor.
T56 (6 speed, also a tremac trans) was used on vettes, camaros and firebirds, and vipers. Good trans, but the oem ones used hydraulic clutches and weird bellhousings.

The current aftermarket TKO 500, 600, 600RR, and T56 are as good as it gets.

IMHO there is no better bolt-on than a TKO.

I love my TKO!

just to clarify what JimM said, he means there is no better bolt on than a TKO 500 or 600, not either of the earlier versions which are weak

sorry Jim but its just a little confusing to see whcih trans you would be talking about until you look at your sig to see a TKO 500

I concur to all of the above . Once you try a TKO,, you will not go anywhere else.. Its the only way to fly and have your cake too.

Its the only way to fly and have your cake too.
I jus love cake!

And yes, I got a TKO500 for christmas last year, from Don (Zdld17) in fact.

The chevy style aftermarket TKO 500 & 600 is a true bolt-in, only mods are to shortenm the driveshaft and a different crossmember.

Look at one of the vendors sites for the complete rundown on them. Basically, Don sold his 500 (327:1 low) mostly because it didn't work well with his 3.73 or 4.11, i fergit gear, he was out of first before the car went 10 feet. He went with aq TKO600, and it's 2.87 low works much better with his combo.

With my 3.08 gears, and torquey 383, the ratios in the 500 are perfect for me. Off the line like I had 4.11's, and the equivalent of about 2:1 at cruise.

A second option is the Richmond 6 speed. I don't have any information on it though, but I'm sure if you do a search here you will find some scoop on it.

Paul

The only other true bolt-in option is the Italian gearset Muncie OD tranny!

I figure it is good for 500t, if not 600t+!!

It's the "W" gearset if not mistaken.. You might as well get the whole package, the Supercase and steel midplate too!

Bolt-in stock..

pdq67

Just put a TKO-600 in my 69 Camaro. One of the best modifications you can do. I have a fairly radical small block(solid roller, alumunium heads, etc.). I can't believe how much more streeable the car is now. Talk to the guys at Classic Chevy 5 Speed, they can set you up.

Richmond also makes a 5spd but it is not an overdrive. It does have a steep first gear for good launchs. If you run 3.08's or 2.73's in the rear end you will still get relatively the same benefits as an over drive because 5th is 1:1 while being able to launch off the line.

all t-56's didnt have the hydraulic clutches and such... only ls1 t-56's did... if you get a lt-1 t-56 you can swap it fairly easy... it bolts right up to a SBC... go to thirdgen.org for info on swapping them... alot of thirdgen guys do it.... and they have 2 overdrives... you can run 4.10's or higher with no prob

Another possibility for a OD manual is the Mopar A833 4spd manual transmission. This transmission was used frequently in early 80's Chevy trucks. It can be usually found in the GMC and Chevy diesel trucks with 6.2 liter engine. It was also used in some gas trucks from the same period; though it should not be confused with the SM420 (a 135 pound medium truck transmission, even though the A833 has an iron case it only weighs about 80lbs, and there is still a big difference in size and the look of the two).

It also uses a large truck aluminum bellhousing which allows the use of a 12 inch clutch. This bellhousing is unique to trucks; the bearing retainer hole is larger than a typical GM car bellhousing and the tranny 4 bolt pattern is different. Additionally the 6.2 liter diesel flywheel will not work on gas engine, so you may have to find the gas variant for a suitable flywheel.

This tranny was originally used behind the 426 street hemi and 440 6 pack cars shifted to glory by folks like Ronnie Sox of Sox & Martin fame. It was originally built by Mopar as a four speed without an overdrive, but Chevy adapted it (under license) for truck use by converting it to a three speed with an OD road gear. Another big difference between the A833 and the SM420 is the fact that it is an all syncromesh tranny (SM stands for SyncroMesh, even though first gear isn't a syncro gear in the SM420).

When the gears were changed, they swapped the 3rd and 4th gear shift levers so that they are mounted upside down on the tranny. You will have to keep this in mind when installing the linkage. The gear ratios are now 3.09 1.67 1.1 0.73.

The A833 has all of the same mounting dimensions as a TH350 tranny. Same overall length, same output shaft, same rear mount and mount location, same speedometer hookup. If you have a TH350 in your car you can bolt this into place and use a hydraulic throw out bearing and your done.

If you are willing to consider loosing second gear to get overdrive in a manual tranny that could pass for a Muncie (or at least a Saginaw); and is relatively light, and strong then this is a possibility. They don't exactly grow on trees anymore and you will have to scour truck salvage yards (a great place to pick up 350 4 bolt blocks with all forged internals)to find one. If you do "Stick Only" in CA sells rebuild kits and other parts for this transmission.


Larger Dave