[Leeter]

I got a auto TH350 right now in my '69 SS 350. I want to get a used 5sp manual and put it in. I wondering if someone has done this already. I need advice, like were to get the 5sp? Do i just get one outta a old camaro at the collision yard? I want to get a used one.

another question is that my engine is not stock, its bored to 355, has performer RPM manifold, msd distributer, .292 cam, ford 9" rear w/3.89 gears..the problem is i can only get it up to 95mph at about 4500 rpms and it just doesn't go anymore...thats why i'm proning for the 5sp, it should knock the rpm's down and up the top end..any comments??

[MikeDF80]

If you want overdrive go with a six speed, or an aftermarket trans. A buddy of mine has a t-5 behind a stock Ford 302. Broke the thing twice already, and it cost him 500 in parts each time to rebuild it himself.

[kcstert]

Went through the same transition last year.Wanted an overdriven final drive and always wanted a manual so I started looking around. Six speeds are expensive no matter which one you look at Borg Warner, Richmond, or ZF. I finally came across the Tremec 5 speed. It is a tranny used in SVO fords and a company called Fortes Parts connection has modified them to work with GM bell housings and clutches. Biggest advantage with these is that they are cheaper than 6 speeds, you won't have to convert your car to a hydraulic clutch set up, and the ratio for 5th in a tremec is the same as 6th in the BW or ZF trannies. Also, Tremec is much stronger than the T-5. Real easy swap for guys whose cars are already manual.

[RockyMtnRacer]

I put a Richmond street 5-speed in my '69 in place of the TH 350 - also with a Ford 9". You need a bunch of parts - bellhousing, clutch, flywheel, linkage, throwout arm and bearing, pedal assy, rear crossmember (modified) and maybe a starter (if you use a Lakewood Bellhousing like I did)- also have to modify the driveshaft. Other than the expense it's a straightforward swap. It's a very strong trans and you should have no troubles with it.

[davidpozzi]

Did you change your valve springs when you did the cam? You should be able to wind it more than 4500 rpm. You should be able to wind it to 5500 rpm at least! Do some more work on your engine before you get into the trans.

[Torker]

Tremec 5 speed. Enough said. This is one great trans. It bolted right into my 68. I too used to have a th350. Call Mike at Forte's Parts Connection they have everything for a COMPLETE swap.

[gheatly]

Agree with Torker. I called Mike at Forte's last week. The compelete kit to bolt in the Tremec 3550 is $2,200. It includes everything for the swap, EXCEPT for a clutch disc and a shortened driveshaft.

The Tremec has very similar gear spacing to the OEM GM 6 speed except that it does not have the .8 fifth gear overdrive. Sixth gear is .68, same as the Tremec fifth.

Biggest advantage: it bolts right in.

[MarkM]

6th gear on the newer, t-56's are .50, but I'm not sure which year they changed.

[ScottLD]

I have a 67 Camaro that is originally a 4-speed.

I want to switch to a 5 speed but don't want to do any cutting to the tunnel or console. Has anyone with a console had success without altering it?

Thanks,

Scott

[Go69]

In regards to the T-56 Borg Warner. I run one in my '69 and even with 3.73 gears you can rarely use 6th gear. On the freeway you can try to run it in 6th but if you want to pass anyone or pick up speed you have to down shift. I was told that my cam was too big to make any power or torque at the lower RPM's which is where the engine is at in 6th gear.
My car is actually faster in 5th! I can run about 75 Mph just over idle.. The .50 OD is really too much for my car.. Anyone care to trade me a Tremec 5 speed? I will give you everything you need to swap this T56 into your car-hydraulic clutch, modified clutch pedal, crossmember, driveshaft, modified shifter (works in the original console).
Any takers?

[CarlC]

Torker-
I live in Glendale. If at all possible I would love to take a look at your car. I'm considering the exact swap you performed. Please drop me an e-mail at casanoc@nsk-corp.com if this would be OK. Thanks. Carl