Someone, I think from this forum asked me about my Six Speed Install. I'm posting my response to him so that everyone can see it. It is basically an overview of what to expect for this custom install.
The transmission was from a 96 Z28 camaro, any T56 (6 speed) from any 93-97 camaro or Trans Am will work. Although I have heard bad things about the 93 transmission... then again my neighbor has a 93 T56 in his 57 Chevy and he's had no problems with his. The transmission is a Borg Warner transmission and it is basically the same internally as the viper, cobra, corvette, and aston martin transmissions. Those transmissions are all Tremec transmissions, Tremec took over production of the T56 from Borg Warner. Anyways, this transmission swap in my opinion is actually easier if you're converting from an automatic versus converting from an original 4 speed. The reasons, automatic C3's have a bolted in transmission crossmember which makes installation much easier. If you have an original 4 speed you will need to get rid of all of the mechanical linkage, unless you buy a conversion kit...$$$ The only pain in the ass if you have an automatic is swapping in the manual transmission pedal assembly. The transmission bolts right up to our old two piece rear main seal Chevy engines, God Bless Chevy, so the only major conversion is the adaptation to the camaro hydraulic clutch actuation. I bought the hydraulic setup new from Chevy with my Auto Nation discount it cost me about $110, I’ve seen these setups sold new on E-Bay for about this much. You will need to make a bracket at the right angle so that the hydraulic master cylinder can be mounted behind the firewall and grab the original clutch pedal push rod stud. I had enough length with the stock camaro stainless steel hose to reach the slave cylinder to the transmission, but some others have not. If you need to extend the hose, no worries, it has been done. You must use centerforce flywheel part number 700107 along with the factory or any after market clutch and pressure plate for 93-97 LT1 F-Body's. There are a few other companies that make flywheels for using that transmission and clutch with the old two piece rear main seal engines, but I think centerforce is the cheapest. I used the stock transmission mount which bolted directly to the top of the cross member, this changed the driveshaft angle so the exhaust had to be modified. I'm planning on buying hooker side pipes so I just used a $7 flex pipe and clamped it on, fixed that problem. You might be able to do it without modifying the exhaust, depends on how you mount it. I used a stock camaro starter. Two more things to worry about, the speedometer output of this transmission is electrical, you need a mechanical drive. You have two options, buy a conversion box to convert the signal or buy an electronic speedometer and make a custom bezel to mount it. Second problem, the shifter comes out more towards the center of the console and a little closer to the E-Brake. I like the position, it feels really snug. You will have to customize your console, I'm doing mine with Plexiglas. Last potential problem, the E-Brake cable might hit the tail shaft yoke, If it does, just drill a hole and move the exit location of the cable, then adjust it accordingly. Finally for some good news! The yoke from your Turbo 350 will transfer over. Anyways, I got the transmission used off of E-Bay with 45,000 miles on it for $1,200 Everything else that I needed cost me about $1,000, I ended up spending another $800 to have the transmission put in, I would have done it but I don't have access to a lift over night, the transmission shop also decided to throw in a new driveshaft and decided to charge me for it, awww... how thoughtful
. So the total cost was over $3,000 and under $3,500, including install. Most kits out there are about $3,500 just for the parts, and they utilize old technology. If anyone really plans on doing this I can be more specific about anything and everything, especially the dimensions and angles of the hydraulic master cylinder mounting bracket. Note: Plan on buying an after market short shifter! The stock shifter sucks! Hitting third is impossible, I have a pro 5.0 shifter and it feels great.
|UPDATED|10/12/2004 12:52:57 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
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