Manual Trans in my 1979 Monte Carlo? Help/ideas..

[CruizinKev]

First, this is my car:

http://www.maliburacing.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=79776

....so, I'm thinking about a manual transmission. I'm kinda new to these things and don't know much about what is possible and what not. I'm also in Germany, so it's kinda hard to find parts. So I need something like a "full swap kit" or something.

I just looked around and found the website from Keisler. Nice stuff there, saw a kit with a T-45. Sounds interesting I thought.
So why T-45? I have some buddys here in Germany that are into Mustangs. They have T45 laying and I could use that ...But - can I use this? Or I have to do too much to make it work?
When I get the T45 off my friends what else do I need to make it work with my 79 MC?

Please let me know you suggestions/thoughts on this. Perhaps also some helpful links/shops or anything

Thx,
-Kev

 

[CruizinKev]

like said before I got friends they're into Mustangs. I just read a few also did the T5 swap. I know T5 also used in Mustangs.. so I can use a "Mustang"-T5 in my Monte? So I need a Chevy T5 bellhousing to use the Ford's T5?

 

[Doober]

Ford had a different bolt pattern for their T5s. GM actually started using that bolt pattern with their later T5s as well (why I have no clue).

You can pick up a kit from one of several suppliers, but I'm pretty sure they all come from the same manufacturer.
http://www.ecparts.net/TransPart.htm - part FR 4601 (you also need the bellhousing and clutch fork though...)

I've seen them a couple other places, and they're also pretty pricey. You may be better off searching eBay and the G-Body forums for a setup (put out a want ad, etc.).

 

[CruizinKev]

yeah I also found that out.. saw some postings about manual swaps in the MonteCarloSS forum. Also found that:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220347416328

 

[CruizinKev]

found this on e bay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120299551342

RM-6064 - SB Chevy Bellhousing/Ford TKO 500-600/TR3550/T5 Mustang transmission

* Height = 6.925
* Trans. Bore Ø = Universal 4.850/4.910
* Engine = Small block Chevy, Small Block Chevy, Big Block Chevy, LT1
* Trans. = Universal Ford TKO 500-600/T5 Mustang/TR3550
* Clutch Ø = 10.5 "
* Flywheel = 153
* Weight = 22#
* GM shifter fork
* Pivot ball, full engine plate and grade 8 bolts included

...so it looks like I can use a Mustang T5 with this bellhousing on my MC 305?

 

[Doober]

Yup, there are bellhousings out there, but just remember the T5 isn't typically an extremely strong trans as it comes from the factory (most of them anyway, Ford had one that was supposed to be around 330 lb. ft. for the last couple years of the Fox Body I believe).

t5montecarlo knows more of the specific details than I do, but the WC T5 would probably be alright so long as you didn't beat on it too much. They are upgradable to handle quite a bit of torque though from what I understand. I also believe the internals will interchange between the Ford & Chevy bellhousing cast cases... just be sure you're swapping world class to world class, and non-world class to non-world class.
http://www.musclemustangfastfords.com/projectcars/mmfp_0705_project_1993_ford_svt_cobra_transmission/index.html

If I blow up my Saginaw trans (I don't think I will, but you never know :roll I may look into an upgraded T5 myself unless I can find a TKO for the same overall price.

 

[Doober]

Also, if you don't have one already and find someplace that has more than one, use this page to help decode the tags on the trans.
http://www.5speeds.com/t5/index.html

The tag will look like this (you'll want that 1352-*** number):