T5-Bad idea?

[83LSWagon]

I plan an LS swap for my DD Wagon eventually, but do not have the money for a T56 at the moment. I really want a standard though, so my question is this. On a daily driven car, can I get by with a T5(for $100) driving it gently until I get the money for the 6 speed? Like I said, I just think it would be easier in the long run to have a manual trans in it all along that have to do it later.

Oh yea, the LS is stock from a 97/98 vette, and I'd run an open carrier.

 

[388bu]

You will be buying a lot of parts twice for a T56 swap later. Unless you did an aftermarket T56 like mine. But id recommend an LS T56 when the time comes.

So yeah, imo, its a bad idea to run a T5 while saving for a T56.

 

[83LSWagon]

so better just to run a 700?

 

[388bu]

For an auto in your application my choice would probably be in the following order:

4L60E - Plays nice with the LS1
2004R - Cheaper and nice gearing
700R4 - Cheaper and a low first gear....if you like that sort of thing.

If you are really set on the T56...id just find a junkyard 4L60E to hold you over, especially if the donor vette was auto.

 

[83LSWagon]

Well, it wasnt a donor car, so idk, but I have a 700 w/ a fresh rebuild my dad is willing t give me, so it looks like thats where I'll be going lol