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Tech: Installing a T-5 behind a 235 ci Six in a 55-59 Chevy truck w/ short shifter

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by 1958apache, Sep 7, 2011.

  1. brokenspoke
    Joined: Jul 26, 2005
    Posts: 2,968

    brokenspoke
    Member


    Yes
     
  2. Snarl your right on target: one method is easier and the other method is cheaper! comes down to what do ya have more of time or money?
     
  3. Just ordered up a spacer as recommended by 1958apache. Near impo$$ible to find a Camaro WC with 2.95`s but managed to get a 88 S10 with the 3.78`s which should work great with my 3.90 rear.
     
  4. Great post fellas! Thanks for takin' the time to put up the good info.
     
  5. 1958apache
    Joined: Jun 7, 2009
    Posts: 51

    1958apache
    Member

    I was able to get the 1/2" bolts through the case of the transmission without drilling, BUT I did drill it to 1/2". If I did have to do this 1000 miles from home I could get the bolts through without drilling and be on my way.

    Agreed. Different ways to skin a cat... In the end you have taken another one of those furry bastards off the planet!
     
  6. FiddyFour
    Joined: Dec 31, 2004
    Posts: 9,024

    FiddyFour
    Member

    man, awesome tech!

    this one is going in my "shit i need to keep for later" folder lol
     
  7. 1958apache
    Joined: Jun 7, 2009
    Posts: 51

    1958apache
    Member

    Thanks, this is the best thing I've done to my truck. I can cruise 70mph down the highway, and have had it up to 85-90.

    :cool:
     
  8. After lots of research and help from this forum, I finally got my T5 installed this afternoon. A couple of short drives around the block and everything works excellent. The spacer is definitely the way to go and really does take the guess work out. I ended up replacing the clutch assy and shortening a S10 drive shaft to 49 3/4 inches along with replacing the rear u-joint to a offset 1310/Saginaw (S44) to match up with the stock 55 rear end. Next I am going to mod the shifter to shorten the throw.
     
  9. redhawk74
    Joined: Feb 9, 2009
    Posts: 68

    redhawk74
    Member

  10. This is strange because I have a friend who put a camaro T5 in his '53 chevy pickup behind a 235 without a spacer. He used a '71 camaro clutch and all he said he had problems with is fabricating the shifter because it was located on the tail of the trans. So is the shaft on the camaro T5 shorter than the S10????
     
  11. brokenspoke
    Joined: Jul 26, 2005
    Posts: 2,968

    brokenspoke
    Member

    The camero V8 transmission doesent need imput shaft shortening or the adapter....
     
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2012
  12. ALF_Doc
    Joined: Jun 2, 2009
    Posts: 14

    ALF_Doc
    Member

    The Camero and S-10 T-5's also have different tail cones because the Camero has the shifter set in place further back.

    Great thread. I'm building a 1950 Chevy and I'm using this exact drive train, with the exception of the drive shaft length (most likely different, anyway).

    Thanks for the post!

    Damon
     
  13. oldcarfart
    Joined: Apr 12, 2005
    Posts: 1,436

    oldcarfart
    Member

    You did good!!
     
  14. oldcarfart
    Joined: Apr 12, 2005
    Posts: 1,436

    oldcarfart
    Member

     
  15. brokenspoke
    Joined: Jul 26, 2005
    Posts: 2,968

    brokenspoke
    Member

    But you can swap tail shaft housings
     
  16. gilles d
    Joined: Nov 20, 2011
    Posts: 238

    gilles d
    Member
    from winnipeg

    great thread im thinking of swaping 4spd with a t5 in 62 c10 with 235 wich trans do you guys recomend i look for?
     

    Attached Files:

  17. ol55
    Joined: Oct 1, 2008
    Posts: 499

    ol55
    Member
    from Virginia

    Great thread...I'm planning on using a '84 trans which I think has a lower first gear and a mechanical speedo.

    Larry
    I'm no pro
     
  18. cncd11
    Joined: Feb 10, 2012
    Posts: 63

    cncd11
    Member

    where do you get the trans adaptor from for this? I see alot of talk about the spacer for the trans and i get all that, but as far as the trans mounting to the og bellhousing is there a special adaptor or will the s-10's stock trans mounting adaptor work.
     
  19. ol55
    Joined: Oct 1, 2008
    Posts: 499

    ol55
    Member
    from Virginia

    There are two people mentioned to get the adapter on page 2. The thread is worth reading twice! You can also fab your own...

    Larry
     
  20. cncd11
    Joined: Feb 10, 2012
    Posts: 63

    cncd11
    Member

    yea noticed it now that you mentioned it. Thanks.
     
  21. pbr40
    Joined: Aug 10, 2008
    Posts: 874

    pbr40
    Member
    from NW Indiana

    i used the hot rod works and it was money well spent along with the picture by picture of what to do! and hardware as long as you dont lose them like me
     

    Attached Files:

  22. messy jesse
    Joined: Mar 9, 2012
    Posts: 7

    messy jesse
    Member

    this is cool im doing the same on my 58 chevy truck
     
  23. messy jesse
    Joined: Mar 9, 2012
    Posts: 7

    messy jesse
    Member

  24. taddibbes
    Joined: Jan 14, 2011
    Posts: 12

    taddibbes
    Member
    from tulare ca

    this is exactly what i was looking for, thanks
     
  25. This is a GREAT thread!!!

    What kind of gas mileage are you getting with the 235/T5 combo?
     
  26. Brad54
    Joined: Apr 15, 2004
    Posts: 6,021

    Brad54
    Member
    from Atl Ga

    Regarding the mounting bolts:
    I have found that installing studs in the bolt holes of the bellhousing makes mounting ANY transmission a breeze. They guide the trans squarely onto the bellhousing, guiding the input shaft into the pilot bushing nicely.
    Finish with lock washer and nut, and it's good to go.
    Gives you a lot more space than trying to slide a full-length bolt into place--I've had that problem too, where the bolt is too tight or awkward to get in the hole, due to castings on the trans case.

    -Brad
     
    motion guru likes this.
  27. hdexpert
    Joined: Aug 26, 2013
    Posts: 9

    hdexpert
    Member

    Thanks so much to the OP for the great pics and all the info!! I've purchased the trans and shifter spacers from Inline, bought a S10 T5 on Craigslist for $100 that needs the 1-2 shift fork replaced and am currently trying to locate a drive shaft.
    I'll post up as this project progresses.
     
  28. belair
    Joined: Jul 10, 2006
    Posts: 9,013

    belair
    Member

    Makes me want to cut the floor in my virgin 55 sedan and replace the 3 on the tree.
     
  29. hdexpert
    Joined: Aug 26, 2013
    Posts: 9

    hdexpert
    Member

    So I removed the stock 3 speed and came across something odd. The top two bolts thread into the bell housing and the bottom two thread into the trans. Is this normal?
     
  30. Yep... Completely normal. The shop manual directions tell you to remove the flywheel cover to get to those two bolts when removing the transmission. At least for my 54 1/2 ton it did
     

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