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

Cool, thanks for the info!! Is it best to drill and tap the lower ears of the trans or just use nuts and bolts?

 

When considering the Camaro V8 T-5 be aware that the later ones use the Ford bell housing bolt pattern. Also the later S-10 T-5 transmissions used the Ford pattern which is much different from the GM pattern. The bottom two holes fall below the bottom of the GM bell housing. So before buying one from e bay or craigs list make certain that the T-5 you are getting has the GM bolt pattern if you plan on installing it on any GM bell housing. IF you go to pick n pull or wrench a wreck make a cardboard template of the transmission mounting surface to take with you for reference so that you get what you need in the T-5 you are buying. In the Manual "How to rebuild and modify your Manual Transmission" there is a chart in the back that lists by part number and installation all of the T-5 transmissions and the gear ratios of each. Ifd you can find this information on line it would be good to take with you, even if the tag is unreadable you can still get all of the ratios by rotating the input shaft and counting the revolutions required to turn the out put shaft one revolution. First gear ratios range from a low of 4.03 to a high of 2.95 which can affect the useability of first gear.

 

Thanks for the info James, my T5 came out of an 86 S10 so it has the correct bolt pattern and the mechanical speedo drive.
I know the non world class isn't nearly as good as the world class tranny but it's going behind my stock 235 so it should be fine.
Not to mention I picked it up for $100, just needed the 1-2 shift fork replaced. Found a local trans parts shop that sold me a used fork, new output shaft seal and bushing for $18 and a local trans shop installed the seal and bushing for free!!
I bought the trans adapter and shifter spacer from a HAMB member named Inline, great guy to deal with. Gonna bolt the trans up tonight so I can get a measurement for the drive shaft.

 

Got the trans bolted to the back of the bell housing yesterday so I could measure for the drive shaft. I now see why some members choose to use studs to mount the tranny.
Guess I'll be making a trip to Fastenal!!

 

Great thread..this is exactly what I was looking for..going to do the swap on my 52 HT with 235...It will be a great feeling the first time and can drive on the highway and actually go above the speed limit lol

 

For those of you subscribed to this thread, which is very well documented by the way, is it possible for this to be done on a 51 Pontiac 239 motor? It is currently in my 37 Business Coupe. Other than being an inline 6 GM motor, I think the similarities end here. I dropped the 37 3 speed transmission to get into the clutch as it was not releasing properly and it was grinding. 12V flywheel, old style 37 clutch plate with the 3 release fingers, carbon style TO bearing. Starter on the "wrong" side, left which is a foot stomper style. I would like to do this now that everything is apart. I guess my first question would be will the 235 flywheel bolt on to the 239 block? If that is the case, then it sounds like it can be done. The 239 has been rebuilt and has meat left. It's just the clutch issue right now, but if I can do this swap, both me and the old girl will be happy cruising down the freeway. Thanks again for posting this...

 

Google ''Pontiac 239 T5" a few guys out there are running the T5 behind the 239

 

So the Camaro 5 speed is a straight bolt in? No adapter?


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quick ? not sure if I missed it but when running a 235 w/T5 do you have to upgrade your front brakes to disc and master cylinder or can I just keep all drums and still be fine?

 

The only reasons you might want to upgrade is because your top speed might be higher with the t5. Just remember that the drums are going to take a little a little longer to bring you to a stop. Also, if you currently have a single reservoir mc you might want to upgrade to a dual mc due to the safety factor. No technical reason you would need to upgrade, though.

 

Cool thanks, My 235 is being rebuilt and I just picked up a T-5 I am looking forward to putting it all together.

 

I did this upgrade to my 56 Chevy. I used the camaro v6 disk 14 tooth spline with my original pressure plate and the tall T/O bearing. The stock truck shifter works great too with Coreshifer.com supplying the boots and new white knob. I used the vintagemetalworks S-10 adapter. I'm so happy I can cruise the freeway at 65-70. I even pull a small trailer with my motorcycle. I also used the ARP stud kit.

 

I went with the vintagemetalworks S10 adapter lets see how it works out.

 

will the stock 235 pilot bushing work with my 85 s10 T5?

 

Only the V-8 transmissions.

 

Lucky me!

 

So it's been a while since the thread was created which is perfect. I'm in the final planning stages of my swap. To the op, how's that 9" clutch holding up and do you daily drive your truck?

 

I got the same set up on my truck now but I am have a problem with the brakes I want to use power brakes on it but don't know if any of the booster kit out there will clear the clutch pedal, anyone have picture or can tell me if it can be done

Set up.
235 with T5 behind it
disc brakes in the front drums in the back