First off, I did do a search first and searched some more then searched some more but still didn't find what I was looking for. I'm thinking about changing the transmission (and rear end) in my '51 Chevy to a T5 probably out of an S10. I have the 216 engine in my car now but it is still in good shape. What I am trying to find out is what part I would need or if any one makes an adapter for this conversions. I found a few adapters for auto transmissions but I would like to keep the manual. Can anyone help?
There's a LOT of info here on the t-5 swaps. The first thing will be a later bellhousing. I guess 55 or newer has the modern Chevy bolt patern for the trans. Everything else you'll find in a search; it's (t-5) the way to go. Frank Search "t-5 tech" or "t-5 transmission" or "t-5 swap"
Buffalo enterprises make a adapter to put T-5s behind the 216/235s with the small bolt pattern bellhousings,you might get by with a 55 to 57 bellhousing but rear mounts will need to be changed as I think they are different then the 49 to 54s. Jeff
I'm in the process of putting an S-10 T5 behind the 261 in my '54. Like mentioned above, you'll need the newer bellhousing, and it will bolt up fine. You'll also need a clutch disc from a manual trans Chevy Astro van. Depending on the setup, and the T5 that you use, you might need to cut down the length of the input shaft. It may sound like a lot of work, but it's pretty straight forward.
I would also be sure to install a crossmember under trans and keep the mounts on bell housing. Seen a 49 without once,trans. case wasn't strong enough.
If you want to search for strings/words 3-letters or less, you'll have to use google site search. Look in the tech archives - here's a link with lots of info - geared towards flatheads, but there's enough info in here to help you choose which T5 to use & how to adapt it to most Chevy (not 216 specifically). http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=169265
Of coarse, you realize that the swap will make it mandatory to swap rear ends? The early was closed driveline, later is open.
here is a couple sites to check out www.chevytalk.com and www.stovebolt.com if you can't find the info there well....
The Buffalo Enterprises adapter also eliminates the need to do much modification to the input shaft, and what little it needs you send it to the guy and he does it. It's a little less work that way. You don't have to change the rear springs, but some traction bars might be a good idea as with the originals it's easy to get some wheel hop going.
rear end out of a 55 THROUGH 57 CHEVY BOLTS IN AFTER YOU DRILL WHOLES IN THE SPRING PERCH FOR THE PIVOT POINTS THEN IT IS A STRAIGHT BOLT IN USE THE CLUTCH DISK FORM THE S 10 AND THEN THE ADAPTER FROM BUFFALO. YOU WILL HAVE TO SEND HIM THE TRANNY BEARING SLEEVE SO HE CAN CUT 12 AN INCH OF IT. USE STOCK CLUTCH EXCEPT THE DISK AND GET A DRIVE SHAFT CUT THE S 10 IS 10 INCHS TO LONG. THE 3: 36 GEARS AND .72 OVER DRIVE WILL GIVE YOU 75 MPH AT 2550 RPM"S IM DONG IT MY SELF NOW NO NEED TO CHANGE THE BELL HOUSING
Check through Flat Ernie's link. I did a T-5 swap/ open drive conversion on my 53 chevy with a 235 and he saved it in his tech. It might help you out a little. Plus, like he said, there's a LOT of very good info in there that will also help you choose which transmission/gear ratio you want IF you care about that. Reverendjim's post is pretty much exactly what i did, 56 chevy rear 3:36 gears and all. At the time i didn't know a stock S-10 clutch disc would work so i had one made. But knowing that, it make's the swap that much easier. It was one of the simplest mod's i've done, and the outcome was well worth any effort and money spent. Tony
rather then getting any part on the tranny cut you can make an adapter out of a piece of scrap metal laying around to go in between the trans and the bellhousing so your crankshaft wont lock up, this worked for me since it was cheap and theres not enough torgue from my 250 to have to worry about anything. just an idea though
http://www.mongosgarage.com/tech/t5/index.htm http://www.adchevy.com/techtips/t5swap/ http://www.inliners.org/Jack/T5tech.html You dont need an adapter, just a spacer for the longer pilot and short splines of the S-10 T5. Or get a Camaro T5
The Jalopy Journal
