Finally done collecting parts for the LS in LS. The two rules for this project where build this using challenge budget/rules and use the major components I have in the garage.
- Engine: 4.8 + 03 Z06 cam (Keith's hot cam would've been sweet, but would break the first rule
)
- Curb weight: Documented weight is 3598lbs; Target weight is 3300lbs
- Final drive: 3.07 + LSD
- Transmission: ????
I have two manual transmissions in the garage; 2-ring Saginaw and 1352-197 wc T5 (yea the V6 version).
Which one would you use???
4L60.
ducks
If those are the options, the T5, mainly due to the fact that it should be easier to find than a Saginaw if/when it breaks.
How will you bolt the T5 up to the engine?
4l60 
Mating it to a LSx with a 621 or 486 bellhousing (any 168 tooth version). The chevy T5 up to 92 has the same the pattern as Saginaw/Muncie/T10. I got a 486 bellhousing off of CL for $50. I have get the sizing ring from Novak due to the bigger bore of the 486.
Both the V6 wcT5 and Saginaw can be found fairly cheap in my neck of the woods. I picked them up for $125 a piece.
Make sure you include the price of a Kevlar blanket to shield you from the inevitable shrapnel.
Neither of those two sticks will hold up to a cammed LS engine for long. You need a T56, Super T10, ford toploader, etc. NV3500 would work and you should be able to find one cheap out of a 99+ Chevy/GMC half ton.
In reply to Kenny_McCormic:
Any one of those would be great if they were in the garage and could be grabbed within challenge budget.
I've been looking for a toploader, ST10 or even a T10. Those are $$$$ around here.
So it's the lesser of two evils.
If you pointed a gun at me, the T5, if you didn't, I'd hunt down a cheap NV3500(pick and pull?) or go auto.
Go for the nv3500. Find one at a pick and pull and you should be able to stay in budget. Thats my plan one I get my uncle to let go of his broken rx7.
It would be much better to lie about the budget than to walk home from the test drive.
WC T5 from the 4th gen Camaro V6 is cheap and strong enough
there is a special bearing support plate you can add to the WC-T5 that helps them quite a bit. It's not expensive, under 50 bucks. While it doesn't require any special machining (that I recall) you do have to take apart the trans to install it.
didnt vorschlag make a challenge e30 with an LS and a t5? if I remember correctly they couldnt keep not breaking the t5... and the e30 was likely not 3300 lbs.
T-5, but use a 205/75/15 rear tire, the harder the better. THat way you never have traction and the trans never sees stress.
How about an MY6, aka the Chrysler A833? Plenty tough, and I don't think it's all that expensive.
Why so anti auto? A light(ish) car with so much torque is where auto's excel.
tuna55
UltimaDork
6/20/14 9:46 a.m.
MadScientistMatt wrote:
How about an MY6, aka the Chrysler A833? Plenty tough, and I don't think it's all that expensive.
I have one of these and vouch for it. The ratios are a bit wide as they account for an OD, but it's a good unit.
tuna55 wrote:
MadScientistMatt wrote:
How about an MY6, aka the Chrysler A833? Plenty tough, and I don't think it's all that expensive.
I have one of these and vouch for it. The ratios are a bit wide as they account for an OD, but it's a good unit.
the ratios of the GM version of the A833 are pretty close to a 700r4, which is the original 80's name for the 4L60 that was already mentioned...
tuna55
UltimaDork
6/20/14 11:26 a.m.
novaderrik wrote:
tuna55 wrote:
MadScientistMatt wrote:
How about an MY6, aka the Chrysler A833? Plenty tough, and I don't think it's all that expensive.
I have one of these and vouch for it. The ratios are a bit wide as they account for an OD, but it's a good unit.
the ratios of the GM version of the A833 are pretty close to a 700r4, which is the original 80's name for the 4L60 that was already mentioned...
Exactly true... but... the auto benefits from the torque multiplication of the converter before first gear. An auto with a given ratio spread will actually have a better spread than the same ratios on a manual.
Anyway, works fine for DD, but not super ideal for racing. Still a good, strong, relatively cheap choice.
aussiesmg wrote:
WC T5 from the 4th gen Camaro V6 is cheap and strong enough
The 4th gen Camaro V6 uses a Ford transmission. It won't fit a "Chevy" bellhousing.
I'd like to say that the input shaft is also longer than Ford V8 T5s.
No love for the old Saginaw, huh? I just sold one the previous owner put into one of my project cars. Replaced it with a new "road race" Richmond Super T10, but I'm planning on putting it behind a 6.6 liter motor.
I wonder if the Saginaw would have been ok with a 4.8 - tranny's are rated for torque, not horsepower.
MY6 would probably work too, but you'll likely need to replace the bearings in any given junkyard unit you run across. Considering the car and engine in question, the ratios shouldnt be much of an issue.
