DoubleV

I have a 78 Cutlass with a 260 and factory T50 5 speed tranny. I am considering an engine swap but know the T50 won't handle much more than the 260 puts out.

So does anybody know what would be involved in swapping in a T5?

olds 307 and 403

There has to be measurements online for the different T-5 transmissions. Shifter location could be the real issue without a console to hide the old hole. The T-5 sucks as well, it would be lucky to live a long life behind that 8 to 1 350 if you still have it and plan on using it. I too want a 5 or 6 spd manual in my 70S, problem any trans that is affordable and would work with my bench seat is weak junk like the T-5.

olds 307 and 403

Here you go. This will tell you if the dimensions are anywhere closs. Isn't there input shaft differences between the Ford and GM T-5?
https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&sourc...ZIyg2JuZYqmEGP

joe_padavano

You do realize that the T5 is not much of an upgrade, right? The best world class T5 is only good for about 300 ft-lbs.

DoubleV

Yes I'm aware and yes I'm planning on using a WC just for added security. The car I want to do the swap in isn't going to ever have more than VIN 9ish level power plus I want a better shift pattern than the T50. I already have a fast Oldsmobile.

So do you know what's involved in doing this swap?

olds 307 and 403

All the people on the who have swapped out their T-50's went to an older 4spd manual from what I have seen. We are talking, what a few hundred T-50 across a few body lines from 76 to 79, a needle in a haystack.

joe_padavano

If you use a Muncie-pattern T5, it bolts to your current bellhousing. Avoid the four cylinder versions that have the oddball 1"-14 spline input shaft. These also have a creeper first gear that is worthless. I don't know how length compares, but I suspect you'll need to move the crossmember and have a custom driveshaft built. There are three different shifter locations, the S-10 version with the forward shifter, the F-body with the aft shifter, and the Astro van with the middle shifter. You can swap tailhousings if needed to move the shifter. Many T5s have a VSS instead of a speedo drive gear, however you can retrofit the gear to newer transmissions. Of course the F-body versions have the 15 deg angled shifter plate, but again you can swap tailhousings.

DoubleV

Well I guess I'm gonna have to do more research on this. I'd like to have all the parts I need for this swap ready to go without any last minute surprises and the least down time possible. I also don't want to butcher up any of my factory parts so if I need things like different driveshaft or new crossmember, I'd have to accumulate these parts.

P.S. My friend also has a 78 Cutlass with factory 5 speed but he swapped out tranny with a Tremec so don't think any of what he did applies to a T5.