[v8s10guy]

HELLO ALL I POSTED AN AD ON HERE A FEW WEEKS AGO ABOUT RUNNING A STALL CONVERTER IN MY 95 S10 IT HAS A 408 SMALLBLOCK IN IT.. I HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT GOING WITH A STANDARD TRANNY INSTEAD. BUT DO NOT KNOW WHAT TRANNY WILL FIT IN HERE AND HOLD UP TO THE POWER I AM PUSHING.. IT IS CURRENTLY AROUND 450 HP AND 500 LBFT TORQUE.. CAN I USE THE STOCK 4.3 5 SPEED OR SHOULD I FIND ONE OUT OF A FULL SIZE TRUCK OR GO WITH ONE FROM A CAMARO???????? I AM ON A LIMITED BUDGET AS WE ALL ARE..I CAN GET A T5 OUT OF A CAMARO AT THE LOCAL PICK AND PULL FOR AROUND 100.00 IN WORKING SHAPE AND NEXT WILL A GOOD OE CLUTCH OR SHOULD I STAY AUTO WITH A GOOD CONVERTER PLEASE HELP!!!!

[ericnova72]

With those kinds of power #'s no factory T5 will last very long, even a V8 version. There is a reason why GM never put the T5 behind anything bigger than a 305 V8, a 350 will eat one for lunch.

The only trans I would recommend in your case would be the aftermarket Tremec 5-speed or a T56 6-speed from the 90's Camaro.

You will never get the full size truck NV3500 or NV4500 5-speeds to fit under the floorpan, they are just too big. Even the T56 is going to require some trans tunnel and floor pan mods.

[Rickracer]

I agree about the T5, I broke one 3 times with a 340 hp 350 in my S10.
I beg to differ about the NV3500 though, quite a few guys use the NV3500 trans in V8S10s, (IIRC, they came stock in some of the later model S trucks), not bad at all for a street driver, but they don't make a great racing trans, they are more of a "truck" trans. Lots of V8 S10 trans info here: V8 S10 Transmission and Drivetrain forum
Personally, I'd stick with the 'matic and spend the money for a good converter, or, if you REALLY want a manual, bite the bullet and look for a T56 setup, they are around, plan on spending $800~$1000 for a relatively complete setup. There was one that sold in our (V8S10.org) classified section a month or two ago for like $800 plus shipping. V8 S10.org:T56 swap list, everything you need to know!

[miller_time]

the best t56 in 94+ f-body cars is rated at 450 ft-lbs max. so that would probably not hold up either.