WillieRay

I currently have a 4.8 LS that I have been working on to put into my 1971 chevy vega coupe (This is also my first resto and I do not know much about drivetrains) and I have a borg warner t5 that was given to me in hopes that it would fit up with my LS. However after doing research I am starting to see that its a little tricky to find correct fitment. Also I am fairly certain that the T5 I have now is from a V6 and I have read that that may also cause a problem. Any help of suggestions on parts or if I am even moving in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

Haggar

T5s aren't terribly strong, especially the non 'world class' ones. The 4 and 6 cyls usually had low (which means not very strong) 1st gears, to allow the lower power engines to get the cars moving.

What is your concern, physically bolting it to the 4.8? There should be plenty of stock and aftermarket bellhousings to mate them up. We did Chevy V6 and V8 swaps in Jeeps all the time with these, since Jeeps has Chevy 2.5 liters for a few years in front of T4s (same bellhousing bolt pattern as the SBC). I think S10s and 3rd gens also had them.

Think about the specific questions you have and let's see if we can help you. I.E. How do I mate to the bellhousing, what flywheel to do, what pilot, what slave setup, etc.

These might help:

https://www.moderndriveline.com/the-...ces-of-the-t5/
https://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebl...-astro-t5.html

LS1 TJ

Another source would be Novak Adapters. I had a AX15 (Wrangler 4.0 trans) behind a 4.8 LS and had zero issues.
As I understand a low hp T5 can be upgraded to World Class specs with the right parts.
I had a upgraded T5 behind 408 crank hp 306 in a 66 Mustang and never had a problem. The trans builder said what kills a T5 is a bad high rpm 2-3 shift.

gagliano7

I had a 85 transam with a T5 and put a 383 with 450 hp 450 tq and never had a problem. I never drag raced at the track but plenty of burnouts and slamming gears.

guillotinechef

With manual transmissions, I feel as if the driver is the ultimate determination of the transmission's strength. IIRC, the T5 was only rated tot 300 lb/ft of torque, but I have seen many people get by without destroying the gearboxes. Mostly due to not stressing the transmission with drag racing and burnouts. I think if you're just building something to cruise around in, you will be fine.
Also, if the t5 is out of a GM car or truck with the standard Muncie/Saginaw bolt pattern it should be a piece of cake to adapt it to the LS engine. However, with a ford pattern I could see how that would become complicated

garys 68

iTrader: (1)

Which V6 was it connected to? 4.3 or 3.8?

zlexiss

If I remember right it was 3rd gear that the V6 F-Body people usually broke. Typically drag racing and abuse as others mentioned, usually once they start running some power adder that puts them in V8 torque/power levels.