I would like to swap out the automatic on the floor in the 1975 camaro that i just bought and replace it with a manual transmission. I want to spend somewhere between 1,000 to 1,500 for parts. My car has a 350 and I plan on replacing the two barrel carb with a mild 4 barrel. I also plan on getting a mild but better intake manifold and cam. hp goal is around 300horses. Im thinking a five speed with overdrive would be a good choice to make my car an affordable everyday driver. I have been thinking of getting a worldclass t5 transmission from a late 80's camaro or firebird. Is the t5 suitable for the 350 that I hope to build? Is this a doable swap for the amount of money I want to spend? Also, what would I need to do in order to swap out the auto for the t5. Specific information and respones would be appreciated. Also if anyone knows of any guides or articles to help me I would appreciate that as well. Thanks  

i also want to replace the rear end gears to something a little above 3.00  

camarokid22:
i also want to replace the rear end gears to something a little above 3.00

i included this info so that my original questions could be answered. i have no questions about changing out the gears in rearends  

You can swap in a four speed with no problem, but you'll need to get the pedal assembly out of a factory stick 2nd Gen Camaro, 70-1/2 to 81.

Your car has a good 10-bolt rear, so a gear upgrade (and I'd suggest a posi unit) are pretty affordable. But unless you're pretty mechanically skilled, take the rear to a shop and have them install the ring and pinion so the backlash is set correctly. I'd also recommend going through the rear, replace all the bearings and seals.  

thanks hardtop guy  

The fact that GM never used a T5 on anything larger than the horrible, weak-sister, low-torque 305 SBC is telling.

Unless a T5 is built for more torque capacity by someone like Astro, it is marginal in applications with 300+ lbs/ft. of torque.

That being said, T5s with "V8 gearsets" (not the four-cylinder T5s with the numerically-huge first gears) and decent lubrication have lived in power adder applications as long as slicks and powershifting are strictly avoided.

Given fuel prices today, an overdrive transmission is virtually a necessity for a true daily driver, so a T5 or a Tremec would be far more practical than an old-school four speed.

You'll need to get some smokin' deals on parts to do the swap for $1,500, though.  

In addition to the transmission and the pedal & linkage assembly, you'll need a bellhousing, flywheel, clutch plate, pressure plate, throwout bearing and likely a transmission yoke and U-joint.  Because this is not a factory swap, driveshaft work may be necessary.

Swapping to a manual will make the car much more fun on the street and road. It should also dramatically improve fuel economy over a non-lockup, no overdrive automatic. However, automatics tend to be more popular for drag strip action.