manual trans options

[87Flh]

I have an all stock 87 R10 SWB, RWD, 4.3, SM465?, and a 10 bolt rear. I will be installing a Vortech 350 (out of a 99 Suburban), and upgrading the rear. The engine will be strong but not crazy, I am hoping for 350-400 hp/tq. 3.73 or 4.10 gears. It will be street driven and probably never see a track.

I want to keep it a manual but want a better trans. What would be a good choice? Recently I have been looking at T10's and Muncies on ebay. They seem to go for $1000-$1500. But I am open to more gears too. Would a 5 or 6spd out of a camaro or trans am be worth doing? I know a lot more about bikes than I do about cars/trucks, so any ideas would be appreciated, Thanks.

[Jrgunn5150]

I'm curious, what are you trying to accomplish with a swap?

T10's and Muncie's are close ratio, so true four speed's, unlike what you have now. That might make you happy if you just want to bang gears.

Without knowing a budget, it's hard to make a recommendation.

[87Flh]

I pretty much just want to bang gears. Basically a musclecar with a trucks body. Hell, I dont care if its all that fast. I just want it to be fun(ner) to drive, and to do burnouts of course.

It will never tow anything, I most likely wont even put anything in the bed.

Future plans are to rebuild the stock rear with axles, a limited slip, and disc brakes. Maybe a 4-link with coil overs instead of leafs.

The engine is in the process of a rebuild now.

The budget is an issue though. I would love to install a nice 6 spd from American Powertrain, but not for $3k. $1500 is about my max, and even for that I will have to save my pennys for a while.

I would be fine with a junkyard camaro trans but I have been told that is not a very good option. I would hate to go through the trouble of a swap only to destroy it. But, again, I am not very educated about these things.
I know the 4spds mentioned earlier are fairly stout. Thanks.

[Jrgunn5150]

In that case the transmission's you mentioned will work fine. I would recommend the later Super T10's, they are cheaper and easier to find usually, and should hold up well.

The 82-92 Camaro T5 is an option as well, people have mixed results with them. They are rated to like 310 ft/lbs of torque, but Mustang guy's dump 500 through modded ones without issue, so it's a toss up.

[87Flh]

So, the later Super T10's can be found out of what vehicles? Late 70's/early 80's Camaros and TA's I assume? I will look into that.

I am not opposed to a T5 thats been modded. Seems like a T5 may be easier to find. Would one out of a Mustang be the same as one out of a camaro? I will research that too.

I dont mind spending the money, I just want good bang for the buck.

[Jrgunn5150]

Originally Posted by 87Flh

So, the later Super T10's can be found out of what vehicles? Late 70's/early 80's Camaros and TA's I assume? I will look into that.

I am not opposed to a T5 thats been modded. Seems like a T5 may be easier to find. Would one out of a Mustang be the same as one out of a camaro? I will research that too.

I dont mind spending the money, I just want good bang for the buck.

The bolt pattern from the Ford Trans to the bell is different than the normal Chevy, but, you can use a Jeep bellhousing from an early 80's CJ with a 2.5. I've also been researching this lol.

Super T10's came from 76-on I think? maybe 77.

[87Flh]

Thank you sir! Off to Google!