Getting the right 5 speed for my 2.8l Chevy V6 60

[rzayas66]

I have read all of the entries for the V6 and 5 speed, and I am still a bit confused.

I have a 79 MGB with an 1800 and the standard 4-speed with no O/D. Originally I wanted to just upgrade the transmission (I live in CA and changing the engine was going to be an issue), so I bought the Rivergate 5 speed kit, and a 5-speed transmission from a 79 280Zx. That seems to match up perfectly. Then I blew the engine in my car, and figured out a way to get around the smog issue in CA (not really important to explain at this time).

So, I got a donor 1983 S-15 pickup with a 2.8l V6 engine and the T-5 5-speed transmission. I bought Bill Guzman's conversion kit and am waiting for it to arrive. I would prefer to use the 5 speed Nissan transmission since I think it is better(?) and it seems to fit better. I am told the S-15 T-5 has the shifter in the wrong position.

But, with the transmission and engines laying on my garage floor, I am trying to marry everything up and decide if I can get there from here. The 280Zx to the 2.8l doesn't look like a good fit; Rivergate had no conversion kit for that engine. I could use the tranny from the S-15, but would need to see if I can fix the shifter issue (if it is an issue). Or I can buy another transmission, assuming I know what to buy. I would really like to have the V6 in the car.

Any help would be appreciated. BTW, I am a weekend hobbiest in terms of skill. I have rebuilt a couple of MG engines and I have competent help, but I am not experienced doing engine swaps.

Thank you,
Ron

[J Man]

From what I understand the Camaro/Firebirn trans is the one you want to use to get the shifter in the right spot.

[mgb260]

You could change the tailshaft of the T5 with a Camaro one. If using the stock rear ratio the gearing will be too low. The Camaro V8 T5 would be best with the stock rear.Search this site and MG Experience for tons of info on different combinations.

[rzayas66]

Jim and Jason, forst, thanks for the input so far. I did read a lot of the posts on the site, was just confused on why one T5 would work and not another.

Jim: If I change the tailshaft of my existing T5 with the Camaro one, will that work. Your next sentence "If using the stock rear ratio the gearing will be too low." is throwing me off. I am keeping the stock MGB rear; so are you saying that the Camaro is my only option and that I cannot just change the tailshaft?

And I assume the Nissan is out altogether?

Thanks,
Ron

[rzayas66]

An update: would this transmission work well?

FIREBIRD TRANSMISSION PONTIAC 95 94 93 CAMARO 5 SPEED

[mgb260]

First gear will be a real granny low like in some big trucks with the S-10. Most people who use the V6 Camaro T5 use the 3.07 gears in the stock housing or use narrowed Chevy or Ford axle with higher than the MGB 3.91 ratio. Usually 3.27-3.45 like commonly found in the Chevy or Ford. The S-10 has around a 4.00 to 1 first, the Camaro V8 is 2.95, pre 94 Ford Mustang would be better than S-10 with it's 3.35 first gear.  If you find a Camaro tailhousing on a V6 Camaro,you would be better off using that tranny. The ratio is slightly better than S-10 at 3.72 in first. The one you mention above would be perfect if it's the V8 version and you had the matching bellhousing(Ford pattern on trans).Hope this helps.

[deltadave]

Ron
I don't know about the Nissan, but I know about T5 tranys from V6 Camaros. I've used them several times with 300+ horse power Chevy V8s and never had a failure. Keep in mind they were all in light weight cars. I'm using this set up in my present MG/TD with a 300hp SBC. The shifter on the Camaro version is at the rear of the trans and the S10 in in the center(not what you want). The Camaro trans is tilted 18 degrees toward the driver. You will need to make a new mount. I use the Astro van clutch assembly because it is the only eleven inch disc with 16 spline bore, but you don't need it with a V6. I've used several hydroluc slave cylinders, but the easyest is a Nissan unit. You can see that on this site at my project journal. I've never changed the tailshaft on a T5 so I can't give advice, There are T5 sites with all ratios listed for each trany. I've had great success with Camaro V6 T5 transmissions. Attached is a pic of the Camaro T5 in my TD frame. Anything I can do to help, just ask.

[rzayas66]

Thank you all for good advice and for helping point me in the right direction.

So this is the transmission that should line up the best with the 2.8L V6 and my MGB? Anything I should ask for specifically before picking one like this up?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVROLET-T5-TRANSMISSION-CAMARO-5-SPEED-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQfitsZModelQ3aCamaroQQhashZitem2c59e002c1QQitemZ190486414017QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_500wt_1103


Thank you again. I appreciate you guys giving of your time and effort to support others. I regularly do this on computer forums, but here I am the newbie.

Ron

[J Man]

The problem with the '93 - '95 trans is that is will be for a electronic speedo so you might have some issues if you want to use stock speedo. I always get ones with the mechanical speedo.

[mgb260]

Also look at the Ford pattern face,it won't bolt to your S-10 bell. You would need a 93-95 3.4 bell also.With the 3.91 rear gears you would be much happier with a V8 tranny. It does'nt need to be World Class.Plus the 83-92 Camaro/Firebird T5 has the same Chevy bolt pattern on the front of the tranny that your S-10 has. Remember the Camaro/Firebird used a 3.24-3.42 rear ratio stock with the V6 tranny.There is a rare 3.31 rear gear set in MGC's that can be fitted to the MGB rear.

[deltadave]

Ron
I thought about your planned trans assembly and I was wrong on a couple things because I use a V8 bell housing. The 2.8 bell housing tilts the trans but the mount will be level. Also the 2.8 housing has a cast in clutch slave cylinder bracket, so you're good to go. I do prefer the 85 to 89 versions because of the mechanical speedo. Go for it man, easy as pie!
take care, Dave

[J Man]

If you bought Bill Guzman's kist he should be able to tell you exactly which trans to use. his site says the Camaro/Firebird, but not the year.

[rzayas66]

Just an update. I have the engine and the transmission ready to go. Just waiting for Bill's kitto arrive so I can start the hard part of getting the engine and transmission in and making it all work.

Went with a 5-speed from a V8 92 Camaro. Put in a new clutch kit and have been working on the V6 just to get it ready. Will probably put in a new carb when it's in the engine and running.

Also rebuilding the 1800 out of the MG while I wait, and I added the 5 speed Rivergate kit and Z transmission. Hopefully I can sell that as a drop in on ebay.

Thank you again for all the help, and I will let you know how my baby comes back to life.

[wspohn]

Good choice on transmission, but IIRC  the bellhousing off that trans won't bolt to the V6 - you need a V6 bellhousing.

[scot abbott]

s10 v6 bell housing and flywheel bolt up, so no HTOB needed, and tranny is straight up (no tilt). Needs a small adapter to fit Bill G's crossmember. Can use either v6 or v8 trans