78 280z about to get a 350 sbc V8 swap, ala JTR.. trans ques

[Guest Anonymous]

so I have a 280z that is going to get a V8 swap into it... I'm not looking for soemthing too powerful, just more power than what is there, and a new engine... I will be buying the JTR manual but don't have it yet... I plan on purchasing a crate motor because I'm not looking for much power, and the warranty and low price ($799) are very alluring. So I obviously need to get a new transmission. I refuse to go automatic, and would like to keep work/costs minimal(who wouldn't?)... I was thinking a T5, but I heard it wasn't covered in the JTR manual, so I was curious as to which ones are covered in the JTR manual so that I can begin my search for the tranny instead of waiting for the manual to show up... I'm looking for a 5 speed that will work, and provide performance in line with the needs or a stock to mild 350 sbc v8... also, I'm in california... this will pass smog, right?

[Guest greimann]

A T5 would work well for a street car. Be sure to look for a "World Class" one. If you plan to tranform the car into a drag car with slicks, then a t56 would be a better choice. Don't worry if it is not covered in the manual, there are lots of resources here to get that done. Be careful when you say you don't need much power. That is why people do this swap in the first place. When you get SOME power, you always want MORE!

 

Never underestimate the power of the dark side.

[Guest Anonymous]

Originally posted by mllcb42:

so I have a 280z that is going to get a V8 swap into it... I'm not looking for soemthing too powerful, just more power than what is there, and a new engine... I will be buying the JTR manual but don't have it yet... I plan on purchasing a crate motor because I'm not looking for much power, and the warranty and low price ($799) are very alluring. So I obviously need to get a new transmission. I refuse to go automatic, and would like to keep work/costs minimal(who wouldn't?)... I was thinking a T5, but I heard it wasn't covered in the JTR manual, so I was curious as to which ones are covered in the JTR manual so that I can begin my search for the tranny instead of waiting for the manual to show up... I'm looking for a 5 speed that will work, and provide performance in line with the needs or a stock to mild 350 sbc v8... also, I'm in california... this will pass smog, right?

3 things, first the T5 was covered quite a bit in the JTR manual, the T56 was the one that wasn't listed much, they just showed a picture and said, yeah this is a T56 its good to use.

Smog, well if it has EVERYTHING a 1978 chevy had on it for smog and the block isn't later than 1978 (or earlier than 1978!), then yeah, go to a referee station, they look it over, give it they're seal of approval and then you can register it.

3rd thing, this isn't a 'cheap' swap, while its cheaper than a big stroker L6 motor, said and done it will cost you quite a bit more than you'd imagine with all the little 'extra's' that seem to raise they're head while your doing it.

If you really want to do the smog V8, I'd find a 1978 donor vehicle and part it out and use all the smog/hoses/fittings/sensors that came with the donor and then you should have it covered and if its right, you'll be registered in no time. Personally if you in california, I'd find a 240z before 1973 and forget all this certification process (unless they roll things back like they've threatened a time or two.).

 

Regards,

 

Lone