5-Speed options?

[Rosco]

I'm looking for options for a 5-speed manual conversion for a '69 Charger, currently running a console 3-speed auto.

I would prefer not to spend thousands and thousands on a brand new top-of-the-range transmission.
I'm not aiming for the car to have massive power - the engine, a 383, will be kept fairly stock, and I don't plan on flogging the hell out of it either - it will be a weekend cruiser.

So what options do I have? I've heard of the T5 being used, but what exactly would that involve?

Any other older transmissions that might be suitable? Any new 5-speeds that would suit?
How much work would be involved with them? Much alteration to the transmission tunnel, etc?

[Cooter]

ALL of the 5-speed conversions are NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. This is NOT a weekend job. Requires cutting up of your car and Extensive welding skills if you go the 5-speed route. If you go the T-5 route, you WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BEAT ON IT EVER!(Transmissions are weak they were originally designed for the S-10 trucks, and were never supposed to be behind a V8)

Remember, it WILL take thousands to convert to manual/auto OD period.


With that being said, I DID convert one to a T-5 behinda 440 for under $500.00....I DID ALL the work though.

[Rosco]

I'm not too concerned about the cutting and welding, I can handle that stuff if it needs doing.
What else is involved besides modifications to the trans tunnel? New/custom section in the shifter area of the console? What is involved in bolting up a T5 to a 383? fairly straight forward, just time consuming? or are they a lot of mucking around?

I know you said all the 5-speed conversions are not for the faint of heart, but are there any that are more simple, that are just 'expensive' as opposed to 'insanely expensive'? - brand new modern ones, or older?

[polywideblock]

to play the devils advocate the a833 4 speed would be easier and less expensive         just my 

[Cooter]

I'm not too concerned about the cutting and welding, I can handle that stuff if it needs doing.
What else is involved besides modifications to the trans tunnel? New/custom section in the shifter area of the console? What is involved in bolting up a T5 to a 383? fairly straight forward, just time consuming? or are they a lot of mucking around?

I know you said all the 5-speed conversions are not for the faint of heart, but are there any that are more simple, that are just 'expensive' as opposed to 'insanely expensive'? - brand new modern ones, or older?

First off, the T-5 requires you to "convert" your bellhousing, clutch fork, Driveshaft (Ford front/Chrysler rear), etc.
ALL require you to cut your CROSSMEMBER right in the middle where it goes over the floor. 6-speed is even worse.

Even the "kits" appear to require a certain amount of "Mucking around" (Hacking) of your car.

Best option if cheap is your thing is to run the FACTORY A833 Overdrive and bolt it in.

[Rosco]

Ah ok, so it's pretty involved then.
What sort of rpm do you get from the A833 at 60-70mph (100-110kmh)?

[polywideblock]

with 3:23 the roadrunner spins at 3400-3700 at highway speeds 100-110km 

[Dino]

Since you can cut and weld why not stick a T55 or T56 in it?  If they are available over there that is.  It'll handle the hp and torque and give you a better OD gear.  You will have to enlarge the tran tunnel though.  T56 out of an old Camaro or Trans Am runs around $1000-$1500 here.  Viper trans starts at $1500 but youdon't really need the extra beef for a 383.

Oh and although you plan on cruising it, you WILL floor the hell out of it, probably more than you can imagine.   

[Cooter]

Ah ok, so it's pretty involved then.
What sort of rpm do you get from the A833 at 60-70mph (100-110kmh)?

One thing to remember though when running the A833 OVERDRIVE trans. You are running the trans in 3RD GEAR in OD and turning the counter gear all the time. Something that it was NOT designed to do on a continuous basis. Will wear out sooner or later.

[Rolling_Thunder]

I have run the overdrive 4 speeds in a lot of cars. It is a good compromise for better gas mileage. Performance sucks though.

[Rosco]

One thing to remember though when running the A833 OVERDRIVE trans. You are running the trans in 3RD GEAR in OD and turning the counter gear all the time. Something that it was NOT designed to do on a continuous basis. Will wear out sooner or later.

So if I want the 5speed/over drive, I might be better off saving up and springing for a newer transmission?
What are the t55 and t56's that were mentioned like in terms of driving?

[Cooter]

So if I want the 5speed/over drive, I might be better off saving up and springing for a newer transmission?
What are the t55 and t56's that were mentioned like in terms of driving?

The 6-speeds are kinda IMO, made for more of a "Stock" type of camshaft. Can you imagine trying to drive a BIG street cam @ 1300 RPM when the powerband/cruise RPM should be around 2000-2500??

I have tried this with 3.23 and .68 Overdrive in 5th gear. Lemme tell you with a 241 @ .050 Duration "Purple Shaft" cam (284 Adv. duration), I have to DOWNSHIFT a 440 going uphill........TOO MUCH gear reduction. I don;t see the need for a TALL OD like the 6 speeds when cruising higher powered cars.