The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Transmission swap

Hi folks. I'm new here and looking for advice on replacing the original (I think) 4 speed manual with a compound low gear for something more freeway friendly. I've been told that an S-10 four speed or something out of an older Camaro will work. I'm swapping in a 292 and I've been told I need to know the kind or model of transmission I'm going to use before I get a compatible bell housing that will work with both the 292 and the tranny. I figure somebody has faced this situation before. Which 4-speed should I use? Any cautions to pass along? Any suggestions about the swap I'm contemplating would be appreciated.

cbob - First off Welcome to Stovebolt! Of critical importance to help folks offer answers is knowing more info on what truck you are working on??? BTW - For most folks these days, the upgrade manual of choice seems to be the T-5 5 speed transmissions from Chevy S-10 and GMC S-15 trucks. They are 5th gear overdrive (OD) units, and depending on which one you find/chose, there are a number of OD final drive ratios to consider.

Lots of extra considerations other than bell housing and mating up to a 292, which many folks have done, in addition to using them behind many other 6 cylinder and V8 engines in our trucks. Come back and give us more details so we can help point you towards the best solutions.

I have installed NV3500 5 speed transmissions in a couple of different projects, the latest being my current 1950 3600 project. However, they have always been installed with SBC engines so I can not help regarding compatability with the 292. I do know that NV3500 2 wheel drive versions seem hard to locate these days.

I second the NV3500. They were available in S10's and 1500 series trucks alike. It will bolt directly up to your 292 as the bellhousing is the same as the V8. It will also allow you to upgrade to a hydraulic clutch if you want.

The NV3500 gets a bad rap as not being tough. I personally know of one that put up with daily abuse and kept kicking.

Thanks for the welcome! What I've got is a 1954 Chevy half-ton first series pick-up. It's stock with a 235 and a compound low-gear 4-speed transmission. I've got a rebuilt 292 ready to swap in and I've done enough research to know that I'll need different motor mounts both for the frame and the engine to make it fit. I'm also aware that the 292 may require the radiator to be moved forward UNLESS I use a shorter bell housing. While searching for a bell housing I was told that I need to pick out a transmission first in order to match the bell housing to the transmission. So that brings me here. It looks like the T-5 5 speed is the ticket for me. I like the idea of an over-drive. I know that many bell housings will bolt up to the 292 so after I get the T-5 I should be able to get a bell housing that works with the 292 and the T-5 AND will avoid moving the radiator. The bell housing will also need to have the rear mounting tabs (whatever they're called). After that it will be about gear ratios, speedo hook ups, clutch linkage and any spacial considerations in the transmission tunnel for the shifter. I just know there is someone on this site that has faced and solved this challenge. I appreciate the comments and anything else someone might recommend. For instance: While the engine bay is vacant it seems like a good time to weld in an IFS and I wonder if that would interfere with my engine/transmission swap?

The 292 (and 230/250 6 cylinder engines) use the same bellhousing as a V-8 engine. The bellhousing
that would be best suited for your conversion would be from a 55-59 V-8 truck and 63-66 V-8 or 6 cylinder truck.
These have the correct rear mount pads and will match up with any GM manual transmission. You can use
your existing clutch fork and linkage from the old engine.
There are a variety of T-5 transmissions that someone else can give you guidance on.
There are listings for the correct bellhousings on the Orange County CA Craigs List.
Fred

Just to clairfy the NV3500 is also an overdrive (0.78 ratio) in 5th transmission. There is a lot in information available here on using the T5 including which versions have the preferred shifter location, speedometer connections, etc.

cbob - Just a note that this is the "Driveline Forum", so it's best to keep you questions in here driveline related.

Please ask questions involving the engine in the Engine Shop.

On a further thought, considering your further question about adding IFS, your entire project may better fit in the HiPo Shop as you can discuss all these different elements of your driveline and suspension conversion in there to keep the whole conversation in one place.

cbob,
A 54 truck has a closed driveline (AKA torque tube). It is not going to match up with any of the later
5 speed or any open driveline transmissions. If your truck is actually a 55 first series, it would have an open driveline.
Otherwise you will need a complete rear end, driveshaft, and modify the rear spring/housing mounting configuration.
Fred

The 292 has side motor mounts...I don't think you need the bellhousing mounts. I believe all you need are the engine side mounts and the trans tail housing mount (three points)...if I'm wrong someone will correct me.

Mike B

I second that.

You'll find that the fan on that engine will sit a long way below the right position on the radiator. it might take some creative sheet metal work to make a fan shroud that can keep the engine cool.
Jerry

Before you search for a T5, consider this.
A “ready for service” T5 is rated for 250 HP and 300 lb-ft of torque. It will not take abuse.
The TREMEC TKX is gaining popularity as a strong OD tranny that can bolt up to your bell. Not cheap but might be something to consider.

I suspect the 300 ft. lb. rating for the T5 is a bit optimistic. The SM420s were only rated for 200 ft. lbs and prior to '67 they used them behind 283s, 327s, 348s and 322 Buicks in heavier chev trucks. Just sayin'. Though 5-speed Spicers an option and maybe standard on the 409s By '66 there was the BBC 366, 396 and 427 and in 68 GM introduced the SM465. 420s, apparently would take abuse but not from a 427 in a C60.

292s were introduced in 63 and I'm not sure about a 292 in front of the T5. They were all about torque and there are 3 firing pulses per revolution not four as with the V8s. I suppose in a half-ton pickup that might be OK but I wouldn't tow much with it.

A T5 in a Cowboy Cadillac with its biggest load being hauling an iced-down Yeti cooler to a tailgate party will probably be OK. If you plan to do real truck stuff, I'd suggest you look for something a little more beefy.
Jerry

I put a t5 behind a chevy 250 and it does fine. I am converting my truck to 4x4 going with a nv3500 and 208 transfer case. Either one will do you good.


FYI I will have a t5, bell housing, and clutch for sale in a few months