This is a question for a friend of mine...

As far as I remember the 350c.i. in the 3rd gens could NEVER be ordered w/ a 5-spd. The T-5 wasn't strong enough, so ALL 3rd gen 5.7's were AUTOMATIC tranny's. My buddy insists that a friend of his had a 5.7 with a 5-spd... Is it possible?

Dave

 

Only if it was a transplant. You are correct in stating that they never came with them (now there are stories about 350 firebirds having manuals in them.but I dont know)

Remember the only true way anyone can tell if a engine is a 350 or a 305 is to check the numbers on the block.

 

thirdgen.org had all that info.. i dont know if they lost it or what but they have all specs on all 82-92 cars and even production numbers

like krazycowgirl said, i've also heard rumors and read websites stating they have also heard the rumors

i think maybe the '92 firehawks had 5-speeds??? 25 offered tho..

 

as well.. im not sure, i got a 305 and i got the tranny from a firebird.. if it would fit a 350.. or if it would bust it... im not sure... im sure there is something tho

Douglas

 

The Firehawk cars got 6-speeds...ZF6 trannys IIRC. GM never publicly sold a 350/T5 F-body. The trans was deemed to be simply too weak for the torque output of the L98. There were a few "test cars" that were built that way, but it was only a few and they were NOT available to the public.


At least this is what my reading has led me to believe. I'm pretty sure it's accurate.

 

http://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/techdb.shtml

Third gen technical data.

Martin

 

J your correct, ZF6. there was also rumor of a LT1 in a 92 third gen camaro special issue. i heard that mytrh put to rest at the bowling green event by some of the GM brass that attended.

 

THat might have been Scott Settlemire former Asst. Brand manager of Camaro/corvette

 

A factory L98/5spd does not exist. If there were any produced then they are scrap by now. GM doesn't even admit to building any test mules in the first place. Realistically I believe them too, the WC T-5 was only rated for 300lb/ft, L98's produced torque numbers way beyond that. It would have been a warrenty/recall nightmare for GM.

GM has done plenty with the ZF-6spd though, several of the FireFox prototypes had ZF-6 trannies behind turbocharged 350's. Most notably is the blue 92 GTA built by Pontiac to see how much power the unibody could take. Corvette IRS in the rear, dana 44 axel, ZF-6spd hooked up to a ramjet FI 350 with twin garret T3 ball bearing turbo's. It made 600rwhp, and 700lb/ft torque.

If GM will admit to building the firefox cars, why wouldn't they admit to building L98/T5 test mules?

http://transamgta.com/FireFox/
http://www.yearone.com/enthusiast/ar...et/blueta.html