chads8950

i just bought a 89 lx with a carbd 302 and 8.8 rear with a 4:10, but it has a 4 cyl tranny. it seems like there is almost no first gear, i mean i am barely hitting the gas then i almost have to shift instantly, is this because of the 4 cyl. tranny and the 4:10?? also the tranny is very hard to shift i have to push the pedal with all my might to the floor just to shift it and even then i feel like i am almost gonna break the shifter, anyone know what thats all about?? i think that i need to go to the t-5, is the 4cyl t-5 to v8 t-5 a direct bolt in swap. sorry for so many questions but any info. you guys have would be greatly appreicated.

thanks in advance

lxman1

The 4 cyl T5 has like a 4 to 1 ratio unlike the 3.35 or 2.95 V8 T5. 4.0 x 4.10 = 16.4 to 1 first gear.
It also has a smaller diameter input shaft snout there it goes into the pilot bearing tha a V8 T5.
Your clutch is not fully releasing causing the hard shifting. check the quadrant. An adjustable cable may be needed.

You need a V8 tranny.

chads8950

how long do you think the four cyl tranny will last?? should i just get the steeda adjustable clutch cable kit?? but that is still not going to cure my 1st gear issue is it?? well i guess i hope that a t-5 swap is not too difficult by the way my car looks exactly like yours same color and everything, even the welds.

sn95_331_GT_ yellow

dont even bother with a T5 swao. put in a TKO right from the get go. no poijnt in spending money on a T5 thats just going to break anyways. buy ONE tranny and never worry about it again. 4 cyl tranny behind a V8 is playing with fire. get it out of there ASAP before you get stranded somewhere.

chads8950

thanks for the input man

FuzzyDiceRule

if i remember correctly, the 4 cyl t5 is almost as strong as an 8 cyl T5, and with a stock engine, you shouldnt have to worry about it breaking, but yeah, the short gear is a mix of the tranny and the rear, best idea to get a TKO like stated

1991Hatch

You will be perfectly fine with a stock V8 t-5. A few of my buddys powershift the crap out of there stock t-5's and they run high 11's all day long. A T-5 is alot more stout the most people think. Also, it depends on what route you are going to with the car now, and in the future.

chads8950

yea for right now i pretty much just drive with 2nd 3rd fourth fifth, and i don't even use 1st. but i will keep a look out for a good tko or t-5 for the future. thanks everyone for your help