I want to make the swap from a 2.8 feul injected to a carbed V-8 and my '86 Firebird has a 5 speed and I like that. Will that tranny handle a V-8? If not, what are my options? I would really like to stay with the manual, what transmission should I put behind a 350?

 

deends on the level of power of the 350. if its slightly more power than the stock 305, it will destory that t5 unless you baby it. its not that hard to swap that t5 for a t56 out of a 4th gen. theyll hold up to that 350 (as long as its not like a 500hp 350 or something crazy)

 

Don't think he can use a V6 tranny witha V8 can he? I know can't do it with an automatic, not sure on the T5 - at the least I assume he'll need an adapter plate or a V8 bellhousing right?

 

The V6 T5 has a smaller input shaft than the V8 versions did, and weaker internal components. You'll need a V8 bellhousing, flywheel, and pressure plate, and S10 4.3 clutch disk. Then you'll need to drive it like it still has a V6 in it.

In my opinion, it's only a desperation option. Even the V8 T5's aren't that great. I know it's more expensive, but this is really the time to look for a complete T56 set-up out of a '93-'97 f-body V8.

 

trust me, youll love having that 6th gear

 

Would my best bet be to use a 350 out of a 2nd gen or did they put carbs on 3rd gens?

 

Yes, they put carbs on V8's from '82-'87. They were computer controlled.

I can't imagine why a 350 out of a 2nd gen would be a "best bet".

 

Ok, maybe that wasn't the best choice of words, I was kind of trying to get away from the computer. I thought those years were when they switched to the tbi? If I am wrong tell me. I am fairly new to this.

 

Carburetor was the "base" V8 from '82-'87. They were computer controlled. "Crossfire" TBI was the "performance" V8 in '82-'83, until the L69 "HO" computer controlled 305 came out in '83. TPI came out in '85, TBI (single) came out in '88.

All had a computer (except the "base" V8 in some Canadian models).

What the engine came with has very little to do with what you can put on it. A non-computer carb can pretty much be put on any small block Chevy, if you want to.