Can the t5 handle the power???
#1
Can the t5 handle the power???
Hey guys i am building a 400 ci for my 1983 z28 with a 214/224 cam and vorteck heads, this combo will produce like 350 hp and 375lb/pounds of torque.
If i get a very very nice clutch, do you guys think that it is going to resist such a power????
if so where can i get a nice rebuilding kit for my 1983 t5???
thanx
If i get a very very nice clutch, do you guys think that it is going to resist such a power????
if so where can i get a nice rebuilding kit for my 1983 t5???
thanx
#2
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Transmission: Sometimes
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Don't bet on getting any 350 HP with that old generic el cheeepo cam.
However, I will tell you, that I had a 400 with a helluvalot more power than that, in my car for a while. Much better cam incidentally. And, it put that much torque TO THE WHEELS (measured). There's no excuse for building a 400 that puts out as little torque as you're claiming, even with an inferior outdated cam like that one.
Torque is what kills T-5s, not HP. Torque is the measure of how hard the motor can twist its shaft. In particular with the T-5, it's SHOCK loading, more than steady-state (dyno-measured) torque; big smoky clutch dumps, speed shifting, and above all, any of this with some traction (sticky tires).
I tore up my first couple of T-5s (1st design) with the 305 that came in my car. I proceeded to tear them up at a rate of about one every 3 months for a period of 8-10 years with the 400 that was in it. After I'd been doing this for a number of years, I figured out how to lift my right foot out of the gas when I shifted it, which was very strange to me, since I'd been driving 4-speed cars for decades before I got the one in question in about 85. Once I adjusted my driving technique, the last couple of them lasted MUCH longer; then I got a 2nd design one out of about a 91 car, and it lasted the last 3 or 4 years that the 400 was in the car. I sort of babied it most of the time though.
So, you can trash it in a week, or you can make it last for years; it's all in how you drive it.
However, I will tell you, that I had a 400 with a helluvalot more power than that, in my car for a while. Much better cam incidentally. And, it put that much torque TO THE WHEELS (measured). There's no excuse for building a 400 that puts out as little torque as you're claiming, even with an inferior outdated cam like that one.
Torque is what kills T-5s, not HP. Torque is the measure of how hard the motor can twist its shaft. In particular with the T-5, it's SHOCK loading, more than steady-state (dyno-measured) torque; big smoky clutch dumps, speed shifting, and above all, any of this with some traction (sticky tires).
I tore up my first couple of T-5s (1st design) with the 305 that came in my car. I proceeded to tear them up at a rate of about one every 3 months for a period of 8-10 years with the 400 that was in it. After I'd been doing this for a number of years, I figured out how to lift my right foot out of the gas when I shifted it, which was very strange to me, since I'd been driving 4-speed cars for decades before I got the one in question in about 85. Once I adjusted my driving technique, the last couple of them lasted MUCH longer; then I got a 2nd design one out of about a 91 car, and it lasted the last 3 or 4 years that the 400 was in the car. I sort of babied it most of the time though.
So, you can trash it in a week, or you can make it last for years; it's all in how you drive it.
#3
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Car: 87 Iroc Z
Engine: 383ci.
Transmission: WC-T5
Wow, you must be psychic to be able to read all the cam specs from just a simple 214/224 description
Like he said above, as long as you lift your right foot when shifting, and don't shock load it, it should be OK for a few years. mine's going on 4 years with the 383.
Like he said above, as long as you lift your right foot when shifting, and don't shock load it, it should be OK for a few years. mine's going on 4 years with the 383.
#4
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you must be psychic
So don't try to hide anything, I'll rat on YOU too.
Seriously, 99.999% of the time, when somebody gives those specs, this is what they're talking about. Not much of my vast psychicness is required on this one. Like when people post 204/214, 234/244, .488" or .510" lift, etc., it's not hard to figure out what they're talking about, given that they've been on the market for 35 or 40 years now that I know of, and can be bought from Melling, Sealed Power, Edelbrock, Summit, and dozens of other sources. All of those come from that same series of cams.
The 214/224 one is one of the ones that people are referring to when they say "RV cam". It's about as low-performance as it gets, especially in a 400.
#5
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 9bolt 3.27
You must have a lot of money to replace the trans every 3 months for 3 years. If your so smart why didnt you get a stronger tranny?
#6
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You must have a lot of money
Really, I didn't "replace" them, like go to the dealer and buy a new one, or whatever; I rebuilt ones I had, and bought new cores as necessary. I'd keep rebuilding them until the case got so stretched across the front that even new gears wouldn't align right.
why didnt you get a stronger tranny
Never said I was smart, BTW. Don't be putting words into my mouth. In fact I'm sofakingdom it took me years to finally figure all that out, and quit messing with weenie T-5s.
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