What longitudinal manual GM transmission fits the 3800 for a front/rear application?
What longitudinal manual GM transmission fits the 3800 for a front/rear application?
Camaro or firebird t5 from a 3800 98-02 is easiest but the earlier ones from 2.8-3.4 cars also bolt up
In reply to Patrick :
Only if they have dual starter pockets. The 2.8-3.1-3.4 rear drive engines had right side starters because they had RWD blocks. All 3800 and 2.2 transmissions had dual pockets/left side pockets because GM only made FWD (left side starter) blocks.
The Camaro never got the 3100/3400, either. They stuck with the old iron head engine until they started using Buick engines. This is kind of a shame because the 3100/3400 had deliberately crappy exhaust manifolds so they would not make as much power as a 3800, I bet a 3400 with good manifolds in an F body would have been a lighter, easier to service alternative to the 3800.
You could probably just cut a right side only bellhousing to fit the starter nose, but I do not know if this will cause interference with the clutch mechanism or not.
Pete. (l33t FS) said:In reply to Patrick :
Only if they have dual starter pockets. The 2.8-3.1-3.4 rear drive engines had right side starters because they had RWD blocks. All 3800 and 2.2 transmissions had dual pockets/left side pockets because GM only made FWD (left side starter) blocks.
The Camaro never got the 3100/3400, either. They stuck with the old iron head engine until they started using Buick engines. This is kind of a shame because the 3100/3400 had deliberately crappy exhaust manifolds so they would not make as much power as a 3800, I bet a 3400 with good manifolds in an F body would have been a lighter, easier to service alternative to the 3800.
You could probably just cut a right side only bellhousing to fit the starter nose, but I do not know if this will cause interference with the clutch mechanism or not.
The cAmaro didn't get the 3400, but it did get a 3.4. If I remember correctly, any of the 4th gen v6 camaros will work, however, the 94 through 96 or 97 Trans use a slave cylinder external on the Trans and 98 + use a hydraulic throw out bearing.
The 98 + camaro v6 engine IS a 3800, so the Trans certainly bolts to it and will work. I also have the same Trans in my 3500 powered racecar, my 3400 powered racecar, and my 3900 powered rx8.
The Trans works okay and has d3cent ratios. Can be found for $100 to $300 in decent shape.
Any 3rd or 4th gen F-body V6 trans will work. Some of the older ones just might require a goofy combination of parts.
The 4L60E is the strongest of the bunch as far as stock applications go. The part that's no fun about those is that you will need to get an F-body specific flex plate because it is not the same as FWD.
If you want a manual, the 4th gen F-body T5 is the only stock option. They're not great, but there are some modifications you can do for better shifting and more beef. The third gen T5 from a V6 or V8 can be easily adapted but it's not something I would recommend. I have a TKX behind mine, and several others have adapted the T56.
The 2.8 S10 and 2.8/3.1 third gen F-bodies have a 700R4 that will bolt up if that's more your taste. There are also adapter plates for bolting up any RWD SBC pattern transmission like a TH400 ect.
V6Buicks said:
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