Transmission Swap for a WS6 TA
isotope
08-19-2005, 04:08 PM
I have a 98 Trans Am WS6, it has some minor mods including a bigger cam and a racing clutch. Runs around 420WHP
Been having some problems with my 6-speed tranny:
3/4 synchros are grinding
3rd gear has probably been stripped/slipping
the shaft 3rd gear connects too is also probably stripped
Anyway, most of mechanics I've been too don't want to open up and try to repair it, they just want to replace it with a new tranny. I have found one place to do it, but I've also considered replacing it with a 'better' transmission as well; namely - GM's Vette Z06 tranny. This is basically GM's strongest tranny and not some aftermarket attempt to build a better one, but I'm not 100% sure it would work yet.
Does anyone see any complications I might run into swaping the one I have for this one or any tips on similar cases? Also the root of the problem might lie in the clutch tensioner which might not be completely engaging the clutch. All the mods were done by the previous owner and frankly I didn't think much of many of them. I wouldn't be suprised if the racing clutch install caused the tensioner problem.
Been having some problems with my 6-speed tranny:
3/4 synchros are grinding
3rd gear has probably been stripped/slipping
the shaft 3rd gear connects too is also probably stripped
Anyway, most of mechanics I've been too don't want to open up and try to repair it, they just want to replace it with a new tranny. I have found one place to do it, but I've also considered replacing it with a 'better' transmission as well; namely - GM's Vette Z06 tranny. This is basically GM's strongest tranny and not some aftermarket attempt to build a better one, but I'm not 100% sure it would work yet.
Does anyone see any complications I might run into swaping the one I have for this one or any tips on similar cases? Also the root of the problem might lie in the clutch tensioner which might not be completely engaging the clutch. All the mods were done by the previous owner and frankly I didn't think much of many of them. I wouldn't be suprised if the racing clutch install caused the tensioner problem.
Mr. Luos
08-19-2005, 07:15 PM
If you have automotive knowledge, this shouldn't be that hard of a swap.
I know a guy that had his down and the new one installed in about 3 hours. Hardest part is the top bolt on the bellhousing.
Doesn't the Z06 get the T56 as well??
I know a guy that had his down and the new one installed in about 3 hours. Hardest part is the top bolt on the bellhousing.
Doesn't the Z06 get the T56 as well??
tuske427
08-19-2005, 07:38 PM
I have a 98 Trans Am WS6, it has some minor mods including a bigger cam and a racing clutch. Runs around 420WHP
Been having some problems with my 6-speed tranny:
3/4 synchros are grinding
3rd gear has probably been stripped/slipping
the shaft 3rd gear connects too is also probably stripped
Anyway, most of mechanics I've been too don't want to open up and try to repair it, they just want to replace it with a new tranny. I have found one place to do it, but I've also considered replacing it with a 'better' transmission as well; namely - GM's Vette Z06 tranny. This is basically GM's strongest tranny and not some aftermarket attempt to build a better one, but I'm not 100% sure it would work yet.
Does anyone see any complications I might run into swaping the one I have for this one or any tips on similar cases? Also the root of the problem might lie in the clutch tensioner which might not be completely engaging the clutch. All the mods were done by the previous owner and frankly I didn't think much of many of them. I wouldn't be suprised if the racing clutch install caused the tensioner problem.
I see a problem you might be overlooking. The corvette's transmission beginning in 1997 (C5) has been in the back of the car. The engine has a "torque tube" that connects to the tranny from the engine block. they did this for better weight distribution, among other reasons.
Unless you plan on having this torque tube modified and the rear suspension modified to accept the corvette trans (not counting any bod/ chassis modification) the corvette trans may not be your solution.
the 6 speed trans in your car is a good trans. it uses auto transmission fluid instead of gear oil because the tolerances are so tight inside. I had to have my 1995 trans am transmission rebuilt when the first/ second gear synchros went, and the 5th/ 6th gears were shot also.
I reccomend the rebuild for ease of installation. otherwise look at companies like richmond for a stronger trans.
good luck!
Been having some problems with my 6-speed tranny:
3/4 synchros are grinding
3rd gear has probably been stripped/slipping
the shaft 3rd gear connects too is also probably stripped
Anyway, most of mechanics I've been too don't want to open up and try to repair it, they just want to replace it with a new tranny. I have found one place to do it, but I've also considered replacing it with a 'better' transmission as well; namely - GM's Vette Z06 tranny. This is basically GM's strongest tranny and not some aftermarket attempt to build a better one, but I'm not 100% sure it would work yet.
Does anyone see any complications I might run into swaping the one I have for this one or any tips on similar cases? Also the root of the problem might lie in the clutch tensioner which might not be completely engaging the clutch. All the mods were done by the previous owner and frankly I didn't think much of many of them. I wouldn't be suprised if the racing clutch install caused the tensioner problem.
I see a problem you might be overlooking. The corvette's transmission beginning in 1997 (C5) has been in the back of the car. The engine has a "torque tube" that connects to the tranny from the engine block. they did this for better weight distribution, among other reasons.
Unless you plan on having this torque tube modified and the rear suspension modified to accept the corvette trans (not counting any bod/ chassis modification) the corvette trans may not be your solution.
the 6 speed trans in your car is a good trans. it uses auto transmission fluid instead of gear oil because the tolerances are so tight inside. I had to have my 1995 trans am transmission rebuilt when the first/ second gear synchros went, and the 5th/ 6th gears were shot also.
I reccomend the rebuild for ease of installation. otherwise look at companies like richmond for a stronger trans.
good luck!
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