GM 3800 v6 RWD tranny compatability

I posted this in the chevy forum but got no responces.

I was wandering what rwd trannies are available for the 3800v6 (tranny model or car it came in). Wanting a manual, but would settle for an automatic if it came down to it. I'm contemplating building a old Datsun truck with a supercharged 3800 series II or III. The only tranny that I can think of that I think works (may be wrong) is the 4L60. Also tried searching but couldnt ever find anything useful.

I'm not sure if the 3800 for RWD applications is different from its FWD variation, but the 3800 was used in Camaros for several years as a RWD. They used the 4L60E and a Getrag??? 5 speed. I forget, but if you sourced a 5 speed from a V6 camaro that used the 3.8, you'll be in business.

Yeah, I was thinking the v6 s10's used a tranny that would work with it also, even though they didnt run that motor. The FWD and RWD 3800s are a little differnt, but nothing major- just oil pan and motor mounts I believe. There was alot of older stuff that used the 3800 for rwd but some of the older blocks were not 60 degree. I'm sure there is some information somewhere with the information I'm looking for, but all this useless crap on the internet gets in the way. I think they need to reset the internet and start over again :evillol:

If your looking for a tranny then I don't think AF is the right place to look.
Prehaps a more fetish orintated forum is what you need. Im sure Curtis can help ;)


If your looking for a gearbox, then try searching for what Holden used :)
The used the 3800 in RWD for about 16 years, and have only just started useing the new 3.2.
I think the VN comodor was the first 3800 V6 powered car, and I know they came with a manual option.
I would assume its a Getrag, or a Holinger, which is an Ausie gear box manufactor, who I know make a nice 6sp that fits the Chevy small block.

This forums hosted in america :evillol:

Finding a holden where I live would be something fun to try... like a retorical treasure hunt. I'll look into it though, thanks.

Finding a holden where I live would be something fun to try.


You have heard of ships and planes havn't you? :p

You might find its a commonaly avliable box, and all you will need is a Holden Bell Housing :)

You have heard of ships and planes havn't you? :p

Yeah, but then your parts have Kangaroo Germs :rofl: .

There are some 3800 forums, but I don't have them bookmarked. Google turned up several though.

Now if you're looking for a "trannie", you can look at www.altmatch.com (http://www.altmatch.com) . There are some freaks over there. :)

I knew you would know something :shakehead:

Yeah I used to hang out on some 3800 forums back when I had my buick. You can make alot of power with them pretty easy, and they are very reliable. Thats one reason I'm thinking of using one for this project- and I'm tired of people thinking a 350 is the answer to everything.

AAAA-Men preacher. Take a cruise over to the hotroddersbulletin. Everything is all about "I need a cam for my 305 that sounds great." I want to barf when I read stuff over there.

Kudos to making alternative engines work !!

and I'm tired of people thinking a 350 is the answer to everything.

Especialy when its actualy 42.


There is a Reliant Scimitar running around here that gets entered in Targa events etc, that has GM 3800 swap in it. Looks very tidy, and is VERY fast.

I wouldn't mind putting one in a smallish coupe, or older British 4dr.
And of course the Fiero guys love them as the mount well in the back of thier cars.

Especialy when its actualy 42.

Obscure reference, but a good one. :)

Douglas Adams fan are we?


I'v found a source that I can get a 5 speed camaro tranny for about $500 for at any given time, little more with bell housing and output shaft and stuff so I think that will probably be what I end up going with. Its just going to be a cruiser, but I'd still prefer to have manual... less stuff to break. Also found a source that carries supercharged Series II's for around 700 (30-50,000 miles - minus wiring harness and ecu). Now its time to sit down and decide if its worth doing. Strange how things come about... this all came about becasue of a independnt rear end I have sitting around, got me to thinking "hum... I should build a truck with indepent rear suspension... almost never see that" then I remembered an old datsun that I could pick up cheep from a buddy, then came the idea for the motor. All because of a damned rear end I baught for no real reason other than to have on hand for a future project a few years ago.

Ironically I just sold a 3.1L with a 700r4 for $50 with computer, wirings, everything. Not what you want, but things are cheap for RWD V6.