5-speed to auto swap in 92 Z

[ArticWhite]

I am considering swapping out the t5 in my 92 Z28 305 for an automatic to go with the 350 longblock i'm swapping in. Any sugestions on the best tranny to use, and what other parts from a donor or junkyard I would need to complete the swap? Would the 700R4 out of a 1984 GMC V-8 van work in the camaro?

[ikeyballz]

no! the shift points will be all wrong.. plus, all the power from your V8 will probably kill the transmission after a few thousand (if that many) miles..

just look to buy a rebuilt trans, they sell some on ebay.. that are pretty good deals for what you get, just try checking what you need.. im not sure what kind of transmission bolts on, but if the 700R4 does, they sell a totally rebuilt one with better material than stock.. for ~600-700. if you want to go totally racing, they have some that can handle more power too.

[ArticWhite]

Thanks for the info ikeyballz.
I heard the 700R4 trans was a weakling and wouldn't stand up to the torque put out by a real strong engine. Is this trans the only option in a computer controlled thirdgen camaro? I will be replacing the prom chip anyways due to differences in the TPI injectors and knock sensors between the 305 and 350.
It is my understanding that the reason 92's with the 350 were only available with the auto trans is because the 5-speed manual can't handle the torque of the 350.
I will be pulling the engine/trans as a unit due to close quarters preventing access to the bellhousing bolts, and would prefer to do this only once.
Are there TH350's or TH400's that are compatable with the computers in thirdgen camaros? What about tranny mounts? Anybody?

[silicon212]

The TH700R4 can be weak or strong, depending on how it's built and whether or not it was rebuilt with heavy duty parts (input shaft+drum, reaction sun shell etc). The 1984 version of the 700R4 is indeed a weaky squeaky from the factory due to its small input shaft, smaller clutchpack stacks, and other weaker components. If you get a 1987 or newer version, you should be good as these have a larger input shaft and taller clutchpack stacks - and an auxiliary valvebody to soften shift engagements. I would still suggest the stronger reaction sun shell, i.e. SPX/Filtran Beast (also marketed by TCi). GM has redesigned the sun shell, if you get one for a 4L65E, you'll get the new, stronger part.

In short, the TH700R4 can be a great transmission, provided it's built right and adjusted right.

The 350 was available from 1988 as an option only available with the TH700R4 in F-bodies, due to the 700's ability to handle the torque the 5-speed didn't.

[Earlsfat]

Be careful of where you buy your trans from from... I've seen alot of complaints from people who've bought inexpensive rebuilt tranmissions. Make sure it's from someone reputable and has a good guarantee on their products.