How hard is it to take a TGP and swap a 5-speed?!?!?

[Shifter23]

I have an 1989 TGP with a blown transmission was going to build up a replacement but am power hungry! How hard is it to take the Muncie or Getrag 282 and swap it in. How in depth of a conversion would it be? Hit me back with details!

[Bake82]

I hate to say this....but Search around a little bit.

 

In my opinion it is not that difficult. The toughest part is modifying the firewall to accept the clutch master cylinder. Everything else is simply R&R and a little bit of wiring.

 

You will also need a new MEMCAL to support the 5 spd. They can run anywhere from 150-450 depending on who you get to make one, and how much more performance you want.

 

I did it last summer with ever only changing my own oil on a car, and the car runs and drives fine! I found all the info I needed by searching this forum

[Shifter23]

I am thinking the 300 to 400 range with a T28 Turbo, ported intake, chip, cold air intake, bigger injectors, upgraded valvetrain, and of course better exhaust.

[Psych0matt]

not too incredibly difficult if you know your way around the car, but not an afternoon job either.

[Shifter23]

Nice my friend has a Gran Prix with the 5-speed but not up for grabs sadly. I can observe off of his. I am still debating on the automatic though. Just because it is less work but then a stick is awsome what do you guys think is best stay simple or go conversion it doesn't sound too much but you would know before i would. I am a novice so not sure if i should go crazy.

[digitaloutsider]

Swapping to a 5-speed, even with the correct parts is a monumental pain in the ass, and there's no way I'd ever have any part of it again. It's not easy, it's not a weekend swap. Expect to have the car down for weeks on end while you source obscure parts you had no idea you needed. Maybe having a complete donor car would be easier, but if you're doing this swap piece by piece, you better have a second ride.

[Shifter23]

That is a given since well it is just a project car otherwise id be screwed since it currently bas a blown tranny hence the tranny swap. So even if i considered the automatic any suggestions on beefing it up?

[Crazy K]

I "think" I have everything to do my 5 speed tgp motor swap into my 91 vert... but I know of one definite thing that MUST be fabbed. a bracket to hold and support the crossover and turbo, which is originally part of the automatic transmission's bracket.

[Shifter23]

Ah i see thanks for that info.

 

[Bake82]

Here is some info I got for you by searching around abit.

 

Wiring

 

http://www.w-body.com/forum/index.php?topic=61879.0

 

Fabrication-you need to build a turbo support bracket as Ken mentioned

 

Some info on the swap itself that isn't wiring

 

http://www.w-body.com/forum/index.php?topic=16006.0

 

Read tony's thread here, he did a 5 speed swap on his TSTE, some good info in there

 

http://www.w-body.com/forum/index.php?topic=39094.0

 

A parts list I found from Badflash who did this swap into his Cutlass sedan

 

Posts: 965

 

Location: Alberta

 

 

baddflash

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5 speed swap

« Reply #1 on: June 14, 2004, 03:24:22 PM »

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This is my parts list for the 282 swap which shouldn't be much different.

You should try searching though as this has been discussed a lot recently.

 

 

- Getrag 282

- Transmission mount

- Shift cable mount

- Intermediate shaft to engine mount

- Clutch master/slave cylinder assy.

- Clutch inspection cover

- Connectors/wire lead for speed sensor and backup lights OR

- 5-speed engine wiring harness

- Throttle body plug from 5-speed v6 gm 86-93 (auto vacuum line plug)

- 5-speed drive shafts that work with you brakes (ABS or NON-ABS)

- 5-speed ECM MEMCAL

- 5-speed flywheel

- Clutch, TO bearing

- GM Syncromesh 3L

- Shifter assy. W/cables and firewall seal.

- Clutch and brake pedal

- Clutch switch (allows starter to engage)

- Clutch cruise control switch (if you have cruise)

 

There may be other parts needed depending on the vehicle you start with, if you’re car is column shifted it’s going to be a bit more work. You will need to cut your carpet, add a console and at least a drivers seat (in a pinch the pass. front seat will fit in the drivers spot). For looks you should swap the steering column as well.

 

 

In all reality, I did not find the swap overally difficult. It is simply an R&R, and you do NOT need to find a 5speed firewall plate. One of the links describes what you need to do to make the Clutch master cylinder to fit into the firewall.

 

It will take some time, but make sure you have EVERYTHING you need before you start.

 

Hope this helps, and I found 20 pages of stuff relating to 5-speed swapping so I'm sure there is the answer to any questions and if not, ask away as there are a number of us here who have done the swap. Good luck!

[Shifter23]

Thanks that info does help my friend will benefit from this too he has two TGPs.

[Garrett Powered]

That is a given since well it is just a project car otherwise id be screwed since it currently bas a blown tranny hence the tranny swap. So even if i considered the automatic any suggestions on beefing it up?

 

there is many ways to beef it up. mainly by getting it rebuilt by a decent shop and keeping all the motor mounts tight and good struts. over fill it a few ounces and change the filter yearly. keep it in D so you arent tempted to race someone in 4th and blow out OD. keep the TB cable adjusted properly. have the radiator purged to make sure the tranny cooler part of it is clean of debris. if you dont get all that stuff right they blow out. but if you get it all done it should last for years.

oh yea and make sure you have a good valence on there they need the extra air flow for the aux cooler. if its all sloppy and hot the tranny wont be very happy and will just happen again.

[Shifter23]

Thanks i might do that and experement with the 5-speed swap with my friend he was going to convert one of his to stick. Thanks everyone for the advice!