Best choice for manual conversion?

[Gearhead1]

I'd like to swap out the TH350 for a 4 or 5 speed manual trans for my SWB R10...Do camaro 5 speeds swap over and do they withstand some abuse?? I have a line on a cheap Saginaw, but I dont think that would last too long...besides a Muncie, any suggestions on reasonably prices gearboxes that arent granny trannys?

[VileZambonie]

If I were doing to convert I would go with a 6 speed

[zieg85]

For a budget minded manual conversion a parts truck is usually the most inexpensive route to take although may be harder to find.  If you find a truck same wheelbase as yours and a 3 speed stick that is always a great starting point.  You can direct swap an older Muncie M20 in its place down the road.  Somewhat rare is a MY6 optioned 4 speed overdrive, 4th gear being the overdrive.  You will get mixed feelings here on that trans as far as durability but keep in mind I am only thinking of the budget way to go.  Obviously if money is no object that Vile is correct but I won't have that much into my whole truck when I am done as that transmission costs.  My $.02

[Altec]

No Muncie?   Not even a M22? Rock Crusher? Not a granny tranny!

Well, you can check out the Tremec T56. It is a 6-Speed found in a bunch of things. Solid transmission. Might be able to find one at a Pick-In-Pull.

The Camaro 5-speed would probably be fine if your Turbo 350 held. But I wouldn't want to try to put even a build 327 in front of it.

[Captkaos]

What is your budget when you say reasonable price?
What is the intended abuse you are describing?

[Blazin]

Have never seen any of the stock 5 spds. hold up to much abuse.

[Edahall]

For abuse, nothing matches an NV5600.  I have this transmission behind my Cummins diesel.  The second best would be an NV4500 but 5th gear is a little weak with a healthy high torque engine.

[Gearhead1]

Thanks folks. My budget is pitiful...hoping for a complete trans under $ 1000. Muncies are scarce around here and pricey if available.

As for "abuses", I was referring to some occasional hard launches off the line sort of thing. The norm would be some cruising and pulling the occasional trailer...so something all purpose but solid.

I know automatics are the norm, but I've always liked driving manuals in both cars & trucks much more.