AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Shop => Question and Answer => Topic started by: amcman73 on December 08, 2015, 10:15:26 PM

Title: 1981 SX/4 transmision swap
Post by: amcman73 on December 08, 2015, 10:15:26 PM
I have a 1981 SX/4 Iron duke with the SR4 manual transmission has any one swapped it for the 5-Speed  T5 Transmission  I would rather put a 5 speed in the car than fix my 4 speed. Any suggestions to the swap ?
Title: Re: 1981 SX/4 transmision swap
Post by: carnuck on December 11, 2015, 10:21:49 PM
Get the bellhousing, etc from a Chev S10. IIRC, it's an SBC or 4.3L V6 pattern?
Title: Re: 1981 SX/4 transmision swap
Post by: amcman73 on January 09, 2016, 01:43:00 PM
Well I went ahead and had the 4 speed rebuild . I didn't want to mess with doing a swap . I just wanted to get my Eagle back on the road! Its a world of difference in shifting with the new clutch , rebuilt the clutch pedal assembly!
Title: Re: 1981 SX/4 transmision swap
Post by: vangremlin on January 09, 2016, 02:20:48 PM
Good to hear that its back on the road!
Title: Re: 1981 SX/4 transmision swap
Post by: Prafeston on January 10, 2016, 11:20:26 AM
I don't really have any experience with it, but from what I've heard the 5th gear on the T5 is basically useless. So maybe it's a good think you just had the SR4 rebuilt. Glad it's back on the road!
Title: Re: 1981 SX/4 transmision swap
Post by: priya on January 10, 2016, 11:28:08 AM
Quote from: Prafeston on January 10, 2016, 11:20:26 AM
I don't really have any experience with it, but from what I've heard the 5th gear on the T5 is basically useless.

Useless in what way?
Title: Re: 1981 SX/4 transmision swap
Post by: Prafeston on January 10, 2016, 11:49:06 AM
I've heard that the 5th gear can basically only be used at speeds over 70 on flat ground or going downhill. Like I said, I have no experience with this I just recall others talking about it.
Title: Re: 1981 SX/4 transmision swap
Post by: johnbendik on January 10, 2016, 12:42:44 PM
Don't know about the SX/4, but on my wagon (258 with the 5-speed), I routinely shift into 5th at around 55 mph.  Works pretty well.

JB
Title: Re: 1981 SX/4 transmision swap
Post by: amcman73 on January 10, 2016, 01:03:30 PM
Yeah with the little Iron Duke does alright but it for sure doesn't have the pull of what the  258 does.
Title: Re: 1981 SX/4 transmision swap
Post by: johnbendik on January 10, 2016, 01:42:43 PM
Ah!  My mistake... I didn't realize that we were talking about the 4 cylinder.

JB
Title: Re: 1981 SX/4 transmision swap
Post by: carnuck on January 17, 2016, 11:13:25 PM
It depends on the gears and tire size whether 5th is useful or not.