1981 SX/4 transmision swap

[amcman73]

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 ?

[carnuck]

Get the bellhousing, etc from a Chev S10. IIRC, it's an SBC or 4.3L V6 pattern?

[amcman73]

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!

[vangremlin]

Good to hear that its back on the road!

[Prafeston]

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!

[priya]

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?

[Prafeston]

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.

[johnbendik]

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

[amcman73]

Yeah with the little Iron Duke does alright but it for sure doesn't have the pull of what the  258 does.

[johnbendik]

Ah!  My mistake... I didn't realize that we were talking about the 4 cylinder.

JB

[carnuck]

It depends on the gears and tire size whether 5th is useful or not.