5 or 6 ?

[rayy]

I am in the process of a 6.0 swap in my 72 Z28. As I am getting down to the final cost things are getting alittle more costly than I thought. That being said I was going to install a 6 speed converstion from Hurst Driveline but at about 5k for everything alittle high. The 5 speed is about 1k cheaper which would help me finish the project. I am not in love with a 6 speed anyway just looking for some input from people that have both. Thanks

[67zo6Camaro]

I don't have both, but I do have a t56 6 speed. The 5 or 6 speed question could be answered within yourself....both are great choices. Each may have some small advantages over the other. Here is what I know about my extra 2 overdrives 5th at .64 and 6th at .50 final ratio.

For me, the 6 speed has enough strength to handle 500 to 600 hp. The extra over drive 6th gear at .5 allows me some great highway cruising speeds at 80mph doing only 2,100 rpms with 4.11 rear end gears. At the track the lower gears being close ratio gives great speed selection, but I never seem to ever hit the 5 and 6 gears because of the rpm range of my LS6.

So, in my opinion depending on your planned use of the car, the 5 speed will be plenty strong (typically stronger) and will have enough top gear for most applications including good highway cruising speeds.

Thats just my opinion about my gear set up, hopefully someone with a 5 speed will step in to comment.

Good luck and enjoy, getting the project out and running is sometimes better than getting the most expensive part first. Just remember, you can always swap out down the road as project funds level out.

Cheers
Brett

[rayy]

I do want to do an auto x every now and then at Goodguys. But not a hardcore racecar. I guess non of them start that way!

[FMG CAMARO]

I got the first gen kit from classic chevy 5speed. The kit was for 4speed to 5speed conversion. I went with the tremec tko 600. final drive is 0.64. The cost was $2900. I couldnt justify the extra 600 bucks for another overdrive. The .64 keeps the rpm low on the highway.

[66ls2]

What did you decide I am going through the same dillema I currently have a ls2, 5 speed .64 od with 3.73 and a 26" tire highway cruise 80 mph at 2500 rpm and I like it. My new project is going to be ls3,5 or 6 speed 3.73 gears and a 27" tire. From the calculators I have used it puts the 5 speed at 2400 rpm or the 6 at 1900 rpm. I have dropped my car to 1900 rpm on the highway and it sounds droney so I am not sure what to do leave the enging running a little higher rpm or change to 4.11 then it would be 2050 rpm but again I find anything under the 2100 rpm to have a droney sound. I really like the 3.73 gears also anybody have any experience with different set ups? This will be a street car with maybe occasional auto X.