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V6FBody Online's - Techbase:

4th Generation V6 FAQ: Transmission & Drivetrain

What can I improve on my automatic transmission?
Is there a way to improve shifting with the T5 manual transmission?
Can I put a T56, 6 speed manual transmission in my car?
What are the horsepower limits on the T5?
Will differential gears make a difference?
What gears to get? What brand?
I want to add a limited slip differential, is it possible?

What can I improve on my automatic transmission?
Well, you can, for instance, add a TransGo Shift kit which will improve shifting and a B&M shifter module is also a great way to improve the automatic shifting points. You will get firmer shifting (2 stages) and at the flick of a switch you can set it back at to the Factory setting. Installing the B&M shifting module takes about 30 minutes and involves connecting 2 wires to the PCM and placing the module anywhere you like.

Is there a way to improve shifting with the T5 manual transmission?
Yes there is !! It’s no secret that the factory shifter is sloppy and very undependable. Most of the time it has problems going into reverse and sometimes it can be hard to put it into 1st gear. Not too mention the diesel truck kind of gear throws. Hurst makes 2 types of replacement shifters that will replace the factory shifter. One type looks like the B&M ripper shifter with the ’S’ shaped shifting lever while the other (older) version has a straight ‘stick’. Details on that new ‘S’ shaped shifter are minimal. Installation is rated 'hard': removing the center console proves to be a lot of work !! But it's WELL worth all the trouble

Mind you that Hurst uses a different thread and stick ‘width’, so the factory knob will NOT simply screw on. Putting the factory knob on requires making an adaptor or you could simply get an aftermarket knob (eg. Momo) which will look better and are of better quality anyway. People also report more 'noise' from the gear box after installing the Hurst, but the improved shifting makes up for this.

Can I put a T56, 6 speed manual transmission in my car?
No, it will require a custom made bell housing and there are other small but important differences that one will not think of until the problems arise. The 6 speed transmission sounds exotic, but it’s of no use anyway, since there won’t be much gain if there is any at all and the extra weight will definitely make the car slower.

What are the horsepower limits on the T5?
Well, real numbers are not known yet. But estimates say around 300- 350 hp .. There are people who have the 9psi Powerdyne SuperChargers on their 3800 with a T5 and they have absolutely no problems even though the engine produces 255 hp at the rear wheels (more than 300 hp at the crank). So, it’s safe to say that the T5 is strong enough to handle any SuperCharger or Nitrous kit available for the 3800 or 3.4 engine! When it’s time for changing the clutch plates it might be a good investment to get those Center Force plates which allow the clutch to take more punishment.

Will differential gears make a difference?
Yes they will! Most cars come out of the factory with 3.23 Gears, replacing these with 3.42 or 3.73 gears will definitely improve acceleration while still maintaining decent gas mileage. 3.73 will help you get 'out of the hole' better that with 3.42, but some people reported lack of 'speed' at the end of the 1/4 and say that the 3.73 are not worth the extra cost. Some others do claim better overall performance with the 3.73 gears.

Note: the bigger the gears the more acceleration but less top end speed ! The 3.42 gears are considered to be the best overall choice.
Note: If you have the option code: Y87 (Sport Package, only available on the 1996 + V6 models) you already have 3.42 gears and is best to leave them there!)

What gears to get? What brand?
Choosing the right brand is crucial as some gears can make quite some noise and will become a nuisance rather than a performance upgrade. The GM motive gears is the best way to go, good pricing, good quality and low noise. It’s wise to let someone with experience or a professional do the installation, since it requires allot of accuracy in order to prevent gear noise and maybe even damage to the rear end.

I want to add a limited slip differential, is it possible?
Yes you can, SLP sells take offs (from new Z28’s) for just $75 ($99 including an oil cooler cover) Consider doing this while you’re thinking of replacing the gears also, this way you can do it all at one time and save time and probably some money also!