New guy here. Proud owner of an '81 with factory 229 and 3-speed manual.
I scanned the posts and talked to transmission guys around here (Wisconsin) and still confused. I want to put a 5- or 6-speed Tremec on the 229. Can you help a newbie? I know the driveshaft and cross member need adjustment, and the shifter may need relocating (bench seat), though I really want to do this. Tremec tech help wants bolt to bolt measurements, rear end ratio, etc.

Has anyone done this upgrade to an 81 with the 229?

Any help is appreciated.

I love this board, so I signed up today. I can help with electrical problems.

Tom

Welcome aboard Tom.

I haven't done that exact swap but since you already have a three speed manual it shouldn't be that hard of a swap since you don't have to deal with clutch pedal issues.

Your right in that modifying your cross member and getting the drive shaft cut (as well as the new yoke installed) should be about it. The Tremec's let you put the shifter in several locations so other than the shift lever itself that shouldn't be an issue with your seat.

a T56 would require alot of modification, suh as a $400 custom flywheel since you don't have a 1 pc rear main seal, and you would lose your mechanical linkage. so for you, the t5 is the way to go, it will be plenty strong behind a 229. I will include 2 links to the t5 swap. the first uses your existing pedals and mechanical linkage, it includes a list of all usable bellhousings to bolt on and go. the second is for using a hydraulic custom clutch system. you will be best to go with the mechanical setup, I'm just including the other for extra information.

first (http://www.garage-scene.com/t5-into-ag-body/)

second (http://www.monte-list.nu/tech/fivespeed.shtml)

Thanks guys.
What I want to know is has anyone DONE this - added a 5-speed to
a 229 on an 81 or so Elkie? If so, how do you find a reliable wrench to help you in
your area (Wisconsin - Milwaukke/Racine area for me).

Any ideas would be helpful.

Tom

It doesn't really matter what engine you are putting it behind. The process will be the same for your 229 as a 350. The only difference will be flywheel and bell housing which you already have. You probably have a 10 spline clutch disk and will need to change that to a 26 spline of the same diameter.
The T5 has a really long taper at the pilot bushing shaft versus your tranny has a shorter rounded off shaft. You will want to make sure it does not bottom in the end of the crank. If it does just take a die grinder and cut it off to match your 3 speed, round the end back off and you will be good to go there.
It should bring some life to a 229 with all the gears.
If you use a Camaro V6 tranny 1st gear is really low and you could probably even do some burn out with that 229.

Neil used a Z-bar on his 84. I did this conversion on an 86 (from a 307 auto to a ZZ430 with Tremac TKO500). The biggest problem is getting the hydraulic clutch working properly but it can be done. Location of the shifter on this transmission is easy because it's a rail shifter and has a number of positions that can be used. I had a bench seat with it installed, later switched to buckets, and there's plenty of room. My car does not have a console and that might be problematic. When you're done though the fun is plenty of reward for the trouble and the expense. Go Gators. 27 days til kickoff.

Tom
If you decide to go with the T5 shoot me a pm and I will explain what you have to do to make it bolt to your bellhousing.