Page 1 of 3
Best Donor Car for Manual Trans
Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2010 9:44 am
by snowblindburd
Hey Guys,
I was just wondering what a good year donor car would be for a manual transmission. I was thinking it was 91/92-93 if I want the mounts that are lower so that I can possibly run a turbo set up in the future.
The reason I ask is that I have to pull my rear header off the engine, and it's just a pain in the ass with the automatic trans in there. Whoever welded the header did an absolute hack job on it and even though we fixed a lot on it, it's now coming apart at the flanges. It was a pain to put in and it will be a pain to take out, so I'll just alleviate that all in the future by getting my swap done too.
So yeah, the question is here, what is the ideal year for the trans mounts? In my write up that I got from Geoff, it suggest 93 as most desirable.
Re: Best Donor Car for Manual Trans
Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2010 10:03 am
by MY91GT(Z)
92-93 is the ideal yrs you want for a swap if you decide to turbo later on, you wont have to worry bout the bulky mount like 91 older cars
Re: Best Donor Car for Manual Trans
Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2010 10:05 am
by snowblindburd
Thanks =), I knew it was only a couple years but as you could tell I wasn't sure which years those were.
I almost bought my friend's 89 GT as a donor but decided against it because of the mount style. I'll keep my eyes open.
Re: Best Donor Car for Manual Trans
Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2010 11:16 am
by Chad91GTZ
If you find one, and for some reason there is another right next to it let me know, I need some parts from a 92+ 5 speed as well. Also, if you want any help welding that header up, or swappin in the trans let me know!
Re: Best Donor Car for Manual Trans
Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2010 2:26 pm
by scd88ga
Chad91GTZ wrote:If you find one, and for some reason there is another right next to it let me know, I need some parts from a 92+ 5 speed as well.
Ya know I got you guys covered! Two 92+ V6 5 speed cars right next to eachother!

Re: Best Donor Car for Manual Trans
Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2010 8:17 pm
by snowblindburd
LMAO Brett. I think I want a full car at my disposal though. That first car would be optimal if I could tow it home as well, because I want the interior and the wire harness too.
And thanks Chad, once we're into it next year you can come over and help for sure. I'll be doing it at Scott's place if I get all the parts I need.
Re: Best Donor Car for Manual Trans
Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2010 9:15 pm
by MY91GT(Z)
can you get the shifter cables from those car i would love to have some extras please
Re: Best Donor Car for Manual Trans
Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2010 9:25 pm
by scd88ga
snowblindburd wrote:LMAO Brett. I think I want a full car at my disposal though. That first car would be optimal if I could tow it home as well, because I want the interior and the wire harness too.
Both cars are 100% complete and neither are out in the yard, so nobody else has touched them yet, but I can! LOL If you want to get big items from either of those cars, I can have them labeled with my name and "do not touch"! You can't bring the whole car home and have it all to yourself, but you can leave it there and have it all to yourself!

Re: Best Donor Car for Manual Trans
Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2010 9:28 pm
by scd88ga
MY91GT(Z) wrote:can you get the shifter cables from those car i would love to have some extras please
Sure thing, PM me an offer!
Re: Best Donor Car for Manual Trans
Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2010 10:44 pm
by snowblindburd
Yeah, I'm gonna want the car like right there, so that probably won't work out, maybe I can get some of the interior though, how is the dash, door panels, and the rear interior panels? id end up ripping the entire wire harness out too.
Edit: oh and center console and shifter. all that jazz too lol.
Re: Best Donor Car for Manual Trans
Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2010 10:54 pm
by Chad91GTZ
Are those cars up there at badger? Im driving up tomorrow. Im still considering a 5 speed swap for the White Z26, or just selling it.
Re: Best Donor Car for Manual Trans
Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2010 11:39 pm
by Cliff8928
The year of the trans is actually irrelevant as far as I know... I'm using a trans that was ordered for a 94 (j-body) in my 89. The only thing is that if you want to use the older style (enclosed) intermediate shaft, the bosses may not be drilled and tapped on the newer trans. Mine weren't and I had to drill and tap them.
Re: Best Donor Car for Manual Trans
Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2010 12:07 am
by scd88ga
snowblindburd wrote:Yeah, I'm gonna want the car like right there, so that probably won't work out, maybe I can get some of the interior though, how is the dash, door panels, and the rear interior panels? id end up ripping the entire wire harness out too.
Edit: oh and center console and shifter. all that jazz too lol.
Everything you want (trans, interior, etc.) could be had in a day ya know! Bring $$$, Do work! The MORE you buy at once, the better! I didn't look over either car too much, the red one is in better shape body wise, but the blue one had pretty good interior if i remember right! The dash in the blue one didn't have the bubble! The red one I forget, but it's a GT and has a factory sunroof...
Re: Best Donor Car for Manual Trans
Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2010 12:16 am
by scd88ga
Chad91GTZ wrote:Are those cars up there at badger? Im driving up tomorrow. Im still considering a 5 speed swap for the White Z26, or just selling it.
Yeah , they are, but like I said, they aren't out in the yard yet so they won't let you touch them. They are buried and will have to move quite a few cars to get to them, but if you're buying a higher dollar item, it's doable most likely, lol. I'm free till 3:30 tomorrow. PMed!
Re: Best Donor Car for Manual Trans
Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2010 12:47 pm
by snowblindburd
Unfortunately I have no money for this right now lol. I know what could be had with a little time and money.