Well, after thinking about it I have decided to turn the soon-to-be TGP into a 5 speed manual. I know that after I install the turbo and rest of the mods (should be around 400 whp) that I will not be long before the stock transmission starts to slips, clunks, shears an input shaft or anything else that dooms the 4t65.

The same dude I bought the turbo off of is doing this currently so I have learned alot about this swap from his thread and talking to him. He actually is a pretty good guy after we got everything sorted out.

I figure I should have it done in a weekend or two after I have all the parts if I work hard at it.


Here is the donor car that the transmission, firewall plate, clutch master and slave, pedals etc and most of the swap parts are coming from. It's an 89 Grand Prix. $200 cash for it.






It's got a getrag 282. These trans are bullitproof and will withstand the power that the TGP will put out. If something does go wrong with the trans for some reason, I can always swap out the gears from those of a newer getrag from a 2000+ cavalier or similar. You just have to use the housing from a wbody 5 speed like this donor car.

The car still ran last fall but I don't plan on driving it. I will be driving a fullsize car trailer up to pick it up rather than plating it and driving it.

Basically the only parts I'll need that aren't in this car are a machined 3800 camaro flywheel, some tranny fluid, a clutch and a driver side non HD axle from a GT.

The clutch i'll probably be going with is a stage 3+ SPEC clutch. After shipping it should be around $550. It's good for 525 ft/lbs of torque. It should be strong enough. The next one up is good for 650 ft/lbs but is not very streetable.



The flywheel after machining should be around $150.

All in all, after tuning and shipping this should be done for around $1000 USD with a few weekends of hard work.

I don't know when i'll start work on this. I will probably hold off my turbo install until I have everything for this as well. Then I only need to get tuned once and won't have to take off the turbo kit more times than I have to.

Critique/opinions/comments are more than welcome

Sounds like a sweet project!

Where did you hear those getrags were bullet proof? I think you'll about double the torque rating....

Best of luck, you may need it.

Wish you luck. Only Transverse Manual I've heard of surviving a FI'd 3800 is in Fiero's.

I dont think I'de go so far as to call the 282 Bulletproof. The only reason Fieros are gettin away with them is they weigh like 1500lbs. It wont be long before your picking up pieces of that trans as well.

Also do you believe in yourself enough to be able to shift fast enough and get the most out of every 1/4 mile run?

There is a reason why no manual trans has ever stood up to a turbo setup but gl bro...

I'm not doing this swap for track purposes, I know the car would be faster as an automatic. I'm doing it to be unique and to have more fun driving the car.

Early 90's TGP's have this same transmission and their is a local one here that has 400whp with his stock trans. Stronger clutch but no trans work. No problems. They don't weigh much less than ours.

The F40 (6 speed manual) is also going in Jordan's TGP that puts out 600+ whp. The manual transmissions can take abuse.

Does anyone have proof of someone putting the 282 or 284 in a GP and it blew? Or is it just everyone SAYS it won't stand up to the weight and just not tried?

The weakest part of this will be the axles I think, not the transmission.

I honestly wouldn't bother. It will be a cool project, but just drive the other car as a beater and keep the miles off of your car.

mayne fo sho do dat.

(from the PM)

Go for a race ready trans! Might be more effective in the long run plus you'll have the backing of the company with a warranty.

also 2000$ more than what he would spend on this.

OK, maybe bullitproof is the wrong word but I don't have any doubts that I will be able to get this 282 reliable with 400whp. It MAY need strenghtened parts down the road (IF I drive it hard) but so does the 4t65. If you drive it responsibly and don't launch the car there should be no issues.

I'm not nor ever going to spend $3000 on a rebuilt "race ready" trans. Warranties are a joke because if you take it to the track, warranty void. It's a hasstle to get a warranty replacement on a trans.

I want the GP to be enjoyable to drive and unique. Right now, it's not really unique and only semi enjoyable to drive.

The 282/284 swap is not as difficult as many think and is the reason why I'm now deciding to do it. No custom brackets are needed and no custom axles (which is why NoahJ was having problems with his F40 swap). The most time consuming part of the swap is the interior. The dash needs to come out to access the pedals and fit the shifter among other things. Brake booster gets replaced with the one from the 89 as it is smaller. Can be done with no welder, no air tools and no lift. Just need some jack stands, trans jack, a socket set with extensions, a drill and a few other things. Of course, having power tools and access to a lift would be easier. I do have air tools and a garage but not a lift.

I honestly figured there would be more support and excitement about the swap. To see something new and unique done. You all have nothing to lose, it's not your car :p

Chris beat me to being the first TGP on here (and maybe some one else will to at the rate mine is going) BUT I'll be the first 5 speed on here :p

I can understand the concern and apprehension but I AM doing this swap and I am sure you all will love it in the end.

I'm still waiting on the post that shows a blown 282/284 in a 97-03 GP...

I'll see how it goes with yours... and when I have tranny issues.. I might take the plunge.

Sounds like you did the homework, I believe you could make it happen