Planning stages

[1charlesjay]

I'm considering a base build with a donor. I have seen i can get a 87-93 donor with a manual for around 2000 from cop*rt. Question is if I'm planning more power than the t5 can handle can I just get an automatic. They are easier to find. Or would I be better served with a manual even though I will need a tko 500. Also would a later modle donor make more sense seeing as I will be using a 351 and a tko. Thank

[chmhasy]

Try car-part.com for salvage parts in your local area. I found it to be a good source when I was building my roaster.

[edwardb]

Can't help you much with specific donor questions since I haven't done one. But your manual vs. automatic discussion is much more than just what's available. While a number of automatics have certainly been built. Manual is far and away more common and that's what the kit is set up for. If you go automatic, likely there will be some mods required in addition to the usual stuff of flex plate/torque converter vs. flywheel/clutch and different driveshaft. Partly depends on your experience level and willingness to work through the installation. But really depends on what you want and how you plan to use the car. Same applies to the T5 versus TKO500/600 discussion. A T5 can live behind a 302 or 351 as long as the power isn't crazy and your planned use isn't extreme. Street cruising should be OK. If you're planning real sticky tires and driving it hard including track use, a stock T5 probably isn't the way to go IMO.

[1charlesjay]

Thank you for replies. Let me clarify i don't want an automatic. I was asking if I gain anything using a manual donor even though I will need tko tranny . Basically is it worth using a donor for everything but the engine and tranny. If so would it matter manual or automatic donor.

[edwardb]

Thank you for replies. Let me clarify i don't want an automatic. I was asking if I gain anything using a manual donor even though I will need tko tranny . Basically is it worth using a donor for everything but the engine and tranny. If so would it matter manual or automatic donor.

Got it. You'd need to check what diff it has if you plan to use the rear axle. Some had the 7.5 (not usable) and some had the 8.8 but maybe not in a usable ratio. If you're not looking for a donor for the engine and trans, what parts do you plan to harvest from a donor? Not too much left that there aren't much better options available.