I am a newbie to trucks but not my ls1's so I have a few questions. I would like to build a standard cab, manual trans turbo truck as my daily work driver. The first question I have is why is it so hard to find a V-8 manual trans trucks? or should I just give up and get an auto. Has anyone gone from the 5-speed to a 6-speed and how difficult is it and how tough are the rear ends in these trucks

 

If I remember correctly, you can only get the 5-speed in a reg. cab with a 4.8l. I don't really know much about how hard it would be to fit a 6-speed though. Kind of hard to beat a strong auto with a good converter though as far a convenience and consistancy, IMO.

 

Yeah, but its boring and they break after I give it a good beating

 

4l60e or whatever it is now, that is

 

Yeah, it's definetly not the strongest, but I just like auto's better. Don't get me wrong, 5-speeds are fun, but in trucks I don't care for them because of their goofy extra long throw shifters.

 

That's why I would put a 6 speed in

 

manual is probably not faster. and in my opinion a pain in the ***.

 

A properly built auto will out run a manual anyday. The rear ends are decent just not the factory locker. You can only get the manual in the 4.8L. In a rcsb the 60e with a few upgrades should live happily in that setup.

 

 

BTW to beef up the tranny get a transgo hd-2 shift kit with a vette servo and billet od servo and get you a 3000 stall that will go nicely with a turbo. I would get an auto easier to find and you can get a 5.3 and they are much easier to find. Just my .02