are the auto and 5 speed small block the same? so if i have a 5 speed and need a new motor and buy an auto motor everything will match up? ive done some research and all i find is what i need if i want to "convert my auto to 5 speed" but none on the block. i just dont want to spend the $ if it isnt going to work.

 

i think the rear housing is different (the one that the trans bolts to). You can still bolt up the 5spd to the auto rear housing but either need to drill a few new mounting points or leave 1 or 2 of the trans bolts out.

 

You can run an auto engine with a manual trans, but you cannot run a manual engine with an auto trans.

The rear iron on the 2 engines differs. The manual engine plate forms a full circle, while the auto engine plate has a cut out on the side for the auto starter to bolt to. IF you bolt a manual trans behind the auto engine, you have a gap there, but it doesn't matter, and there is also 2 trans bolts that cannot be used, but you still have 5 that you can use which is more than enough. But, you could not bolt an auto trans behind a manual engine because there would be nowhere to put the starter.

 

I know that on the automatic the spark is retarded during shifting to make shifts smoother. hehehehehe.

 

RR has it, the rear plate differs due to the auto bellhousing and starter. I was able to use all the bolt holes for my manual except two when I swapped from an automatic and it holds nicely. The gap is there as mentioned but I dont plan to rally my car so I dont think dirt/water will be a concern.

~Kris

 

Guys, thanx so much for the fast responses. Kevin, appreciate your input. I feel secure now to buy this motor.