Getrag 290 gearbox on VS and VT 5.0l

[prolepsis]

Hi,

I'm curious to know the general opinion of the Getrag 290 5 speed manual gearbox that came on the VS to VT 5.0l v8's. Is this a good reliable box? I had a really quick phone chat with a conversions fella who said that it is crap but that is the first time I have heard that. They're not cheap to buy.

And another beginner question, are the bolt patterns for transmissions on the blocks for the v6's and 5.0l v8's the same? I would have thought that they are identical, they have the same 4L60E auto box right? That same fella said that the bolt pattern is different ... I thought that there was a standard bolt pattern on those blocks. Did the bolt pattern change on the LS1s?

Thanks and sorry for the newby questions, but I've got to start somewhere.

 

[50LTRv8]

Hey Prolepsis

I am looking into this too. The biggest issue I have seen with these boxes is the duel mass flywheel that came from the factory. They are expensive and can't be machined. From what I have seen the boxes are quite good given that they are in good nick, but I wouldn't go putting a heap of power through it (If you start doing serious mods a t 56 would be better). Also from ads on ebay the V8 and V6 boxes are different.

My plan is to get a kit from ebay and also get a new clutch and a aftermarket machinable flywheel, this way it will be far cheaper to maintain down the road.

hope this helps

 

[keza87]

Yes the bolt patterns are different between V6 and V8. An auto V8 box will not fit a V6 and vice versa.

You could go with the T5 box that was in ~VN-VS S1 but they have a cable clutch.

I have the Getrag 260 in my wagon and have converted the flywheel to a solid unit and will not go back.
People do say they cannot handle much power but I haven't had any issues with mine with a supercharger.

 

[one_and_only2004]

I find the T5 box is a lot better than the getrag box, along with parts being substantially cheaper with a lot more variety.

 

[50LTRv8]

Yes the bolt patterns are different between V6 and V8. An auto V8 box will not fit a V6 and vice versa.

You could go with the T5 box that was in ~VN-VS S1 but they have a cable clutch.

I have the Getrag 260 in my wagon and have converted the flywheel to a solid unit and will not go back.
People do say they cannot handle much power but I haven't had any issues with mine with a supercharger.

Everytime I call a wrecker they tell me a t5 will not fit a commodore that came with a getrag, is this true?

 

[one_and_only2004]

Everytime I call a wrecker they tell me a t5 will not fit a commodore that came with a getrag, is this true?

I swapped my getrag box out for a Mal Wood T5 - maybe give them a call?