Manual Transmission help

[88Grandamturbo]

Ok so I have this little dilemma with my 1988 grand am turbo car, its stuck to a th125 tranny. I want my turbo to have a manual tranny. The question is though, is it better to have the Isuzu transmission or the Getrag. The parts car that is currently the only one running has an isuzu transmission and I'm wondering how easy it will be to convert my older grand am to a manual because I believe I have all the parts already from the parts car (pedals, clutch master cylinder, transmission, shifter, shifting cables etc. etc.) I think the only thing that I would need is a clutch and flywheel to fit the 2.0L engine. Any suggestions would be greatful.

[carlover626]

I'll tell you the Getrag, but I have never driven one.
I have the Isuzu and it is kind of worn, I don't think it would hold up well with too much more power.

[Matt95GT]

The Isuzu you have on that "Iron Duke" 2.5 parts car is a different version than the Isuzu used on the 96-98 2.4L (and 95 2.3) - it will not withstand much power at all. Even if it could, the Getrag is still the stronger choice.

[88Grandamturbo]

Ok this is what I found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_Fiero


"5-speed

Isuzu and Getrag-produced 5-speed transmissions were available, depending on model and equipment. The Getrag is generally accepted to be the stronger one, but both are used without failure on high torque V8 engine swaps."


ok, if I'm not mistaken those are also the same transmissions used for GA's and other fwd vehicles, but the questions still remains. Would It be wise to use the isuzu tranny for the 2.0L Turbo?

[Matt95GT]

I would look up the RPO code for the Isuzu coming from the donor car. (spare tire cover sticker will have all the RPO #'s) I have a hunch it will be different compared to the Fiero RPO code.

I would base my decision solely on that wikipedia entry either. I have used my Isuzu to failure, on a 4 cyl with only mediocre torque. I'm not the only one who destroye one either. I see J-body owners doing so frequently.

[88Grandamturbo]

found this now, lemme know what you think.

http://www.isuzuperformance.com/isupage/tech/myths.html#gmtrans

that might be your guys problem, but only if its true.

[Matt95GT]

Originally posted by 88Grandamturbo
found this now, lemme know what you think.

http://www.isuzuperformance.com/isupage/tech/myths.html#gmtrans

that might be your guys problem, but only if its true.

I will generally agree... the older the better. It's GM's increase of cost-cutting over the years that seems to be killing the manuals. (I still have to do an autopsy on my dead Isuzu - I'm curious what happened, but I suspect something in the differential)

But, I still feel the older Getrags used in the early 90's are better than any of the Isuzu offerings. Many Quad 4 owners seem to agree on that. Having gone between both on a daily basis for awhile (95 Isuzu & 94 Getrag - the NVG version), I will also say that the Getrag feels much more "confident" in the ability to handle power while the Isuzu feels fragile.

[carlover626]

I will contest that on the Isuzu as well.