1986 Camaro RS Manual Transmission

The 1986 Chevrolet Camaro RS featured a robust manual transmission system designed for performance driving. This third-generation F-body sports car came with either a 4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission option, paired with various engine configurations including the 2.8L V6 and 5.0L V8 engines. Below are comprehensive sections covering specifications, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical details.

1. Transmission Specifications 2. Gear Ratios and Performance 3. Operation Instructions 4. Clutch System 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Fluid Requirements 7. Common Issues 8. Troubleshooting Guide 9. Repair Procedures 10. Technical Diagrams 11. Parts and Accessories

Transmission Specifications

The 1986 Camaro RS manual transmission options included the BorgWarner T-5 5-speed and the Muncie 4-speed transmissions.

Component	Specification
Transmission Type	BorgWarner T-5 5-speed manual
Alternative Option	Muncie 4-speed manual
Case Material	Aluminum alloy
Weight	Approximately 75 lbs (T-5)
Input Shaft	10-spline, 1.125" diameter
Output Shaft	27-spline, 1.125" diameter
Length	24.5 inches overall
Shift Pattern	5-speed: H-pattern with reverse left and up

Gear Ratios and Performance

Detailed gear ratios for optimal performance driving and fuel efficiency.

Gear	T-5 5-speed Ratio	Muncie 4-speed Ratio
1st Gear	3.35:1	2.85:1
2nd Gear	1.99:1	1.95:1
3rd Gear	1.33:1	1.28:1
4th Gear	1.00:1	1.00:1
5th Gear	0.68:1	N/A
Reverse	3.38:1	3.11:1

Performance Note: The T-5 transmission provides excellent highway cruising with overdrive 5th gear.

Operation Instructions

Proper shifting techniques and driving recommendations.

Starting Procedure: Depress clutch fully, shift to neutral, start engine.
First Gear: Clutch in, shift left and up from neutral.
Up-shifting: Smooth clutch engagement, match engine RPM to road speed.
Down-shifting: Rev-match by blipping throttle during clutch engagement.
Reverse Gear: Come to complete stop, depress clutch, shift left and up.
Highway Driving: Use 5th gear (overdrive) for fuel efficiency above 45 mph.

WARNING! Never force the shifter into gear; grinding indicates improper synchronization.

Clutch System

The hydraulic clutch system specifications and operation.

Clutch Type: Single disc, diaphragm spring
Clutch Disc Diameter: 10.5 inches
Master Cylinder: 3/4" bore diameter
Slave Cylinder: 7/8" bore diameter
Fluid Type: DOT 3 brake fluid
Pedal Free-play: 1/2 to 1 inch at pedal pad

Maintenance: Check fluid level in clutch master cylinder reservoir monthly.

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended service intervals for transmission longevity.

Service Item	Interval	Procedure
Transmission Fluid	30,000 miles	Drain and refill with GL-4 gear oil
Clutch Fluid	15,000 miles	Inspect level and condition
Shift Linkage	10,000 miles	Lubricate pivot points
Clutch Adjustment	As needed	Check pedal free-play
U-joints	15,000 miles	Lubricate with chassis grease

Fluid Requirements

Proper fluid specifications for transmission operation.

Transmission Fluid: GL-4 75W-90 gear oil (3 quarts capacity)
Alternative: Dexron II automatic transmission fluid acceptable
Clutch Fluid: DOT 3 brake fluid
Fill Procedure: Remove fill plug on driver side of transmission case
Check Level: Fluid should be level with bottom of fill hole

CAUTION! Do not use GL-5 gear oil as it can damage brass synchronizers.

Common Issues

Typical problems encountered with 1986 Camaro manual transmissions.

Grinding Gears: Worn synchronizers or low fluid level
Difficulty Shifting: Binding shift linkage or clutch issues
Jumping Out of Gear: Worn detents or shift forks
Clutch Chatter: Contaminated clutch disc or pressure plate issues
Fluid Leaks: Worn seals at output shaft or extension housing
Noise in Neutral: Worn input shaft bearing

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Hard shifting when cold	Incorrect fluid viscosity	Change to proper 75W-90 gear oil
Clutch pedal stays on floor	Master cylinder failure	Replace master cylinder and bleed system
Gear grinding during shifts	Worn synchronizers	Rebuild transmission with new synchro rings
Vibration in shifter	Worn transmission mount	Replace transmission mount
Fluid leak from bellhousing	Input shaft seal	Replace input shaft seal
Cannot select reverse	Worn reverse lockout	Adjust or replace reverse lockout mechanism

Repair Procedures

Basic repair steps for common transmission issues.

Fluid Change: Warm transmission, remove drain plug, refill through fill hole
Clutch Replacement: Remove transmission, replace clutch components, adjust pedal
Shift Linkage Adjustment: Loosen adjustment bolts, center shifter, retighten
Transmission Removal: Disconnect driveshaft, shift linkage, clutch hydraulic line, remove crossmember
Seal Replacement: Clean area, pry out old seal, install new seal flush with housing

WARNING! Always support transmission securely during removal to prevent injury.

Technical Diagrams

Reference diagrams for transmission components and shift patterns.

Shift Pattern Diagram: Standard H-pattern with reverse in upper left position
Hydraulic Clutch System: Master cylinder to slave cylinder layout
Transmission Cross-section: Internal gear and synchronizer arrangement
Shift Linkage Diagram: Rod and lever connection points
Mounting Points: Transmission to engine and crossmember attachment

Note: Refer to factory service manual for detailed exploded views.

Parts and Accessories

Common replacement parts and performance upgrades.

Part Number	Description	Application
14063927	Complete rebuild kit	T-5 transmission
14088665	Input shaft seal	All manual transmissions
14088668	Output shaft seal	T-5 transmission
14088671	Shift lever assembly	Console shifter replacement
14088674	Clutch master cylinder	Hydraulic system
14088677	Transmission mount	Rubber isolation

Performance Upgrades: Short-throw shifter kits, heavy-duty clutch assemblies, synthetic gear oils.