I have a 4-spd manual in my '88 PU. What exactly is the difference between the 4-spd and the 5-spd manual?

I thought they were the same except for the "overdrive" 5th gear on the 5-spd. However, someone told me that the gear ratio spread was also different between them. I guess the 5-spd has shorter gears?

Since I have a Thorley header, 2.25" catback and a DIY CAI setup, would the 5-spd be able to "pull" more in each gear since each gear is shorter and thus be able to use the higher powerband more effectively?

With the mods I have now and the stock 4sp manual transmission, it seems that the engine likes to be in the 2800-3800+ RPM range for max acceleration. Since the gear ratios are rather LONG in the 4-spd, it takes a little while for the rpms to build up to the "sweet" spot. Would the 5-spd with the SHORTER gears provide less time to the 2800+rpm level for quicker performance?

The stock 4-spd does perform well though, but I do have to wait a few moments for the rpms to build up because each gear ratio is so long (particularly 2nd and 3rd) and cruising at freeway speeds is a little "buzzy" because I'm usually at the 2700+ rpm level.

It seems as though the header and exhaust mods greatly increased the gear ratios on my 4-spd man.

 

i think you answered your own question. the gears in 4 speeds are typically spaced farther apart than on a 5 speed, so it takes a little longer to accelerate. nothing quite like doing 50 in 2nd, though

i'm going to swap out the old l43 4 speed in my truck to a w56 tranny when it comes time to do my dual cases

 

Yeah, nothing like doin' 50mph in second gear. Or, 85+mph in third.

I thought maybe the W56 5sp would bring me "quicker" into the revs of the torque curve for better performance. Its seems with the mods I have, it doesn't start pullin' until I reach 3000+rpms.

However, I do like the looooong gear ratios of the 4sp though. Makes it easier to drive around town because you don't have to shift as much.

 

Damn, 50 in second? My trucks begs for 4th at 50.

 

I see 45 in second all the time. Driving in the mountains with an anemic 22RE kinda sux sometimes. I'm convinced that the gap between 2nd and 3rd in a W56 is too much. While going up an 8% grade at 10K+ ft. it pulls fine in 2nd up to 45mph or so but as soon as I shift to 3rd, it bogs down again.

 

The other thing to look at is if there are different gears in the front and rear diffs.
I think the 2wd trucks use different gears for 4sp and 5sp, not sure about the 4wd trucks though.

 

I cant remember where I read it, I think it was in Petersons 4X4 mag. The article said the 4 spds were "much more stout" than the 5 spds. So, that in addition to all your other points.

 

That's what EXACTLY I need for my truck, a close ratio 4sp man. box with an overdrive 5th gear added at the end. LOL!

I also hate the rpm drop off between each gear spread. Very frustrating especially like when your trying accelerate briskly up a long hill or something. That's one thing I envy automatics for.

I wonder if they sell a close ratio "kit" for the 4-sp man. trans? Or, if a trans shop could modify it for me? Ah crap! There I go dreaming again. LOL!

 

Or, in the case of my pal's late 60's Malibu, 50 in 1st gear and 130 in 2nd...... (all hail powerglide??)