has anyone ever or know someone who has successfully swapped out the 4 speed auto and put in a 5 speed manual tranny? I imagine it is possible because anything is, right? maybe out of an old gm car with matching parts?

i can't help but think this is not even possible but i figured if anyone would know it would be someone on here.

i would appreciate any info

Nobody that I know of, but I have heard that a Getrag(forgot model) is a direct bolt on.

Did a quick Google and seen there are adaptor plates for the 3800 to bolt just about any trans to it. But, being FWD, you would need to find a rare Getrag.
Someone please correct me.

anything is possible but the money would be up there, you could get a 3.5 or 3.9 g6 with a manual, find the parts and swap.

a getrag 282 and 284 has the correct bellhousing to mate to a 3800 directly.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...metric_pattern

those are the two i can think of off-hand that were attached to any of the engines listed there.

the F40 would also be an interesting choice, seeing as it'* somewhat unique with having 6 gears, but some people have also had trouble with them in non-native applications (they came in some 3900 equipped 06-08 G6 models).

just seemed like it would be a fun project and one of a kind. i know the 4t60e trannys are amazing and very capable, and speaking of the 4t60e thats in my 96 park ave ultra does anyone know how much power it can hold reliably?

Not sure on the limits, but your transmission should be a 4T60-E-HD. I have the same one in my Bonneville that a friend of mine gave me from his 96 PA Ultra.

if it'* a L67 and a 96, it'* the rare 1 year only 4T60E HD. if it'* a L36, only a 4T60E.

as for power.... more than stock, less than 1000FWHP?