GM SBC/BBC to AR5 Transmission Adapter Bundle – Small & Big Block Chevy 5-Speed Swap

The GM SBC/BBC to AR5 Transmission Adapter Bundle provides the key components needed to pair a Small Block Chevy (SBC) or Big Block Chevy (BBC) engine with an Aisin AR5 5-speed manual transmission. Designed for builders looking for an SBC to AR5 adapter or BBC to AR5 adapter solution, this bundle combines the major engine-to-transmission conversion components into one matched package.

Built around our LS-to-AR5 Adapter Kit and AR5-to-SBC Spacer Add-On Kit, the system includes your choice of performance clutch and flywheel configuration along with the bellhousing, hydraulic release components, and supporting hardware needed for the conversion.

Key Features

• Adapts Small Block Chevy and Big Block Chevy engines to the Aisin AR5 5-speed
• Designed for Gen I and Gen II SBC and compatible BBC applications
• Choice of Stage 1 or Stage 2 performance clutch
• Clutch options rated for up to 500 WHP or 750 WHP
• Flywheel options for 1-piece or 2-piece rear main seal engines
• Internally or externally balanced flywheel options
• Includes bellhousing, AR5 slave cylinder, hydraulic components, and hardware
• Ideal for street, truck, restomod, drift, and performance builds

Included Components

• LS to AR5 Adapter Kit with hardware
• AR5 to SBC Spacer Add-On Kit
• Performance Clutch Kit – choice of Stage 1 or Stage 2
• Flywheel – choice of 1-piece or 2-piece rear main seal and internally or externally balanced configurations
• Bellhousing Kit with hardware
• AR5 Slave Cylinder
• Remote Bleeder Kit and Feed Line with slave adapter fitting
• Clutch Alignment Tool
• Hardware Kit
• Supporting installation hardware

Stage 1 vs. Stage 2 Clutch Options

Stage 1 – Full-Face Carbon Kevlar Disc | Up to 500 WHP
The Stage 1 clutch uses a full-face carbon Kevlar disc rated for up to 500 WHP. Its full-face design provides smoother engagement, making it a strong choice for street-driven cars, trucks, restomods, and performance builds where drivability is important.

Stage 2 – 6-Puck Ceramic Disc | Up to 750 WHP
The Stage 2 clutch uses a more aggressive 6-puck ceramic disc rated for up to 750 WHP. It offers increased holding capacity for higher-powered and more demanding performance applications.

SBC/BBC Engine & Flywheel Compatibility

Chevrolet Small Block and Big Block engines were produced with different rear main seal and balance configurations. This bundle offers flywheel options for 1-piece or 2-piece rear main seal engines with internally or externally balanced configurations.

Select the flywheel option that matches your specific engine when ordering.

AR5 Transmission Compatibility

This bundle is designed around the Aisin AR5 5-speed manual transmission found in applications including the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, and Polaris Slingshot.

AR5 configurations can vary by donor vehicle and model year, so verify your specific transmission before ordering.

What Else Will I Need?

The bundle covers the major components for connecting your SBC or BBC engine to an AR5 transmission. Depending on your vehicle, you may also need:

• Compatible Aisin AR5 transmission
• Clutch master cylinder with the appropriate bore size
• Driveshaft
• Transmission crossmember and mount
• Shifter solution
• Vehicle-specific hydraulic plumbing, fabrication, or clearance modifications

SBC/BBC to AR5 Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put an AR5 behind a Small Block Chevy?

Yes. This bundle is designed to adapt a compatible Aisin AR5 5-speed transmission to Small Block Chevy engines using the LS-to-AR5 adapter system, AR5-to-SBC spacer, and matched conversion components.

Can an AR5 be used behind a Big Block Chevy?

Yes. The bundle supports compatible Big Block Chevy to AR5 swaps when configured with the correct flywheel balance and engine-specific options.

How much power can the included clutch handle?

The Stage 1 full-face carbon Kevlar clutch is rated for up to 500 WHP, while the Stage 2 6-puck ceramic clutch is rated for up to 750 WHP.

Is the AR5 transmission included?

No. The Aisin AR5 transmission is not included and must be supplied separately.

Whether you're building a classic Chevy, C10, hot rod, restomod, drift car, truck, or custom performance vehicle, the GM SBC/BBC to AR5 Transmission Adapter Bundle provides the key components for a straightforward SBC/BBC to AR5 5-speed manual transmission conversion.