Aisin AR5 (MA5)

Info provided by Eric of UglyBoost91 Youtube Channel

The easiest, and arguably one of the strongest-per-dollar transmission options is to source an AR5 (GM RPO code MA5) 5 speed transmission from a Colorado, Canyon, or Hummer H3. The Solstice also used this transmission with the Ecotec 4Cyl engines, but has some swap issues we will discuss later. A 2wd Colorado unit can often be found for under 200 dollars at a "U-Pull" junkyard. They are an extremely durable, 5 speed fully synchronized transmission manufactured by Aisin Co. In Japan. It's an update of the venerable Toyota R154, Jeep AX-15, and others. It has been proven to at least 600HP, 600+ Ftlbs behind 1st gen Supras and LS swapped Solstices. The one negative can be the shifter location for sports cars, and the gear ratios which are more “truck like”. 

The output shaft matches the classic GM 27 spline yokes. The Input shaft on the GM MA5 is a 26 Spline 1.125” with 0.75" Pilot tip, which is also identical to The T56, TR6060, GM NV3500, and some Muncie M2x and Borg Warner Super T10s. The stock internal Throwout bearing is identical to the T56 design and is very durable. 

• Transmission Specifics: 

  • • No trans modifications is necessary. To use this transmission with a Vortec 4200, the actual transmission can be sourced as-is from a junkyard vehicle with any Atlas 4 or 5 cylinder 2.8/2.9/3.5/3.7 (They are all the same). The bellhousing is a direct match to the Vortec 4200. (NOTE: It’s best to get a 2wd unit if you need 2wd, and NOT convert a 4x4 transmission, etc. These transmission are not easy to disassemble and the shafts and parts from Aisin are nearly the price of an entire transmission.) Keep the stock throw-out bearing and cylinder.

    • The shifter Location is Identical to the T5 as used in the Chevrolet S10 and the Early NV3500. This makes it a good match for most domestic muscle cars, trucks, and shorter sports cars.

    • The output Yoke on 2wd models matches the Classic GM (Turbo 350 and Muncie, etc.) 27 Spline slip yoke. Exception: Solstice models (Discussed Later)

    • 4wd Models feature the 27 Spline output shaft and 5 Bolt rear transfer case pattern as used with the 4L60 and variants.

    • It uses the Classic GM 2 bolt cross-member mount design, making it fantastic for older GM car swaps.

• Flywheel and Clutch:

  • • NA and Mild Boost Builds:

      • • Build or Source the Vortec 4200 Flywheel from Emtech Motorsports. 3.5/3.7 Dowel Pins will be installed in the flywheel.

        • The best OE “cheap” option is a stock replacement clutch and pressure plate from a 2007-2010 Hummer H3 3.7L. If not available, a 3.5L Colorado/Canyon clutch will also work, but it has slightly less disc surface area. The 3.5L clutches still perform fine in Stock 4200s. 

        • (NOTE: The clutches from the 2.8/2.9 4 Cyls. WILL NOT work with the Emtech flywheel. They have a much smaller surface area and a different pressure plate bolt pattern than the 3.5 / 3.7 )

    • Performance Builds

      • Because parts for GM V8s are so inexpensive, its much cheaper to buy an aftermarket clutch for a SBC 10.5" application than a Colorado 3.5, which are very hard to find.

      • Build or Source the Vortec 4200 Flywheel from Emtech Motorsports. The GM 10.5" pressure plates DO NOT use dowel pins. They use shoulder bolts that align the pressure plate with the bolt holes. You MUST Use Pressure Plate Shoulder Bolts  or the pressure plate will not be centered on the flywheel, causing a severe imbalance. Don't listen to you uncle Bob who said he has used hardware store normal bolts before. ARP Part Number: ARP-130-2201 

      • Purchase a clutch and pressure plate kit for a GM 10.5" application with a 26 Spline 1.125" input shaft.

• Other Components:

  • • Throwout Bearing/Slave Cylinder: Use stock GM components that came with your MA5 transmission

    • Pilot Bearing: Use an LS V8 Sealed Roller Pilot Bearing such as TIMKEN Part Number: 57080 https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1118367&cc=1035931&jsn=10  The 4200 6 cylinder crankshaft is unique compared with the 5 or 4 cylinder you pulled your MA5 from; you cannot use a 4/5 cylinder pilot bearing.