Looks to be a pretty nice alternative.
Here are some links and information I was able to pull up.
I did read/watch them all and they are valid at time of posting, but I've not done this swap. I'm just sharing what I found.
General Motors used the AR-5 as RPO MA5.
Gear ratios:
1st-3.75, 2nd- 2.26, 3rd- 1.37, 4th-1.00, 5th- .73, Rev- 3.67
https://www.fabbotfab.com/collection...ssion-adapters
https://youtu.be/O1tsFmjqRUo
The AR-5 is a 5-speed manual transmission manufactured by Aisin. It is designed for longitudinal engine applications and can handle up to 225 ft•lbf (305 N•m) of torque.
Transmissions are rated according to application, not capability. That just means that the highest rated car with an AR5 thus far produced 225 ft-lbs of torque
the box was officially rated at "260 ft/lbs" but the Toyota Supra and Lexus IS300 community has proven that that isn't exactly true. Supposedly it lives up to about 600 ft/lbs so long as you don't abuse it. It was also the transmission used in the Mallet LS2 powered Solstices. It's an upgraded Supra R154 box with double synchros on 1/2/3
Here’s a great link with info and photo’s as well.
http://www.montecarloss.com/communit...77&type=thread
YOUTUBE Transmission in a Nova
Part 1-
https://youtu.be/MkVUT62E8S0
Part 2 -https://youtu.be/S02-X1bQMMo
And just FYI, Matt from FabBot just dyno'd his setup with the AR5 and pulled 882hp / 784tq at the rear wheels so the AR5 is one tough transmission
According to Rockland Standard Gear the strength of a manual transmission is defined by the centerline distance between the mainshaft and the cluster gear shaft, as well as the spline and diameter of the input and output shafts.
For reference the AR5 has an 82mm centerline distance, a 26 spline input shaft and a 27 spline output and the input shaft bearing is capable of handling a 510 newton meters.
The TKO600 has an 83mm centerline distance, a 26 spline input shaft and a 31 spline output shaft
The F-body 98-02 T-56 has an 85mm centerline distance, a 26 spline input shaft and a 27 spline output shaft
General Motors used the AR-5 as RPO MA5.