What is considered being "Hard" on a T-5?

68MustangCoupe · 07-02-2009, 05:35 AM

Ok, so I want a 351w... eventually. And I want to do a 5-speed swap and I chose a T-5 Because they are relatively easy to find in salvage yards... and I don't feel like paying 2k for a TKO or a T-56 and then another like 1000 for the parts the tranny doesn't come with.

I've read where people have gone years with a t-5 behind a mildly built 351w... What I'm wondering is, what is besides the obvious, considered no-nos with this set up?

Speed shifting?
Squeeling tires?
Dumping the clutch *Kind of a givin*

Besides Dumping the clutch, because that's just a 'well duh' thing, what are things to watch out for that would blow a T-5 behind a 351w?

*I know this swap will be way down the road, I just like to know info in advance*

Thanks!

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rmodel65 · 07-02-2009, 06:14 AM

a good shifter and having tires that arent gonna hook up like crazy are important

speed shifting is bad without a good shifter like the steeda tri ax(prevents you from overshifting and bending the shift forks)

2+2GT · 07-02-2009, 07:30 AM

Anything that will cause the rear wheels to spin would be "hard" on any transmission. This includes taching it up to 5 grand and sidestepping the clutch to impress people at cruise night.

kalli · 07-02-2009, 08:41 AM

once they spin it shouldn't be too bad though as the torque isn't immense.
anything that causes high torque in the gearbox is bad obviously

Norm Peterson · 07-02-2009, 09:55 AM

Behind a 351 - I wouldn't use a T5 that wasn't a T5Z (1993 Cobra is one application). And I'd still go out of my way to avoid impact loading from harsh clutch engagement.

If there's ever going to be any drag racing in this car's future - might as well start thinking "TKO" right now.

Norm

vertigyn · 07-02-2009, 10:13 AM

I wouldn't trust a T-5...I had one go in my lightly modded '89 and replaced it with a new world class T-5...she was leaking and acting up within months.

If you want something that will last - go with a TKO or a T-56.

Starfury · 07-02-2009, 11:48 AM

I agree. T5's will work if you're nice to them, but torque kills them quickly. The problem is that the tailshaft is weak; barely strong enough for the 5.0's they sat behind. Serious offroad guys won't touch them because they snap tailshafts left and right.

The other, more common problem with them is that they don't have internal shift stops, so it's very easy to overshift and FUBAR something inside the case. Bent shift forks are very common. For this reason, an aftermarket shifter with adjustable shift stops is a requirement. I even put one on my '90 GT project car, which is only really going to be a daily driver.

If it was me, I'd go looking for a TKO or T56. If you want to try to find one on a budget, look in the classifieds over on the Corral Forums. Lots of them show up there from fox body guys upgrading or parting out their cars.

Norm Peterson · 07-02-2009, 11:54 AM

A Tremec 3550 might also work if you can find one. It's stronger than a T5, but not as tough as a TKO500. There may be tunnel considerations similar to the TKO, however.

Norm

68MustangCoupe · 07-02-2009, 07:20 PM

Well Hmm... Okay here's another question then... Say I am able to find a somewhat cheap GM t-56... would I be able to swap out input shafts with a ford one? or viper one maybe? *Being I heard people use viper trannys with mustang swaps*