If you had a daily-driver with a 4 spd toploader that needed a rebuild, would you rebuild it or swap it for a T-5? [sm=rolleyes.gif]

If you chose the rebuild route, what would be a good estimate for parts and labor?

And if you chose the T-5 route, what would be a good estimate to purchase the T-5, additional swap parts, and labor for the swap?

I'm inclined to think that many will say T-5, but the money issue is always a factor. [sm=insomnia.gif]

 

well....for a toploader, its more of a collectors thing....they arent easy to get really and arnt too cheap....plus it would just bolt right back up again when u get it rebuilt....ive heard rebuilding can vary if you buy the kit and do it yourself or if you get someone else to do it for oyu but i dont think its cheap the latter route.....

the T-5 route has an OD....so that could be a factor.....i guess u could say it might displace its own cost with moeny saved on gas if you drove the car enough but who knows.....

to switch my C-4 for a T-5 i was quoted at a bit over $2500 bucks for just parts....that is all new parts though....if u went to junk yards and knew what to grab, you could probably save money.....and generally labor is more than parts....so just keep that in mind....

if i was you, id rebuild the toploader or get it rebuilt or something unless you really want the extra speed and the extra work and money to plunk out.

 

would a 5 speed help the engine noise?? i have a 3 speed and my engine is very loud. if i switched to a 5 speed how much noise reduction would there be from the engine?

 

only difference in sound be be the result of running fewer RPMs on the highway because of the 5 speeds over drive

 

Correct, but it is quite a bit reduction in rpm, ~2/3 with the od assuming the same rear gears. In other words if you're turning 3600 rpm with the standard, you would only be turning 2400 rpm in overdrive. This not only reduces noise and improves mileage, it also reduces wear and tear on the engine.

The other thing to consider is the first gear ratio, either 3.35 or 2.95 with the T5 and 2.78 for a wide ratio or 2.32 for a close ratio toploader. The lower first gear of the T5 allows easier launches. In my case I have a 3.35 first gear T5 and a 3.55 rear end, which is a total gearing of 11.9. To get the same first gear mechanical advantage you would need ~4.27 rear gears with the wide ratio box and ~5.12 with the close ratio box. (These are just number crunching ratios, they do not exist.) If you switched to the lower gears to get the same launch as the T5, then cruising at 2400 rpm with the T5, would require > 4300 rpm with the top loader and 4.27 gears.

I do not know the gear ratio's for a three speed, but IMHO, keeping a 3 speed manual or going to a T5 is an easy decision.

I see "bragging" rights going both ways, either I have an original indestructible toploader, or I have a cool restomod with a 5 speed.

 

The gear ratio for the 3 speed in 3rd gear is the same ratio as the top loader in 4th gear, so no real gains at highway speeds. Whereas, the T-5 in overdrive would be a much better ratio at highway speeds.

 

I just converted my 67 coupe from a c4 to t5, and I have no regrets.