3 or 4 speed? / discs brakes?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 19, 2007 | 12:24 AM

Yellow66

Thread Starter

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 20

3 or 4 speed? / discs brakes?

My newly purchased 65 fastback has a 3sp gearbox. It is about to undergo a resto and i purchased it "not running". If the 3 speed is in good condition i will leave it be, but if it is in need of a rebuilt, should i do this (and keep original), or put a 4spd in?

It is also running drum brakes all round and i was thinking of converting to discs up front. I was considering getting a conversion kit from theUSA (live in Australia)when i inport some other parts. What do you guys recommend re disc conversion kits or should i just stay with the drums (car will only be driven 1-2 times a week)?

Cheers

Mar 19, 2007 | 12:42 AM

67t5ponycoupe

5th Gear Member

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 3,946

From: Colorado

RE: 3 or 4 speed? / discs brakes?

Disc all the way mate! If you can find a good 4 speed that would be much better than the 3 speed but the trend lately is to put late model 5 speeds in the early stangs. I don't know if you will have 5 speeds down under or not. Maybe in those ford things you guys have down there that are like a Ranchero's. You know, car front and pick up truck back. What do you guys call those things anyway?

Mar 19, 2007 | 12:46 AM

fast65

5th Gear Member

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 2,166

From: Oregon

RE: 3 or 4 speed? / discs brakes?

Go with the4-speed, I woudn't go with discs if it's only driven two times a week, go for more power!

Mar 19, 2007 | 01:06 AM

LCC

4th Gear Member

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 1,443

From: Canada

RE: 3 or 4 speed? / discs brakes?

4 speed. Nothing bad about properly built drums, they work just fine for cruising on weekends. Wait till you have more done to the car to spend the money...

Mar 19, 2007 | 03:54 AM

JMD

6th Gear Member

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 5,469

From: AR

RE: 3 or 4 speed? / discs brakes?

3 or 4 speed? / discs brakes?

4 or 5 speed! / Yes!

Mar 19, 2007 | 05:55 AM

andrewmp6

6th Gear Member

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 8,162

From:

RE: 3 or 4 speed? / discs brakes?

hes a aussie they have harder laws on car safety then the usa. id go with the 4 speed or a t5 if you can find one and 4 wheel power disc are a nice thing to have. you might not have to import parts your early ford falcon is the same one as the usa which is what the mustang is based off i believe you call it a xb there .id talk to www.rrs-online.com they are a aussie company might know a way to get you 4 wheel disc cheaper then importing them good luck let us know what you do go with

Mar 19, 2007 | 12:30 PM

mikethebike

3rd Gear Member

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 551

RE: 3 or 4 speed? / discs brakes?

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Yellow66

My newly purchased 65 fastback has a 3sp gearbox. It is about to undergo a resto and i purchased it "not running". If the 3 speed is in good condition i will leave it be, but if it is in need of a rebuilt, should i do this (and keep original), or put a 4spd in?

It is also running drum brakes all round and i was thinking of converting to discs up front. I was considering getting a conversion kit from the USA (live in Australia) when i inport some other parts. What do you guys recommend re disc conversion kits or should i just stay with the drums (car will only be driven 1-2 times a week)?

Cheers

"There is no such thing as a good used 4-speed. There are good 4-speeds and used 4-speeds but the 2 are mutually exclusive"
I coined that phrase, by the way.
My advise is to sell the 3-speed and go for the Tremac 5-speed. When you do get the Lakewood bell housing and hydraulic clutch kit and you are set for life. I know it cost some money but you will spend just as much rebuilding stock transmissions. And as far as disc conversions....again...bit the bullit and get the Wilwood Super-Lites with 4 piston calipers and 12 in drilled/slotted rotors.