I am sure I am going to ruffle a few feathers with this post, but I feel that it is important that I speak my piece. There have been several posts as of late that have concerned me. Reason being is that the advice given (well accurate) was not well suited for the situation or set up of the original poster. Example: There have been a lot of posts in the last month about T5 parts and where to get replacement gears and such. In most of these posts there has been a response regarding getting the G-force kit and how basically it is the “only” way to correctly build a T5 that is strong enough for a classic Mustang. I will not argue that the G-force gears are the strongest on the market and if you rebuild a T5 with them it will take a lot of abuse and is ideal for drag racing. My problem is that that particular kit is $1000 and for the majority of applications is overkill. Especially when a Z-spec T5 can be built in the 400 hp range for 1/2 the cost. Unless a person has a 400+ HP motor, with wide slicks on the back, and is drag racing that is more transmission than most people need. It is kind of like comparing a VW bug to a high performance BMW. If you are on the Autobahn there is no contest the BMW will far out perform the bug, but if all your driving is on a narrow gravel road with lots of pot holes, loose gravel and 35 MPH is probably a max speed, the bug is better because it is less $$$, your less worried about scratching the paint, and in those conditions both cars will perform the same. Same applies to the example, a street driven Mustang with a stock 302 and normal tires will do just fine with a basic 85-89 T5 rated at 265 foot pounds of torque. I only use The G-force posts as an example and am not specifically going after the individual that posted about the G-force parts. My point is that there are a lot of people on this forum new to the hobby and our advice is what guides them. We have a responsibility to give quality advice that is suited to their application and budget. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of horsepower and want bigger better faster. It is also easy to project our own personal wants on to others rather then looking at their actual needs. Misguided advice may cause some one to spend there entire budget on something like a transmission upgrade so that they must eliminate other important upgrades like front disc breaks. There is no reason to recommend a Mexican block for some one who is doing a stock 302 rebuild. There is no reason to recommend a 9” rear end for some one who already has an 8", and is planning on running a stock 289 or 6 cyl. There is no reason to recommend a 460 stroker kit for some one who wants a mild 351 as a daily driver. Just as there is no reason to recommend g-force gears for some one with a 300 hp or less motor and street tires. I apologize in advance if I have offended any one. That is not my intent; I just want this forum to continue to be a wonderful resource with quality information.

 

i agree heck even a 4banger t5 will hold up to mounds of abuse and they are practicality free:P there are lots of 5.0 guys running them and going 12 in the quarter eventually it might go bang but as long as your tires are super sticky it will last a good long time

 

Good thought and views. I have inquired about many different areas with my build and will have many more. Mosts of the suggestions have been legit bit I also did my homework and ultimaltely made my own decision upon the information I found, with this site being one of my resources. I know that everything posted on here is not 100% accurate and may not fit what I am looking for, but I understand that. Not everyone will. So I see your point.

 

Excellent post. Opinions run strong and sometimes opinions become "the only right way" to do something. You can see that in the recent, and still active, "Cost of a paint job" thread.

 

I'm always right.




Except when I'm wrong.

 

Very understandable post, I highly agree with you.

I think the problem is that alot of us follow the "Do it right the first time" rule. Yes, this is a good bit of advice to follow, but you have to draw the line somewhere, even if there is something out there better, due to price/overkill issues.

 

I almost always follow the "do it right the first time and last forever" philosophy. This is also often the most expensive solution. I cannot speak for everyone, but I personnaly appreciate knowing what the best solution is and then seeing if I can afford it. Yes there are many ways to skin a cat, but often on a few "best" ways. Most of the others are compromises. For myself, I like working backwards from the best and most expensive option.

I do agree that most people, including myself, should preface their posts with how high of quality their suggestion is so novice members can weed thru the over-the-top stuff if they are not shooting for the stars. That being said, novices can give a budget and a vision statmentwhen posting questions so the so called experts can suggest a cost effective and proportionally correct solution. I think it is everyone's duty to ask the what is your goal question if someone has not posted it. Also, I think many new members should read before posting. I rarely throw something out there before doing a day or so of research. If everyone did this, they could hold better conversations about solutions that are proposed and thus would be less gullible. I have learned a great deal thru forums like this one, and try to answer questions that I know the answer to...but man how many times is someone going to ask what type of flywheel or balancer they need? Just read!

In general, I agree with Daze, but I personnaly still want to know what the best solutions are and then will talk with the boss to see if it is within my budget.

 

Thanks Daze!

That has been one of my pet peeves on this forum. Especially the 9" rearend that is suggested everytime someone wants to go to 5 lug on a 6 cyl. car. It is obvious that some responders don't really read the posters question and respond about the general subject as if everyone is building a 700 HP beast drag car that handles like a Ferrari on rails.

 

Well said guys...sometimes we all need to be pulled back to reality and not dream as much.

 

great thread. i think it is great to recognize that budgetary concerns are very real for some of us! I would hate for people to get discouraged from driving a car they love because they perceive it is to high a price tag to get into this hobby. I also appreciate the knowledge and passion for the top tier that is displayed on the forum!
Thanks to everyone for the info (and entertainment) I would be nowhere fast without the help i've found here...