67mustang302

What is done to the engine and how will the car be driven?

KidsStang

I'm doing the same thing with my 69 351w. I was told T5's from 5.0 Mustangs built between 83 and 89 have a foot lb torque of 265, these are bolt on tranny's and work for most applications as long as your horsepower doesn't exceed 350-400, Plus if you use the T5's bell housing you can modernize the clutch linkage.

67mustang302

Depends on use. Give me a stock 2bbl 289 with 170hp and a set of slicks, and I'll break a T5 for you. Same trans behind a 400hp engine while road racing, I'll make it last for years.

TexasAxMan

I got a used WC T5 and rebuilt it myself. There are a lot of ways to mount it/actuate the clutch. You need to search around. I went with the T5 bell housing, and the z-bar linkage for the clutch and couldn't be happier.

But, 67 is right, if you're dragging the car, get a toploader, if your using it as a weekend warrior at the track or a cruiser, get the T5.

urban_cowboy

Got to say, I really like my Toploader David Kee built me. He can customize it to your use to make sure you have the right parts in there for your application but is is going to cost you a little.

To me, OD is just one of those finger nails on the chalk board things much like EFI or a mod motor in these cars, but that is just me and I understand fuel economy is big for some people.

If you do go with a Tremec, listen to 67mustang302. They do not always handle torque well and can break with decent torque numbers in certain applications. If it is just a street ride with hard tires, you probably will never get enough traction to damage it, but if you run sticky performance tires or go the the strip, it will grenade at some point. There is a reason why they are put on 302s and not put on big blocks. Stock T5s are only rated for 175-230lbs-ft. You can easily surpass that with a 351.

http://www.ttcautomotive.com/english/products/T-5.asp

Now, TKOs can handle some torque if you want to go that route, but it is not going to be cheap.

KeislerChris

TKO is not a bad way to go if you don't mind paying a bit more. They essentially retain the toploader shifting characteristics, but add the overdrive for improved cruising and fuel consumption. My company offers a couple of different 5-speed options that would would work nicely. PM me for details.