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In the mustang it was leaned to the left to get the shifter closer to the driver. It is even more desirable in the vette because you still have to make an adapter to move it left and back id you want to use the original shifter location in your console.
Bernie
You attach the adapter to the bellhousing loosely, then attach it to the engine and use a dial indicator to center the adapter. Once it is centered, tighten the bolts and drill holes for at least 4 dowel pins that hold the adapter in the correct position on the bellhousing. Quite simple, 100% accurate, you never have to worry about centering it again, and costs a fraction of manufactured adapter plates. No special steps to be machined and easy to make. Hope this helps!
Bernie
In the mustang it was leaned to the left to get the shifter closer to the driver. It is even more desirable in the vette because you still have to make an adapter to move it left and back id you want to use the original shifter location in your console.
Bernie
Another note. If you decide to mount a T5 straight up instead of angled, you should drill and tap the higher fill plug hole. The boss is there. Running is straight using the angled hole produces a lower fill level.
Another advantage to installing it clocked is better ground clearance, which is why it was clocked in the first place. If you look at a FACTORY Camaro shifter on a T5 is actually bends back towards the center.
I am curious why a person would go to all the trouble to make all the mods (adapter Ford to Chevy and have to find a slip yoke) when you can buy a chevy bellhousing and Chevy T5 that bolts up plus use a open ended slip yoke from most Muncies?
I have 600.oo bucks in my Chevy T5 conversion start to finish.
350.00 1986 IROC T5 Ebay
150.00 GM tipped V8 bellhousing and clutch fork Ebay
50.00 to shorten driveshaft
50.00 for 26 spline clutch disc
00.00 slip yoke from my 4 speed
I think people can find Ford ones more easy. I agree, its just easy to go with a Chevy one. The Ford Box is not any stronger in fact, the Ford Motorsport Ratio IS the same ratio used in the 1988 Camaro.
The primary reasons most of us went with the Mustang T5 are; easier to find, cheaper, easier to identify a world class from a non world class. If you don't see a T5 come out of a V8 car it is really hard to verify that it is built for a V8. I agree, the Chevy T5 is easier to install. But it was worth every extra thing I did on my install.
Bernie
Would a Mustang / Chevy T5 be able to handle the torque of a big block? Or would it chew it up and spit it out?
It's said that a T5 will live just fine behind even a 600HP motor so long as it isn't abused. For rough driving and shifting, they say 300HP is it's limit.
Norval ran a mustang T5 behind a 600 + horsepower big block without problems. The only thing you can't do is speed shift into 3rd gear. It will fail.
Bernie
Norval ran a mustang T5 behind a 600 + horsepower big block without problems. The only thing you can't do is speed shift into 3rd gear. It will fail.
Bernie
The torque ratings for these transmissions run 300 to 330 Ft Lbs. Realistically ratings are a benchmark for service life. It doesn't mean if you exceed the rating it will snap. So as you all know many "Stang Bangers" as I call them, have exceeded these ratings with great success, providing you have a good enough rear end gear. However, the life factor will be shortened. How you build and set up the box along with how good of shape the core originally was, determines how long this thing will last.
So,as I see it , most people don't understand that these transmissions are easily 10 to 20 years old now, have had some abuse and for the most part... it is a crap shoot as to what you will get used.
Keep in mind, just like the old Muncie there are plenty of gears made in India and China for these transmissions that for example on Ebay surface in rebuilt units and parts. Not too many people state where the parts come from, and you should always ask. The OEM gears and gears made by G-Force are the only gears worth putting in a T5
5SPEEDS,
I agree with you; you really need to know what you are getting. A T5 is a good tranny but when someone builds it, it is only as good as the worst part he put in it.
Bernie
5SPEEDS,
I agree with you; you really need to know what you are getting. A T5 is a good tranny but when someone builds it, it is only as good as the worst part he put in it.
Bernie
Bernie have you ever rebuilt a T5? I'd be willing to look into doing it myself when I get one...and I'll be confident with my work.
Bernie have you ever rebuilt a T5? I'd be willing to look into doing it myself when I get one...and I'll be confident with my work.
I have. I bought a rebuild kit from Hanlon motors and it came with a great instruction manual. I laid it out on the bench, followed along on their manual and it was not difficult. Just lay the pieces out as they come out and put them back substituting new parts and you will be able to do it yourself. NO problem
Thanks Norval. Quick question to all you guys that used an '85 3500 bell housing. The ones I have been finding are for the old 4-speed, and they all say they won't fit the 5-speed. Is this still the correct one so long as it has the hydraulic provision?
It won't fit without an adapter plate to match them up! It will work.
Bernie
Okay, so it doesn't matter if it's a 4-speed bell housing so long as it's for a hydraulic clutch. That'll help me narrow it down quite a bit while putting together a parts list. Thanks Bernie.
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