Ford T5 specifications

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Mar 5, 2008 | 11:20 PM

ram100987

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Ford T5 specifications

I've been researching swapping my th350 for a ford t5. One problem I have run into is that the OEM tranny from 83-93 stangs that I've read that are the best to use are only rated at up to 300ft/lbs. The engine I will soon be putting into the vette should have a bit over 400HP so I'm assuming it should have well over 300ft/lbs. I should be able to get the tranny for around $500 if I look around but I'm worried it won't handle the power my engine will be putting out. However, I found on summit that I can get the same tranny rated at 600ft/lbs but for a little under $2k. Would it be worth the extra cash to keep from busting it as soon as I romp on it?

This is a daily driver and will only see a track maybe a couple times a year, but it is a vette with some power after all so It will be stomped on every now and then.

Mar 6, 2008 | 06:45 AM

GEORGE TAYLOR

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Joined: Mar 2007

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From: SACO MAINE

T-5

The One Summit Is Refering To Is A "world" Trans.
For The Most Part It Is The Updated T-5.

I Have One Behind A Small Block In My (yes I Know) Shelby Mustang. It's Performance Is Great. I Am Only Guessing But I Believe It Would Hold Up Almost Any Big Block Or Hot Understreet Driving Conditions.
For The Money I Would Go New Not Used.

Mar 6, 2008 | 08:50 AM

rj8806

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Joined: May 2005

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From: Tennessee

Actually, the T5 out of the Fox body Mustangs('86-'93) are only rated at 233ft/lbs.

I will say this about them though, I had one in my '90LX behind a 347 stroker motor with super charger and it stood up fairly well. The biggest issue with them is the 3rd gear syncros. As long as you don't get very abusive on it, it should stand up. I would definitely do a rebuild on it as soon as I got it so you know you are starting off with a fresh set of blockers, syncros etc...

Richard
Tech Support

Mar 6, 2008 | 12:48 PM

Durango_Boy

Team Owner

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 24,125

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From: Columbia Missouri

Quote:

Originally Posted by rj8806

Actually, the T5 out of the Fox body Mustangs('86-'93) are only rated at 233ft/lbs.

I think the T5 you want is going to be from a '96 or later, when they went World. They have a shorter input shaft too I think.

Mar 6, 2008 | 06:49 PM

Frankenvette

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jul 1999

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From: White Pine / Dandridge TN

Here is a link to a website that provides some good info on T5 transmissions.

Jim

http://www.5speeds.com/t5/

Mar 6, 2008 | 11:46 PM

bmans vette

Race Director

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 19,445

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From: Athens GA

St. Jude Donor '12-'13, '15- '16-'17-'18-'19, '21

Also search the archives here as there are quite a few previous threads covering this subject. Use the Search drop down menu in the header above. Click on advanced search, plug in T5, click on archives box and click on C3 tech and C3 general. I did this when I put my stuff together.
Also Paul at 5speeds.com is great source for products.
And finally, at least a dozen guys have done this here with much success.
Keep us posted.
Bman

Mar 9, 2008 | 08:58 PM

1981Z06Vette

Pro

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 741

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From: Woodstock GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durango_boy

I think the T5 you want is going to be from a '96 or later, when they went World. They have a shorter input shaft too I think.

If my memory serves correctly, 96 and later would be the T45, and they have a longer input shaft than the T5 and a built-in bellhousing that was only offered on the modular V8s. Modern Driveline backs this up:

http://www.moderndriveline.com/Technical_Bits/T-45.htm

The WC T5 came out in 1985 (265lb/ft) and was upgraded 90-93 (300 lb/ft). 93 Cobras had 310lb/ft ratings, and I think this was called the Z-spec model by Ford Motorsport back then.

Check this link for lots of good T5 info:
http://www.moderndriveline.com/Techn...t5_history.htm

I ran a stock T5 behind a supercharged 302 (in a 5.0 coupe), making 517RWHP and didn't have any issues, though I'm sure it was on borrowed time.

Last edited by 1981Z06Vette; Mar 9, 2008 at 09:07 PM.