T5 differences
Instructor
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Hudson NH
Re: T5 differences (tworottiedogs)
I don't know. I just scored a T5 from an 89 Formula 305 for $20. Interested in hearing what the forum has to say before I slap it in the car.
[Modified by jrh74cp, 10:25 AM 7/15/2002]
[Modified by jrh74cp, 10:25 AM 7/15/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: T5 differences (jrh74cp)
Nice find! I keep hearing that it is a great trans as long as you don't beat it to death with powershifts.
As far as the v-6 version I think it is diff, but can't give you specifics. If I remember right , tworots, you got a pretty stout bgblock so the v-6 version might not hold up as long. But I would do it since you can always find another v-8 t-5 and have all the ground work done. One member said he made his diff removable when he did his t-5 swap so if he had problems he could drop it much easier. I am going to look into it when the time comes next spring.
As far as the v-6 version I think it is diff, but can't give you specifics. If I remember right , tworots, you got a pretty stout bgblock so the v-6 version might not hold up as long. But I would do it since you can always find another v-8 t-5 and have all the ground work done. One member said he made his diff removable when he did his t-5 swap so if he had problems he could drop it much easier. I am going to look into it when the time comes next spring.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,454
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
Re: T5 differences (Fevre)
Well, The T5 was never used with the 350 engine only the 305. G.M. stated the T5 was not strong enough to handle the torque of the 350. So if you wanted the manual you had to get the 305, if you wanted the 350 it only came with the 700R. In a mild 350, I wouldn't worry but 400hp+ it probably wouldn't last long unless it was built up.
[Modified by Corey 68, 11:57 PM 7/14/2002]
[Modified by Corey 68, 11:57 PM 7/14/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 2
From: Moro IL
Re: T5 differences (tworottiedogs)
I think any big block would be instant death for a T5. We had trouble keeping them together behind 5.0 Mustangs much less something that puts out over another 100ft lbs of torque to it.
:cheers:
Pat Kunz
:cheers:
Pat Kunz
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 6
Re: T5 differences (Corey 68)
Well, The T5 was never used with the 350 engine only the 305. G.M. stated the T5 was not strong enough to handle the torque of the 350. So if you wanted the manual you had to get the 305, if you wanted the 350 it only came with the 700R. In a mild 350, I wouldn't worry but 400hp+ it probably would last long unless it was built up.
It was a terrible, terrible transmission that inspired much eye rolling and disdain from the three men (I worked at a large-ish transmission shop for 8 years) in the standard department. Those guys had combined experience of almost 60 years. I do recall that Borg-Warner did do a drastic overhaul of the design, thereafter referring to it as the T5 "World Class". They held up a helluva lot better than the original design, but it was still not a rugged unit in the way that the Muncies or Super T10s that are found in C3's are.
YMMV, but I would not install one in my car, no way, even if it was still at the original L48 output level.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: T5 differences (45ACP)
Been a few members who have done this swap and been very happy. I have not heard of any who say they did the swap and been unhappy. Hopefully if there are any they will chime in. They may not have been built to withstand the punishment some people apply to their cars but even a v-6 can cause serious damage if power shifting with slicks or other very sticky tires. If I raced it all I might not go this route but I am pretty nice to drivetrain.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Re: T5 differences (tworottiedogs)
I too have thought about this swap. I don't race, just cruise around town and the highways. With that being said, how difficult is the swap? In summary, what needs to be modified? Are there any other used manual trannys that will drop in without major modifications? Currently, I have an old 350 putting out 251hp at the rear wheels. I do plan to rebuild the engine as a 383ci but still no plans to race or ever powershift.
Regards,
Jim
Regards,
Jim
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: T5 differences (tworottiedogs)
The 6 cylinder version is a little longer in the input shaft by about 1/8th of an inch plus it's pilot bearing shaft is a little smaller. I know a guy who uses them regularly behind his nitrous 355 and blows about 1 a year. He is an idiot who does constant burnouts.
Now back to the V8 T5. I had one behind my blown bigblock for a full year and never worried about burn out. While they are rated up to a maximum of 330FT LBS and as low as 265 for the very early units this rating is based on 24 hours of continued use.
I have one behind my 11 second nitrous slicked 355 mustang and it NEVER causes a problem.
I do NOT power shift.
Got to run for my smog test. Wish me luck :)
Now back to the V8 T5. I had one behind my blown bigblock for a full year and never worried about burn out. While they are rated up to a maximum of 330FT LBS and as low as 265 for the very early units this rating is based on 24 hours of continued use.
I have one behind my 11 second nitrous slicked 355 mustang and it NEVER causes a problem.
I do NOT power shift.
Got to run for my smog test. Wish me luck :)
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: Brighton MI
Re: T5 differences (45ACP)
I've got a WC T-5 in my 89 Firebird Formula with a TPI 305 in it. The car has 95k miles and the trans is original. It shifts very well with no funny noises or vibrations. A previous owner campaigned the car for several seasons in SCCA Solo II and the T-5 came through it fine. I think Norval is right, if you treat them half-way nicely and know how to drive, they will live a long and happy life. Conversely, an idiot could probably break a M-22 behind a straight six if they tried hard enough. :smash:
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 905
Likes: 1
From: New Bern NC
Re: T5 differences (72 Stingray)
Thanks for the replies. I will skip on the T5 from the V6 for fear of destroying it. I think the easiest way to lower rpms on the highway is to install some huge tires........
