T-5 and tremec experts
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Brazos TX
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T-5 and tremec experts
My question is regarding the bolt pattern on the transmissions. Are they all the same or does the GM T-5 have a bolt pattern similar to the older style T-10 or Muncie transmissions? Those will be different from the Ford patterns. My thinking is to mix and match input shafts and cases to make it work with the existing bellhousing if that is possible. The internals will be different anyway, so changing cases shouldn't be a big deal if it works with the parts I would like them to.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Living in the Hartland
T-5 bolts right up, no changes needed except maybe the pilot bearing, need to check on that myself. The trans mount is the only odd thing about the t-5. Might even be able to use a drive shaft from a C3 700r4 car and just change out the front u-joint and trans yoke. I am going to do the swap this summer but have not set time schedule.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Atascadero Ca
make sure for a fact that you are using a transmission out of a v8. I've got a ford ranger that I swapped a built 302 and a t-5 transmission into. After about a week of hard driving I lost 2nd and 4th gear. I ran my tranny numbers and it turned out to be the 4 banger gear box. There is apparently a major difference between the two.
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by i885744
make sure for a fact that you are using a transmission out of a v8. I've got a ford ranger that I swapped a built 302 and a t-5 transmission into. After about a week of hard driving I lost 2nd and 4th gear. I ran my tranny numbers and it turned out to be the 4 banger gear box. There is apparently a major difference between the two.
The 4 cylinder T5's have a lower first gear, less of an overdrive, a slightly smaller pilot bearing shaft and overall the input shaft is about 1/8th longer making for a binding on the crank when bolted up and it will take out the crank thrust bearing.
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Le Mans Master
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From: Brazos TX
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Yes, I am aware of the differences between the V8 boxes and the 4 and 6 cylinder ones so I'll be looking for a good one. The only strange part with the GM box is the 15 degree angle on the mount. I'm hoping I can swap a Ford tail shaft so the mount is normal.
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From: Living in the Hartland
Originally Posted by burners
Yes, I am aware of the differences between the V8 boxes and the 4 and 6 cylinder ones so I'll be looking for a good one. The only strange part with the GM box is the 15 degree angle on the mount. I'm hoping I can swap a Ford tail shaft so the mount is normal.
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by burners
Yes, I am aware of the differences between the V8 boxes and the 4 and 6 cylinder ones so I'll be looking for a good one. The only strange part with the GM box is the 15 degree angle on the mount. I'm hoping I can swap a Ford tail shaft so the mount is normal.
I installed the GM tremec in my friends car last month and he used the stock 4 speed bellhousing and I just cut and welded the stock 4 speed mount on the crossmember. I also made the crossmember removable.
It was a simple swap that could be done in a weekend.
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The Ford of course requires an adapter to bolt up to the GM bellhousing. Overall it seemed like the best option to me. 1/2" adapter plate to change the blt pattern and adapt the Ford length. Stronger than the GM T5, too.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
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From: Brazos TX
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Norval, did you use the GM bellhousing for the F-body or a standard bellhousing for a T-10/Muncie? I thought the F-body bellhousing was twisted 15 deg. to accomodate the transmission.
Dave, I'm planning to use G-Force internals so it will be stronger than any of the stock units available. I just wanted to bypass some of the fabrication. I guess I'm being lazy but considering the parts I want to use I think I have the option of selecting the most straight forward approach.
Dave, I'm planning to use G-Force internals so it will be stronger than any of the stock units available. I just wanted to bypass some of the fabrication. I guess I'm being lazy but considering the parts I want to use I think I have the option of selecting the most straight forward approach.
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Gotcha.
The f-body bellhousing, at least the one that Chris (Fevre) had, was for the smaller flywheel. It wouldn't even bolt up to my engine with the flywheel I have. Can;t recall the tooth count off hand.
Not sure what Norval used.
The f-body bellhousing, at least the one that Chris (Fevre) had, was for the smaller flywheel. It wouldn't even bolt up to my engine with the flywheel I have. Can;t recall the tooth count off hand.
Not sure what Norval used.
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From: Living in the Hartland
Originally Posted by ddecart
Gotcha.
The f-body bellhousing, at least the one that Chris (Fevre) had, was for the smaller flywheel. It wouldn't even bolt up to my engine with the flywheel I have. Can;t recall the tooth count off hand.
Not sure what Norval used.
The f-body bellhousing, at least the one that Chris (Fevre) had, was for the smaller flywheel. It wouldn't even bolt up to my engine with the flywheel I have. Can;t recall the tooth count off hand.
Not sure what Norval used.
Dave is right, the f-body bellhousing it too small to accomodate the stock vette flywheel and my 11" centerforace clutch, you could get a Lakewood f-body bellhousing but that is an extra $300 or so.
Fabbing up a trans bracket should not be a big deal, although having the trans at the 15 tilt reduce the amount of trans tunnel modification and the shifter comes out pretty close to the stock position.
I am going to run the t-5 behind a mild 350 to start and maybe upgrade to the g-force internals if breaks or I switch to a stroker.
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
For a bellhousing I took my 14 inch flywheel with me to the wreckers and found a 85 one ton truck bellhousing that fit the large flywheel. It had the bolt pattern straight up. I used the FORD tremec along with the 1/2 inch adaptor plate. I prefer the adaptor plate so indexing the bearing retailer is easier, the ford tremec is cheaper and since I used a ford T5 the year before I knew an easily made adaptor plate would work.
While people say the T5 is weak I had a Ford 89 T5 behind my blown big block for a season without a problem. 1st gear does not have a problem, 3rd does but only if you power shift, Take nice clean shifts and it will never break. My 89 nitrous 355 mustang is still on it's first transmission.
I personally like the T5 and any one with any sense will not have a problem. The people that just beat things will break anything.
While people say the T5 is weak I had a Ford 89 T5 behind my blown big block for a season without a problem. 1st gear does not have a problem, 3rd does but only if you power shift, Take nice clean shifts and it will never break. My 89 nitrous 355 mustang is still on it's first transmission.
I personally like the T5 and any one with any sense will not have a problem. The people that just beat things will break anything.
