5 speed conversion

[Varilux]

I did the T-5 conversion on my '65 inline 6. As everyone else has already said, it makes the car MUCH more enjoyable to drive.

Since then, I've read with interest the experiences of others who have done the conversion. Based on some of the stories, I would recommend going with Modern Driveline for everything (because you know everything should work together smoothly and they will make sure you have exactly what you need).

That said, your conversion will be much easier than mine (because you don't have to change out the clutch disc), but still- I've yet to see a complaint from anyone who has gone through Modern Driveline.

Best of luck!

[rwboring]

one thing i can tell you i did wrong is that i got a spec stage 2 clutch, unless you are making major power you dont need it... especially for a 289 (it would be hard to get a 289 to that power level)...

[tom991]

Originally Posted by rwboring

you might want to check out mustangsteve's cable conversion... it was an easy install and hell while you're making the tranny better might as well make the linkage better (i think it was about 300 with the pedal)...

or you can always add it later on! What clutch do you have in it?

I haven't installed mine yet but I have all the parts and pieces except for the cable. I have a 5 bolt block with an extra bell housing with the adapter plate installed, and a Hayes, clutch, and pressure plate. The TO bearing says Timkin on it. I have a Z-bar stabilizer and the original pedals. My car was converted to a C4 auto before I bought it but it came with the clutch linkage in the trunk for the original top loader that was in the car.

[theman1990]

If you have yet to get one, and are planning on a NEW T5, streetsideauto.com had DIRT CHEAP brand new World Class T5's a while back... I called them just to verify it wasn't a typo when I ordered mine!! lol Showed up still in the ford box!

[22GT]

Originally Posted by tom991

22GT, are you saying that the original speedometer cable won't work with T5 conversion?

Yeah, the 4-speed cable connects to the RH side of the trans, and is WAY too long for a T5. The gear spins the other way, too.

[22GT]

Originally Posted by 66Restomod

I had to get a new fly wheel (28 oz imbalance) to mount the 10.5 clutch.

Not true. The BOSS 302 10.5" clutch uses the same mounting pattern as the 10" clutch in the 289 2V.

[tom991]

Originally Posted by 22GT

Yeah, the 4-speed cable connects to the RH side of the trans, and is WAY too long for a T5. The gear spins the other way, too.

The PO pulled the top loader and put in a C4. The speedo cable is on the drivers side of the tranny. Is the C4 cable the same as the T5 cable?

[rwboring]

Originally Posted by theman1990

If you have yet to get one, and are planning on a NEW T5, streetsideauto.com had DIRT CHEAP brand new World Class T5's a while back... I called them just to verify it wasn't a typo when I ordered mine!! lol Showed up still in the ford box!

they are 1700 on that site... i got mine from summit about 18 months ago for like 1200 (plus 100 shipping IIRC)

[22GT]

Originally Posted by tom991

The PO pulled the top loader and put in a C4. The speedo cable is on the drivers side of the tranny. Is the C4 cable the same as the T5 cable?

Yes.

[bartl]

Yeah, but the T5 doesn't whine like my toploader. :-)

[victor]

I don't remember exactly what I did for a gear when I did the conversion to a T5 in '93. I used a spare '68 bell housing, the adapter plate, the yoke that came with the trans (pulled it myself from a newly wrecked '93 GT) and modified the rear mount. I had to have the drive shaft shortened and the DS shop fitted a spread-dimension front universal to adapt the yoke to my DS. The prior weekend I'd installed a 3.40 tractionlock rear end. And, man, the T5 just brought it all together. Oh, I had an 11" drilled flywheel lying around (from an early 400 SBF) and put in an 11" Qualitee diaphragm clutch set. I didn't worry about the back up lights; I control them with a micro switch under the dash.

[Smitten]

Originally Posted by bartl

Yeah, but the T5 doesn't whine like my toploader. :-)

LOL! Mine does, but only when down shifting in to 1st or 2nd. I do kinda miss the gear noise.

[rwboring]

Originally Posted by victor

I didn't worry about the back up lights; I control them with a micro switch under the dash.

i got a new T5Z from summit and it came with neutral and backup sensors, just made the wires work... it was too easy... the thing about it is you don't have to have the clutch in to start it like a "new car" but it has to be out of gear... works pretty well!