Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Drivetrain Tech => Topic started by: 347Thunder on June 17, 2010, 04:55:12 PM

Title: Changing to 5 speed...... need help on making a checklist
Post by: 347Thunder on June 17, 2010, 04:55:12 PM
Hey guys I have decided that I want the car to go low 11's instead of mid 11's, I figure this will be the easiest way(since I need a new tranny anyway) to get the #'s I want. Now I need help making a checklist on what is needed to make this change. So far my list consists of:
1. pedal assembly
2. cluch cable & adjuster
3. clutch
4. flywheel
5. transmission
6. shifter
7. shifter trim & boot
8. bell housing
9. yoke if different
10. reverse & neutral saftey switch


What else can you guys think of. also if anyone has any of these parts please let me know like shifter trim and or pedals, mostly factory parts I can't find. thanks for anyones help
Title: Changing to 5 speed...... need help on making a checklist
Post by: kendoo130 on June 17, 2010, 04:59:46 PM
You're gonna need the little plug for the reverse lights-two wire deal on drivers side of tranny. I'm pretty sure when I did mine the manual flywheel bolts were a different length than the automatic's.
Title: Changing to 5 speed...... need help on making a checklist
Post by: 347Thunder on June 19, 2010, 11:40:55 PM
bump, just thought of this, but now I will need a cage under 11.49
Title: Changing to 5 speed...... need help on making a checklist
Post by: daminc on June 20, 2010, 12:11:47 AM
Thought you had one already
Title: Changing to 5 speed...... need help on making a checklist
Post by: 347Thunder on June 20, 2010, 06:02:36 PM
Quote from: daminc;325987
Thought you had one already


nope, not yet!!!!!!!!!:mullet:
Title: Changing to 5 speed...... need help on making a checklist
Post by: 86T-bird on June 20, 2010, 08:51:07 PM
Don't forget the pilot bearing!

With your 7,000+ shift points it'll need to be a slick shifting unit, which trans have you decided to go with?
Title: Changing to 5 speed...... need help on making a checklist
Post by: Scott D on June 20, 2010, 09:23:36 PM
Maybe we could talk Eric into putting a T-5 Conversion Article (http://www.coolcats.net/tech/advanced/t5_conversion.html) on CoolCats.net (http://www.coolcats.net) ;)
Title: Changing to 5 speed...... need help on making a checklist
Post by: 347Thunder on June 21, 2010, 01:46:27 PM
Quote from: 86T-bird;326054
Don't forget the pilot bearing!

With your 7,000+ shift points it'll need to be a slick shifting unit, which trans have you decided to go with?


I was leaning towards the tremec TKO if I can find it at a good price:burnout:
Title: Changing to 5 speed...... need help on making a checklist
Post by: jandmmustangs on June 21, 2010, 03:18:03 PM
Don't forget the block plate (between the bell and engine block).  Its different for a 5spd car versus an auto.
Title: Changing to 5 speed...... need help on making a checklist
Post by: 86T-bird on June 21, 2010, 06:07:58 PM
Quote from: 347Thunder;326124
I was leaning towards the tremec TKO if I can find it at a good price:burnout:


Do lots of research on selecting a box that'll shift easily above 7k and a clutch that will let it live. 

I have no first hand experience in this area, but have looked into it as an option for the Mustang (I run a C4 in that and would really like overdrive). 

My understanding is a TKO will need to the gears "face plated" or "pro-shifted" from a place like Liberty Gear, Hanlon Motorsports, or Promotion to shift reliably much above 6,500.  Afterward (from what I have read), they take a deft hand to run on the street, but many people do.

There are T-5's (Astro A5's) out there with heavy duty straight cut gears that can take the abuse and RPM, but really should be strip only (they aren't called "crash" boxes for no good reason!).

Clutches become much more sophisticated when moving a heavy car and lots of RPM.  Getting a little slip dialed helps the launch and keeps from breaking the box and bogging the engine.  They are a wear item, so replacement is expected.

From a cost stand point, it appears a Lentech Strip Terminator w/converter is pretty comparible to a good manual box set up for drag racing w/clutch and blow proof bell.

For me it was daunting enough to stay with the C4... at least for the foreseeable future!

As I mentioned, I'm not an expert or have first hand experience with a manual for drag racing, just my poking around over the past couple years. 

For the best souce of information: Speak to the vendors mentioned above.  They each will put together a package to get you set up for your goals.  They'll walk you though the why's and what for's.

Hope you have good luck!

Mark
Title: Changing to 5 speed...... need help on making a checklist
Post by: Dougy_Fresh on June 23, 2010, 07:15:01 PM
driveshaft is different, i had to shorten mine 1.5" last night when i did my conversion.
Title: Changing to 5 speed...... need help on making a checklist
Post by: vinnietbird on June 23, 2010, 07:41:39 PM
My driveshaft and crossmember swapped right over.Crazy stuff.
Title: Changing to 5 speed...... need help on making a checklist
Post by: 347Thunder on June 23, 2010, 08:44:46 PM
So the driveshaft needs to be changed??? As for the crossmember I will just re-fab the one I made
Title: Changing to 5 speed...... need help on making a checklist
Post by: 86T-bird on June 23, 2010, 09:49:44 PM
I had no driveshaft issues with the swap to a T5.  Same as AOD unit.
Title: Changing to 5 speed...... need help on making a checklist
Post by: Beau on June 23, 2010, 11:48:24 PM
Quote from: 86T-bird;326313
I had no driveshaft issues with the swap to a T5.  Same as AOD unit.

Same here.
Title: Changing to 5 speed...... need help on making a checklist
Post by: Dougy_Fresh on June 24, 2010, 04:16:07 PM
dont know what the deal is with the driveshaft, but mine definately had to be shortened