Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Trans AM T5 tranny into my 84 tbird (Read 1246 times) previous topic - next topic

Trans AM T5 tranny into my 84 tbird

Hey guys, I ran into a friend that gave me a T5 tranny out of a Pontiac Trans AM V8. I know I will need a ford bell housing, but would this T5 work for my conversion on my 84 tbird 5.0?

Trans AM T5 tranny into my 84 tbird

Reply #1 –
Doubtful.

The input and output shaft splines are most likely different as well as the shifter location.
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon

Trans AM T5 tranny into my 84 tbird

Reply #2 –
The T5's used behind the four cylinder GM engines used the 'Ford' main case-to-bell housing bolt pattern. The GM V6 (thru the 1992 model year) and V8 versions used the GM trans-to-bell bolt pattern. The Chevy/GM 4 cylinder and V6 trans used a 1" diameter x 14 spline input shaft, while all Ford T5's used a 1-1/16" diameter x 10 spline input shaft.

GM 2WD T5's used a 27 spline output shaft; Ford used a 28 spline output.

If you have the money these guys might help:  http://ddperformance.com/
1987 TC

Trans AM T5 tranny into my 84 tbird

Reply #3 –
That sucks.... Oh well, it was worth the try. Thanks guys

Trans AM T5 tranny into my 84 tbird

Reply #4 –
I've read that the tranny behind the 3800's in newer F-bodies is very much like the Ford T-5 (uses Ford-style bellhousing mounting points, shifter in Ford location, etc). I believe i read it in a Hot Rod magazine, where a guy asked if he could use the V6 tranny behind his SBC and they told him no, because it was more like the Ford tranny (also, isn't the Chevy V8 T5 rotated a bit?).

As for input shafts - as long as it was the same length and a suitable pilot bearing/bushing could be found, could the shaft size and number of splines be overcome by using a Chevy clutch disc with a Ford pressure plate (assuming same diameter)?
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

Trans AM T5 tranny into my 84 tbird

Reply #5 –
Yah, the F-body V8 T5s are supposed to be angled toward the driver.
Matt
1984 Thunderbird - 89 302 HO, GT40 heads w/ Trick Flow springs, E303 cam, Edelbrock Performer 289 intake and 600 cfm 4bbl, Mustang headers, Jegs o/r H pipe, Dynomax lers, Mustang AOD and shifter, Mustang 8.8 w/ 3.73s, 3G alternator, Mustang front and rear sway bars, KYB SN-95 front struts and shocks, and 11" front brakes.

1988 Mustang GT - GT40 heads, Explorer intake, 70mm throttle body, 70mm MAF, Crane 1.7 rrs, E303 cam, Kirban Kwik shifter w/ Pro 5.0 deluxe handle, aluminum clutch quadrant and firewall adjuster, o/r h pipe, Dynomax lers, 3G alternator, aluminum radiator, and 3.27 gears.
 
1986 Cougar 5.0, 1989 Mark VII LSC 5 speed, 1980 Mercury Zephyr 4 door (sold)

Trans AM T5 tranny into my 84 tbird

Reply #6 –
and yes you can use the chevy 10" clutch (actual diameter is more like 9.25") Ford pressure plate and a couple little mods that I forget.  I've been researching this as I'm putting an S10 T5 behind my 8BA flathead.
1987 TC
 

Trans AM T5 tranny into my 84 tbird

Reply #7 –
Sell it on ebay and use the profits to buy a mustang T-5.  Just my $0.02