hi,
will the t-5 out of a '87 thunderbird work in a '65 mustang? are the input shafts the same? Also, can i use an older style flywheel and clutch with a latemodel housing and cable cluch?
thanks,
Lee

 

The T-bird T5 is not really a good match. It's quite weak, with a 240 ft-lb torque rating, so a decent V8 will break it. In addition the T-bird T5 has a super-deep 1st gear - 3.97:1 ratio. Great for getting a low-torque 4-banger off the line, but not so good for normal use.

If your working on a 6-cylinder car, there have been some successful T-bird tranny installs on those.

Keep in mind that the T-bird T5 also has a different input shaft than the V8 trannys.

With either a clutch cable kit or hydraulic kit, you need a diap[hragm clutch. Stock "long-style" clutches are made to operate with the mechanical linkage which moves the throw out bearing much further. When a stock clutch is used with either system, the clutch will not fully disengage.

BTW, welcome to the forum!!!

 

BTW, I just read your post on another forum. A so-called "expert" has stated he is using a T-bird T5 in his "race rod" ..... don't get any false hope from reading his "expert" advice... :bang: His "race rod" must not have much power... :notnice:

Here are a couple resources who back up the information I gave you above:
Modern Driveline Faq
A 4 cylinder T-5 will bolt up to a V8 bellhousing with a "special" bushing. However, the 4 cylinder T-5 gearing is very low and is torque rated for only 240ft/lbs. It is recommended that the transmission be upgraded with V8 gearing before being but into service behind a V8. We can do this for you. See our T-5 history page for more details.

All Ford Mustang (go about 1/4 way down the page to read:
Ford also used the T-5 in 2.3L through the years. While the 4 cylinder T-5 may appear to be the same they are not. Most 4 cylinder T-5s received a 3.97 gear set with a .79 overdrive and small input pilot bearing shaft. Four cylinder T-5's should not be used behind a V-8, even when the pilot bearing id is decreased to match. Simply put, they will not hold up. Torque rating ~240ft/lbs. Besides first gear is much too low to be usable.

 

Gt350clone,
Is the get set in the thunderbird t-5 the only weak link ,or does the entire transmission differ in areas?
thanks,
lee

 

The input shaft, cluster gear, and 1st, 2nd, & 3rd gears are all different. Not 100% sure about the mainshaft, but just the other parts will run $500 or so... Plus you still need to rest of the rebuild set. Better off buying a V8 trans to start with (or a new T5Z). You can contact Modern Driveline, Hanlon, or D&D to back me up... They are all on my links page under "Transmission Vendors".