Pretty sure missing gears is the main problem with the T5's. Syncros will blow up. The gears themselves will also wear out in time with high hp but that will happen with all of them. Built one T5 years ago that the gears itself were razor sharp from wear. T5 is strong because it has a short main shaft. I've had good experiences with world class T5 also.

 

Im definitely keeping my fingers crossed with mine holding up

 

I have heard of plenty of them holding up, my stock one let go with normal 3rd gear grind for starters. I knew it was starting when i bought the car but I could get it to not do it with a double clutch of 3rd. it started with others issues after. I sent my old T5 to astro has a core and picked up my current one. The other problem with them is strong motors will deflect the case, the small spline count can also twist the shaft. they are known for a weak 2nd and 3rd gear, and most guys put the hurt on them from power shifting. It is real easy to miss 3rd with the stock shifter but almost all good aftermarket shifters will take care of that. I probally could hold out with mine but I'll go for the T56.

1fastGT I rebuilt my rearend with all new bearings/seals, got a '03 cobra 31 spline diff from ford racing, 31 spline mosers, Ford racing gridle, welded the tubes and went with 3:73 gears. I should be all set for a boosted 347.

 

Thats actually nxt on the list for me. 31 spline mosers

 

Power shifting that T5 is definitely an art. I never could do it. Riding with my buddy in his, I was just amazed. Takes commitment to just bang it into second and third like that. If not truly committed, you will blow that synchro to pieces. Won't even dare in the cobra. Not wanting to build it again. Lol

 

anyone can tear anything up with a little effort .. iv`e had my T5 for 6 years and had it in my 351 pinto and my current stang .. i bought two at the time because of their bad rep .. and i dont think many people can be harder than i on hardware ..

 

My astro T5 is really nice. I have the MGW and really can rip it and she is holding up just fine, but when this topic gets brought up there are plenty of guys who bring up how thiers lasts behind decent power, or many years of hard shifting, etc, etc. don't disagree at all. some seem to handle it just fine and I have had one, seen and read of them failing pretty easy it can be a crap shoot sometimes. I may just for the sake of it and saving a few bucks at first run mine and then if it goes get the T56, I'll wait and see. I do love how mine shifts right now.

 

Just did some research on astro.....those guys are located literally in my back yard! Gonna have to go and check em out!

 

I seen your post earlier so I decided to give Tony a call, he finally called me back ( he is on vaca) I asked him about the tranny he built for me ( level 3) behind my 347 plans vs a T56. The level 3 is a pretty stout T5 but a hard hitting clutch can help break it quick for sure also, I seem to leave that out alot myself. He can also take a T5 up to 700-800hp on a 26 spline shaft. he was talking fast today but he is great guy to have work done by and he knows his stuff.

His site has changed a little I haven't been on it in a few years but I have this one..
http://www.astroperformance.com/prod...roducts_id/691

He also makes a pretty sick T56 but like he was telling for way less money than the T56 + install kit for a Fox he can take my T5 up to what I would need for a 347 on boost for way less money, like 1/2 the cost

 

Very nice Fox you have there man! Great choice for a swap too!

 

Thank you so much for the info skunk...im def checking astro out I was serious that he's maybe 40 min from me lol....and ford thank you for the comments bro

 

you lucky boy. from what I have heard ( since I have only talked with him) his shop is awsome and he is like a mad scientist with this stuff. let me know what it was like.

 

Hahaha oh most definitely sir im gonna give em a call sometime this week

 

Not sure if your refering to me as "ford" but just in case you are, your welcome

 

Yes I am lol

 

Congrats on the 351! You won't regret that change. Is it running now? The T5 isn't my choice, but it's lightweight in stock form. I'd also look into G-FORCE if sticking with that transmission. If for no other reason, to see if theirs and Astro's is basically the same. Before the style they build came along, my car broke 9 T-5's. Nearly all of them broke just after releasing the clutch in 3rd. One even broke just riding along when I punched it.

 

No not running yet....gonna hold off on it for a bit....father in law just passed so taking care of family. I was attempting to have it running last weekend but ran into a snag. I was gonna use my old 302 crank pulley but as soon as I was gonna bolt it on I noticed that the harmonic balancer on the 351w is a 3 bolt and not a 4 bolt. Which is weird cause I have a 71 block and if my research is correct the engine should have a 4 bolt balancer....the 3 bolt was on 69 and earlier 351's. Now if im wrong my apologies. When I noticed that...I got a lil frustrated and decided to take a break from the car. Im also ready that some setups require crank spacers...some don't and blah blah blah....let's just say my brain is a lil fried with all the reading I've done lol

 

Since these pics I've deleted the a/c and p/s but u guys get the idea. Almost there just have to get the correct crank pulley setup

 

Sorry about your Father in law, my condolences. Great job sofar, things are looking good

 

Thankyou Skunk