Tremec tranny question

COACH MIKE · #1 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 06:57 PM

Gentlemen:
I am replacing my 302, T-5 tranny, with a 351 windsor stroker, tremec 3550 tranny. Will the drive shaft (shortened 87 mustang) slide into the tremec as it did for the T-5. Also, I have been told there is a modification to the back end of the tremec 3550 so it will fit in my factory five transmission mount. Any info on this will also be much appreciated.
Many thanks in advance.

408cobra · #2 (**permalink**) 12-05-2003, 02:27 AM

You will need to trim off the aluminum on the underside of the tranny so it clears the 4 inch round frame tubing. 5 minutes with a grinder or sawsall. Also I believe the tremec is longer so the drive shaft will need to be shortened. The splines on the propellor shaft are the same. I also shimmed my tranny up 1/2 inch and installed adjustable upper control arms to get a nice pinion angle so no binding occurs when 2 people are riding ion the car and you hit a sudden bump.

Todd Baumann · #3 (**permalink**) 12-05-2003, 07:20 AM

If you go on the other forum you will find another vendor Forte's Part Connection he sells the unit and does all the necessary work to it so that it will fit in your car for you. Just let him know that it is for a FFR and he will hook you up.

408cobra · #4 (**permalink**) 12-05-2003, 08:57 AM

I purchased mine from Fortes as well. I also went with a Mcleod steel bellhousing from them as well nice unit and may save your legs if your flywheel seperates from your engine. This is a rare occurence but I spoke to a guy racing a chevy nova and this happened ...the flywheel cut right through the car and exited the windsheild vertically and he said it looked like a buzz saw cut a perfect slot through the car luckily it missed his legs. I trimmed the Mcleod about 3/4 of an inch on the bottom so it would not be lower than the frame rails. I would also use through bolts to connect the rear tranny mount to the car as the bolts tend to fall out because they thread into aluminum. This issue has happened to others regardless if they used lock washers or not. My tranny was swinging left to right on acceleration and I did not even notice anything was wrong until the end of the season inspection scary. I drilled the tranny holes out and through bolted them with grade 8 bolts and friction nuts and have not had any problems since.

Wade Chamberlain · #5 (**permalink**) 12-05-2003, 09:43 AM

The tremec is the same length as the T5. Your driveshaft will fit fine as long as you're going w/ the 3550.

COACH MIKE · #6 (**permalink**) 12-05-2003, 10:44 PM

Thanks for the info guys. As always, the forum comes through.
Coach Mike

Ant · #7 (**permalink**) 12-05-2003, 11:55 PM

COACH MIKE,

I am interested to know why you are going for a 351W stroker, and without trying to start a debate with others, on whats the best engine, Did the beefed 302 "not cut the mustard" so to speak as far as grunt goes?

I am going to do a bit of tight circuit work and am looking at the 347 stroker for handling and to save a bit of weight and under bonnet height, but have a feeling I will get used to a small block quickly as I am used to 600hp BB'S!