T5 overhaul

hinoonaz · #1 (**permalink**) 12-06-2010, 05:21 PM

I am trying to convince myself to rebuild the T5. Syncros are not good and probably wornout gears too. How difficult? I can put together an engine and other eye hand things. Replace main with larger shaft etc. Just looking for some advice. It seems that the labor to put one together is only 300.00. Is it worth it?
Thanks for any and all opinions.
gary

Gaz64 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-06-2010, 06:47 PM

Gary,

Some advice, first time for anything is a learning curve, once you've mastered it, becomes easy.

With a T5, I'd rate them above average to build, not too difficult. They have their own "nags", like anything automotive really.

Just don't be rough, they come apart in a certain order.

blykins · #3 (**permalink**) 12-06-2010, 06:47 PM

You'll need a bearing press along with some other specialized tools. Manual transmissions aren't rocket science by any means but a T5 is a little harder than say a Toploader or T10.

hinoonaz · #4 (**permalink**) 12-08-2010, 03:53 PM

Thanks for info. I have watched a video on rebuilding the t5. I can see what you mean by not forcing and the correct order of teardown and rebuild. The press is an issue but can work that out. Is it worth it though. It is a pain in the @#$@#$ to take out of Cobra, so maybe just do that part and not rebuild. I was thinking about cutting trans cross member and welding plates to enable bolting back in. Would this hurt the structural integrity of the frame ? Is a G-Force okay or maybe Gordons t5? thanks gary

blykins · #5 (**permalink**) 12-08-2010, 04:05 PM

What do you mean by cutting the crossmember? Does your transmission crossmember not bolt up like all others?

The T5 is a nice transmission. IMO, it's one of the best shifting boxes out there. However, strength is not its strong suit.

If you have any power whatsoever, you'll break it if you beat on it. An A5 or G-Force box isn't a bad idea, especially if you can just order the parts and do the labor yourself.

Mac VABCH · #6 (**permalink**) 12-08-2010, 07:05 PM

Gary,
Can you provide a link for the rebuild video? Mac

hinoonaz · #7 (**permalink**) 12-09-2010, 08:01 AM

I will find the video link and post. The crossmember is welded. I have a MK I which is probably why.

hinoonaz · #8 (**permalink**) 12-09-2010, 08:07 AM

Found info and video on Ford Muscle.com. Under t5 transmission rebuild. Very good info imo.

Excaliber · #9 (**permalink**) 12-09-2010, 08:15 AM

Worst trans I ever worked on (discounting auto trans) was an Austin Healey 4 speed (non-synchro 1st gear) with the over drive unit hanging on the back. That was HELL!!
Counter shaft was near impossible to put in but the worst part was getting the splines to line up to accept the "slip in's place" rear OD unit. Took me two days to "slip it in place", dang near gave up, freakin' nightmare. I'll never touch another one.

hinoonaz · #10 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 10:20 PM

I remember looking at an Austin Healy manual about rebuilding tranny.

Changed my mind about the the car. One of several mistakes about not buying and selling cars over the years. Great for man cave stories though.

Excaliber · #11 (**permalink**) 12-13-2010, 10:49 PM

...and third gear still had just a bit of grind on the downshift if you shifted to fast, in spite of all new synchro's in the AH trans and careful assembly. I guess there was something bad about 3rd gear itself (sold the car that way). There's more to a trans overhaul than just new parts! It takes a keen eye, and some experience, to know what to look for or what needs replacing. What might work, what WON'T work, what should be replaced no matter how it looks! Sheeshhh, it aint easy to make the decisions. I swear that 3rd gear looked fine on the AH, but apparently,,, it wasn't!

Same thing happened to me on a Top Loader as well. 2nd gear had a little grind if you shifted to fast, so I put all new synchro's in it. The old synchro's didn't look bad, and THAT should have been my clue, they weren't. Turns out it was 2nd gear, not the synchro, that was the problem. All though, I coulda swore 2nd gear was OK!

Trans overhaul can be tricky, but most of the time, it comes out OK just doing the basics and paying attention to the details. Mostly that works, mostly.... ya feeling lucky?

hinoonaz · #12 (**permalink**) 12-14-2010, 07:37 PM

How did Harry say it! The most powerful hand gun. Do you feel lucky! The engine is a 347 with 470 hp and 450 torque. Would want to beef up the main shaft and gears. I do not shift fast because the tranny is the weak link. No power shifting either. Well, thats not altogether true. It has held together for 6 years now with grinding if get in a hurry. I am also a firm believer in let the banjo player play the banjo. In other words i could screw it up and learn the hard way. If i could trust someone to rebuild for a reasonable dollar i would without having to pay a fortune.
thxs gary

Excaliber · #13 (**permalink**) 12-14-2010, 07:48 PM

Actually, I like your first option, go for it!! Get in there and give it a shot, I would. Not only to save a few bucks, but because I'm not afraid of the challenge and like doing my own work.

Yeah, I'm feeling lucky!

mikeforte · #14 (**permalink**) 12-16-2010, 08:51 PM

Hi Gary,
Before you purchase anything you should get a quote on the parts needed to rebuild your T-5. You'll need the TAG number to identify it correctly. Add the parts needed and figure a little extra. Then consider a new in the box T-5 sells for just $1295.00.
I sell new T-5 Tremec transmissions and all of the rebuild parts too. Just add the parts up and you'll see the difference many times is worth buying new in the box...
BTW, FREE shipping in the US thru Dec 31... I do shipping allowances on export orders.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hinoonaz

I am trying to convince myself to rebuild the T5. Syncros are not good and probably wornout gears too. How difficult? I can put together an engine and other eye hand things. Replace main with larger shaft etc. Just looking for some advice. It seems that the labor to put one together is only 300.00. Is it worth it?
Thanks for any and all opinions.
gary

hinoonaz · #15 (**permalink**) 12-17-2010, 04:27 PM

Hi Mike
Can the new t5 handle the torque though. I am not hard on the trans otherwise mine would have blown up long ago. Of course if synchros were better , abuse would result to a small degree.
thxs gary

blykins · #16 (**permalink**) 12-17-2010, 07:14 PM

You'll have to weigh your options...

I wouldn't trust a stock T5 to last very long behind a good running 347. Shoot, they will break behind a 302 in a Fox Mustang.

You can go a couple of ways...

1. Upgrade the parts in the T5 beyond the T5Z that's available. There are modifications that you can do to upgrade a T5 to 400 and 500hp ratings.

2. Upgrade to a TKO 500 for about $2000.

Do you know how much horsepower you're making? Do you plan to put the car on the track, or is it street only? Do you want to put a lot of money into the car? A TKO would probably raise the resale value of the car.

Just some thoughts...

mikeforte · #17 (**permalink**) 12-17-2010, 07:58 PM

Hi Gary,
A T-5's life is about the drivers technique (no power shifting), horsepower/torque & weight of the car. Let's face it, a Cobra usually weighs less than 2600 lbs. With a smooth driver the T-5 Z is a great gearbox if you're nice. If you on kill, expect it to die with a good shot of abuse....
Remember, no powershifting or sidestepping the clutch and you should enjoy it for years...
Oh last note, do not use a heavy performance clutch. I would recommend a King Cobra clutch. That will decrease the impact of a hard grabbing clutch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hinoonaz

Hi Mike
Can the new t5 handle the torque though. I am not hard on the trans otherwise mine would have blown up long ago. Of course if synchros were better , abuse would result to a small degree.
thxs gary

hinoonaz · #18 (**permalink**) 12-18-2010, 10:01 AM

I did not go light weight on the clutch. King cobra and new flywheel. The hp at the wheel is 370 and torque at 361. I will probably not race the car. There are some nice long on ramps though. Will take to drags once in awhile. How close a fit for a tk500 vs a t5? Always need to consider resale for sure. Not for 10 plus years i hope. Any info would be helpful.
thxs

blykins · #19 (**permalink**) 12-18-2010, 10:07 AM

When you say that you'll go to the drags once in awhile, that tells me right there that a T5 won't last....especially if you get traction and hook up.

There is no fit issue for a TKO. You will need a different bellhousing and a new slip yoke.

mikeforte · #20 (**permalink**) 12-18-2010, 10:25 AM

Hi,
The TKO-500 or TKO-600 will usually fit most Cobra chassis'. If you're running street tires (not street slicks or drag radials) the T-5 will be fine unless you're powershifting. Be nice to the T-5 and it should be fine. If you want to upgrade to a TKO, that is easy to upgrade and everything is in stock.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hinoonaz

I did not go light weight on the clutch. King cobra and new flywheel. The hp at the wheel is 370 and torque at 361. I will probably not race the car. There are some nice long on ramps though. Will take to drags once in awhile. How close a fit for a tk500 vs a t5? Always need to consider resale for sure. Not for 10 plus years i hope. Any info would be helpful.
thxs