Tremec 3550 Torque Limits

[dblvenom]

Need some assistance in determining the torque limitations of my Tremec 3550. Currently have a Shell Valley Cobra with a Racing Performance Ford Racing 351W/370HP/360 ft lbs torque(at the flywheel) crate engine with 3:50:1 locker rear. Thinking of replacing the engine with the Roush 427R (500+ Hp & Torque). The 3550 is rated for 425 ft lbs on a 5000 lb vehicle. Can the 3550 Tremec handle the torque & hp of the 427R (Cobra's weight in low to mid 2000 lbs range)? If not should I step up to the TKO 500 or 600?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated

[SilverFox]

If you want to sell the engine/trany combo you have let me know.

[LMH]

IMO, it would probably hold up if you didn't abuse it too much. The tires are probably going to break loose before the torque limit of the trans is reached.
That's with DOT tires of course.

I've read some of the Mustang guys using unmodified T-5's for drag racing and their cars are heavier. Your 3550 is stronger than theirs.
Larry

[Streetwize]

I run a 511hp 427W in my cobra with the 3550, I've drag raced all brands for 20+ years. With the light weight of a Cobra and limited traction (assuming you're not running Drag Slicks) I feel the 3550 is more than adequate for normal street to moderate road race use. There were guys running in the 9's in Fox body mustangs on slicks and 3100lb body weights back in the early 90's with T5's, the weak link was third gear.

The TKO is a stronger unit, it holds up in 600+ lb/ft Musclecars with the Keisler conversion kits, but most of those cars are 3600+ pounds. When you are accelerating heavy mass from an instantaneous start with little to no tire slip, that's when those bigger input shafts and bearings really come into play, but in a lightweight Cobra, it's really overkill IMO.