Automatic
transmission to T-5 small block swap
Start
by using a T-5 bell housing assembly from an 1984-93
mustang 5.0L and a Modern DriveLine clutch cable
kit.
This is the easiest way to solve many swap issues. The T-5
bell housing fits both the Windsor blocks (289/302/351) and the T-5
without use of an adapter plate. A Modern
Driveline clutch cable
conversion kit removes the need to use the 3/4 speed
clutch linkage and provides greater header clearance with
smoother operation. The cable kit bolts to the stock
clutch pedal in just minutes.
Using the T-5 bell housing with a clutch cable kit will
require using a diaphragm pressure plate found in late
model Mustangs. 302 engines dated 1981 and earlier will need
a 157 tooth 28oz imbalance flywheel, as do the 289 and
351 blocks, regardless of year. 302/5.0L engines will
need a 157 tooth 50oz imbalance flywheel or otherwise
known as a 5.0L flywheel. We offer flywheels with
fixed and removable counter weights depending on the
need. Removable weights are handy when there
are plans to swap motors in the future that require
different counter weights.T-5's
have a ¾” longer input shaft which sets the
transmission back. Since it is set back ¾” and
has a lower transmission mount, a replacement T-5
transmission cross member is needed. Not all cross
members are built the same. Most cross members on the
market don’t provide enough exhaust clearance or
proper mounting of the e-brake lever. The Modern Driveline cross member solves these problems.
We have provided enough clearance to fit convertibles where
exhaust system clearance is very tight. It is also
built to withstand just about any type of use. The cross
member is designed for use with the stock early
transmission mount, so
don’t make the mistake of purchasing a late model T-5
transmission mount as it will not work.
The
drive shaft will have to be shortened about ¾” to
make up for the ¾” back set. This can be done at any
driveline service shop or purchase a ready made one from
us in steel or aluminum.
The
shifter on a T-5 lines up with the shifter hole in the
floor. Just a little of the floor has to be removed on
the front and right side of the opening. The T-5 shifter
has two threaded holes to mount almost any kind of shift
lever desired. We offer both stock like appearance
shift lever, ball and boot and the Hurst classic
style. For those
who like the Hurst look of the 60’s, there are several
chrome levers to choose from. Hurst also offers five
speed pattern shift balls in white and black or
T-handles found in 69-73 Mustangs.
Be
sure to save the automatic transmission speedometer
cable, as it will be reused. You will, however, need to
install a T-5 speedometer driven gear, which are
available in a variety of tooth counts to match your
differential gear and tire combinations. Installing the
new speedometer driven gear is simple, it requires
removing the c-clip and pulling the old gear off and
sliding the new one on.
Automatics
have a neutral safety switch, so that the car can only
be started in park or neutral. Manual transmissions
don't need the switch, which must be by-passed or the motor will not
start. On early Mustangs the four-plug harness sticks
out of the firewall above the master cylinder. Two of
the wires control the reverse lights; the other two
control the neutral safety switch. Splice those two
wires together and you've bypassed the neutral switch.
The starters from early 289-302 Fords with automatic
transmissions work just fine. The starter from any
'85-'95 Mustang 5.0, auto or manual, will work. When
header clearance is an issue, 1992-95 5.0L Mustangs use a
high-torque which will run about $130.
