About Modern Driveline (MDL)
Modern Driveline (MDL) is your trusted expert in five- and six-speed manual overdrive conversions. Specializing in high-performance Tremec transmissions, we design, engineer, and supply the parts necessary to upgrade everything from classic hot rods to modern muscle cars—and everything in between. Whether you're restoring a vintage ride or enhancing today’s powerhouse, our goal is to provide the perfect fit using as many existing components as possible. With our detailed, personalized consultation, we guide you step-by-step to ensure you get the best transmission setup for your project.
At MDL, our core belief is simple: deliver exceptional quality backed by outstanding service. Our culture is grounded in integrity, respect, and a shared passion for performance. Every product we offer, from clutches to transmissions, reflects our commitment to excellence. Beyond selling parts, we immerse ourselves in your project, providing expert advice and collaborating closely to bring your vision to life.
Even in challenging times, we remain dedicated to offering high-quality products trusted by enthusiasts, racers, and everyday drivers—at prices that fit the working person’s budget. Reliability is our promise, and customer satisfaction is our tradition. Our business has grown through word of mouth, and we hope to earn your recommendation with every project we support.
Celebrating over 27 years of expertise, MDL is driven by a passionate team of car enthusiasts. We're not just a parts provider—we're car people helping other car people. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, our team ensures a smooth, personalized purchasing experience, time and time again.
We offer more than just products. From design consultation to post-purchase support, our engineering staff stands ready to assist you throughout your installation process. We’re also continually adding educational content, such as how-to videos and detailed articles, to ensure your success. This dedication has earned us a reputation as the go-to source for five- and six-speed manual transmission solutions.
MDL’s roots trace back to the Shelby Club of Northern California, where Bruce Couture recognized the need for modern overdrive transmission solutions tailored for high-performance enthusiasts. Bruce’s journey began in the ’90s, working at Charlie’s Mustangs, where he honed his skills installing T5 transmissions, superchargers, EFI systems, and six-speed conversions.
In 1996, Bruce acquired a 1965 Mustang hardtop that sparked a passion for manual transmissions. Frustrated by the lack of five-speed conversion parts, he developed his own solutions. His work soon caught the attention of other enthusiasts, leading to the formation of Modern Driveline in 1998. What began with simple T5 conversions has evolved into a comprehensive catalog of transmission solutions for Ford, GM, Mopar, Cobras, trucks, and more.
Over the years, MDL has expanded to meet the growing needs of the automotive community. In 2008, we introduced GM and Mopar products, and in 2009, we launched the LF series hydraulic clutch solutions. SEMA 2019 brought further recognition when we were awarded the ‘Best New Engineered Product’ for our SN95 Mustang hydraulic clutch program.
Today, MDL offers complete solutions for a variety of applications, including Falcons, big blocks, small blocks, Y-blocks, and flatheads. With over 10,000 successful installations across the globe, we are proud to serve as a leading name in the manual transmission community.
-
Elite Tremec Distributor: Since 2008, we’ve maintained a direct relationship with Tremec, allowing us to provide top-tier transmission assemblies and service parts.
-
Innovative Hydraulic Clutch Solutions: We lead the market with customized hydraulic clutch systems for Ford, Chevy, and Mopar applications.
-
In-House Expertise: Every product we release is tested on our personal cars before it reaches you, ensuring it meets the highest standards.
-
Unrivaled Support: We guide you from design to installation, offering expert engineering advice, troubleshooting assistance, and easy-to-follow resources.
“I believe that a business is only as good as the people behind it.”— Bruce Couture, Founder
Bruce’s personal journey with MDL began with his ’65 Mustang coupe. After converting it from an automatic to a T5 five-speed, Bruce saw a gap in the market for reliable conversion parts—and Modern Driveline was born. Since then, Bruce has built a reputation for innovation and craftsmanship, developing products like clutch cable kits, cross-members, and hydraulic kits, all tested on his own cars before being released to customers.
In 2007, MDL relocated to Caldwell, Idaho, where our 10,000+ sq. ft. facility and growing staff have allowed us to enhance our capabilities. Our service center now offers Borg-Warner T5 rebuilds, along with repairs for Tremec T45, T56, and more. MDL is proud to remain one of the most trusted five- and six-speed conversion specialists with over 25 years of service in the automotive industry.
Our mission is to keep driving enthusiasts on the road, from weekend cruisers to professional racers. Whether you’re restoring a stock six-cylinder or building a high-horsepower V8, MDL has the solutions you need to modernize your driveline and enhance your driving experience. From flywheels to driveshafts, our goal is to provide everything necessary to convert your classic into a modern hot rod.
At MDL, we are always looking to connect with fellow car enthusiasts. Whether at a local car show or an automotive event, there’s a good chance you’ll spot one of our builds—or one of our team members. If you see us, stop by and say "Hi!"
Check back often for the latest product announcements, event appearances, and helpful content designed to support your next project. Your dream build starts with MDL—where passion meets performance.