3 Speed Auto to T-5 Conversion

[cjperry81]

I have a 66 with the original 3 speed auto in it. I am looking into having a shop do a light resto-mod on the car and i was wanting to switch over to a t-5. What is the best way to go about this? The shop recommended I hunt down the parts for the project to save costs. If I were to do the T-5 should I get a new one? Can I take one off a wrecked or salvage car to save costs? What all would I need? Sorry this is a very open ended question

CP

 

[2+2GT]

I have a 66 with the original 3 speed auto in it. I am looking into having a shop do a light resto-mod on the car and i was wanting to switch over to a t-5. What is the best way to go about this? The shop recommended I hunt down the parts for the project to save costs. If I were to do the T-5 should I get a new one? Can I take one off a wrecked or salvage car to save costs? What all would I need? Sorry this is a very open ended question

CP

The 85-93 V8 Mustang had the "World Class" T5 trans. Get the matching bellhousing and rear engine cover plate if you can. The stock shifter on it will be fine. You'll need the early style shift lever, T5 crossmember, and clutch ford fulcrum to make it work, everything else is stone-stock 66. The easiest way to do the clutch is the stock 66 stuff, which is dead simple and easy to install. And all of it is available new.

 

[robbz28]

Make sure its a V8 t5 too...the 4 cylinder ones will work, but you need a special pilot bearing and they are geared really badly for a v8. You will also need to decide what clutch actuation you want to use, zbar, hydraulic, or cable....I personally am going hydraulic.

 

[chris66dad]

I converted my 3 speed to a T5 in the 66 and love it. The original 3.00 rear gears are too high for "performance" driving and I have a new 3.55 Trac Lok I am putting in soon.
I documented much of the work if you are interested:
How to ID a T5
T5
Hydraulic clutch
Drive shaft

Decided what bell housing and clutch system you are going to use and then match parts to it

 

[2+2GT]

There is so much available for this conversion, you can easily and cheaply install a stock 66 pushrod-type release lever in the 85-93 bell, which was designed for a cable clutch. Using the stock 66 clutch linkage simplifies installation, and makes coordinating with power brakes, headers/manifolds, etc., much easier.