5spd or auto?

Slobin3d · Dec 11, 2011

I'm torn, I really like driving a stick, and want to install a 5spd in my car, but I picked up a aod trans for next to nothing.

For hiway driving I doubt I'd notice much difference between the two, as far as cost, the AOD is a 4WD trans so it will need to be converted to 2wd, but was rebuilt about 1k ago so all the internals are brand new, or I can pick up a t-5 with bellhousing for $500

What should I do, should I be happy with auto, and maybe do a new valve body and shift kit, or invest in the t-5 and pawn off the aod and jam gears?

I can't make up my mind, please give me some quality pro's and cons to either

Rmoore45 · Dec 11, 2011

If you go with automatic, you'll probably end up switching to a T-5. I would sell the auto trans a buy a T-5. The smiles per gallon is higher with manual.

Realmongo · Dec 11, 2011

Look at yourself down the road and see if you would be happy with the auto. I would prefer the T5 myself.

gikort · Dec 11, 2011

I had the same dilemma when I rebuilt my 67. I went with the auto, 4500 miles later I just finished putting in a T5. Ended up costing me A LOT more.

rbohm · Dec 11, 2011

tough choice imo. back in the day, i would have built the car with a manual trans and been done with it. today however i plan on using an AOD when i get around to working on my stang.

build the car like you want it and be happy with the end result. if you really want a manual trans, sell the AOD and get the T5.

jackson0215 · Dec 11, 2011

Put in a manual, your not really driving unless you use both hands and both feet!

Slobin3d · Dec 11, 2011

Since I have the auto already, and the current Trans is the FMX, should I consider installing the AOD, and pick up and build the t-5 and do it later? I already have a second motor for the car, maybe do a complete powertrain swap, New 408 with a new t-5 and rock the AOD with the original 351? Is it worth the effort?

Fstbk · Dec 11, 2011

I put a Z spec T5 in my 65, I will never regret that! But, in your last post you mention a new 408 with a T5? I dont know if the T5 likes much more than 350HP with an aggressive driver with sticky tires, but then again, a AOD may not like it either.

69Rcode_Mach1 · Dec 14, 2011

I'm going throw another vote for the T-5. When you were a kid did you sit in the car and pretend to shift out of park? Row the gears!!

Noobz347 · Dec 15, 2011

Slobin3d said:
I'm torn, I really like driving a stick, and want to install a 5spd in my car, but I picked up a aod trans for next to nothing.

For hiway driving I doubt I'd notice much difference between the two, as far as cost, the AOD is a 4WD trans so it will need to be converted to 2wd, but was rebuilt about 1k ago so all the internals are brand new, or I can pick up a t-5 with bellhousing for $500

What should I do, should I be happy with auto, and maybe do a new valve body and shift kit, or invest in the t-5 and pawn off the aod and jam gears?

I can't make up my mind, please give me some quality pro's and cons to either

How old are you?
What do you do for a living?
City commute?
Are you a coffee drinker?
Are you married or have a serious girlfriend, and if so, do you generally drive your car or hers?
What gear set do you have installed in the rear?
Is the Mustang your only car?

Slobin3d · Dec 15, 2011

Noobz347 said:
How old are you?
What do you do for a living?
City commute?
Are you a coffee drinker?
Are you married or have a serious girlfriend, and if so, do you generally drive your car or hers?
What gear set do you have installed in the rear?
Is the Mustang your only car?

30
Commercial Glaizer/Retail Manager
5 miles
no
G/F-- Mine
Haven't decided
no, I have 2 others DD's

Noobz347 · Dec 15, 2011

I would go with the 5spd then. Purely for the fun factor. My Stang is not my DD either. I get her out and bang gears, leave tread, and cruise whether it's frustration I'm trying to work out or a really great mood that I'm cruising through... either way, I just can't see getting that same level of therapy from an auto.

StreetsideStig · Dec 16, 2011

I haven't owned a car with an automatic in years, and I've never regretted it. In fact, when I drive one now with an automatic, I find myself bored out of my mind and unimpressed with the response time. I'd go with the stick.

Edster · Dec 18, 2011

If it were up to me I'd go 5spd. More fun and can be more fuel efficient. Lighter etc.

iskwezm · Dec 19, 2011

I went from a built c4 with a 3000 stall to a t5.Now its time to go back to a built c4.Gas mileage is not a consideration so that has little to do with going back.

Hack · Dec 20, 2011

I'd say auto vs manual is mostly a personal decision. It seems many people go with auto now-a-days, but we are a little more car crazy than most, huh? I'm thinking about keeping the automatic in my '70, but it's a convertible and the auto will help me drive in a more relaxed fashion. I'm going to try to keep it a cruiser.

I wouldn't put a T5 in anything but a stock 302 with street tires. If you drive aggressively or use sticky tires go with a stronger option. Many people have destroyed T5 transmissions with all factory 302 Fox Mustangs.

chris66dad · Dec 20, 2011

It is a personal choice above everything else.
I am very happy I went with a T5.
With a built 408 you will want to look at a T5z, G Force or Astro T5.
The basic Astro A-5 is rated at 485 ft/lbs of torque and 550 hp.
The upgraded A-5 is rated at 575 ft/lbs and 650 hp.
http://www.pro-forceperformance.com/astro_a-5.htm

jlangholzj · Dec 20, 2011

Fstbk said:
I put a Z spec T5 in my 65, I will never regret that! But, in your last post you mention a new 408 with a T5? I dont know if the T5 likes much more than 350HP with an aggressive driver with sticky tires, but then again, a AOD may not like it either.

You can build AOD's to handle up to about 1000HP. No Joke. I've got an AOD in mine with a 1-2-3/OD VB in it with o/d lockout. Its a great setup. I'm planning on putting 3.73's in the back as the 3.00's ive got now are way too boggy on the hwy. The t5 and the AOD are pretty comprable as far as gearing...you might notice a slight difference but not much. Also you can set up the VB to be anything from stock to it shifts so hard your teeth rattle out. They're a very solid setup and I enjoy mine very much.

My main reason behind staying with a auto vs a t5 is that its an original auto car and I'm just trying to upgrade, not radically change it. just my $0.01

stillridin · Dec 20, 2011

Definitly stick. So much more fun.

5spd or auto?

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