decision dilema. opinions?

[68RustBucket]

i've got a dilema on my hands. it involves rebuilding my engine. my dilema is whether or not it'd be a better idea to rebuild it to a 289 with afr165's, compcams XE274H and a T5z tranny behind it, or CHP 331 stroker with some other tranny. i really really want that T5, but i haven't found a T5 that can handle more than 330 lb. ft. of torque and i'd like to think the 331 with some goodies will blast that number away. i won't drive this engine like a race engine or launch it hard constantly, but i'd like something that'll pull like a bat out of hell once in a while. the 289 really won't have any trouble with the T5 at all, but i don't think i will be completely satisfied with an automatic. is there another manual tranny out there (5+ speed) that will bolt right in like the T5? tremec 3550 is out cause of the tranny tunnel modifications needed. so if anyone knows a manual transmission that'll fit what i want, please tell me so. if you have any other suggestions give them freely. thanks

 

[68RustBucket]

bump ... anyone?

 

[2nd Mustang]

I have a similar situation. I really want to go the 331 stroker route, BUT, the 302 has adequate power for what I want. Maybe I'll just go with a lower rear ratio than the 3.25 I have now. I do have a 4 speed top loader that was just rebuilt, and I know it will handle what I have, but as far as 5+ speed tranny, I guess it'll take some bucks to get what you want.

 

[68RustBucket]

see, i think the 289 could get enough horsepower in the higher rpm range if i put enough money into it, but the stroke is too short to get much torque down in low. that's why i want to go with the 331. i just can't find a damn manual transmission that'll handle that kind of torque that doesn't require me modifying my car in some way or another. very upsetting.

 

[jikelly]

I think there are kits out to strengthen the T5 tranny. You should search the 5.0 tech forum and see what the guys there have written about the T5. I wanted to switch to a manual tranny and went with a Tremec 3550 due to the power output of my 351w. Even in my 73 mustang it was a tight fit and I had to cut away part of the transmission tunnel to clear the Pro 5.0 shifter I installed on the tremec.