I just finished up swapping in a T5 in my originally equiped toploader 3 speed 66. I thought I would offer some comments on the swap to help those considering it. I used a T5 bellhousing and the stock linkage.
1. If purchasing a conversion kit from California Pony Cars, check fitment between the trans mount and the crossmember. I had to grind 1/8th of an inch off the mount, or else it would not sit flush. I found this out on a test fitment on my bench. I am glad I didn't find that out while under the car.
2. Get all the bolts possible from the T5 you get at the junkyard/ebay. Make SURE you get the trans to bellhousing bolts. They are a fairly hard to find bolt, and you don't want to be held back thinking your old trans bolts will work.
3. The pilot bushing needs to be changed with a pilot bearing. Packing the bushing with wheel bearing grease, and using a clutch install tool (plastic) took me about 2 minutes. Hit the tool 3 times fairly soft and it popped out.
4. For people with single exhaust.... You will have fun getting the T5 input shaft into the bellhousing after getting it under the car ready for install. With the toploader, you can slide it back and then lower the front to get it out. With the T5, the part where the exhaust Y's together will not let you slide the T5 back sufficiently to get the input shaft into the bellhousing. I had to pry on the Y part with a 2x4 and barely got the clearance.
5. Take the shifter handle + assembly off BEFORE trying to install it. I learned the hard way.
6. My starter bolted right up. It seems that sometimes they will, sometimes you need to get an automatic starter.
7. Have fun finding the Correct U-joint with the CPC yoke they supply. They have internal locking, and the driveshaft on my 66 is external. Driveshaft shop is your best bet for less headache.
8. Do NOT bolt the fulcrum kit on the bellhousing thinking you will slide the fork in after you have it bolted to the engine. The fork will not clear it. Either bolt the bellhousing up with the fork already installed, or bolt the fulcrum kit together when the bellhousing is installed and you put the fork in place. I learned the hard way, as usual.
9. Another note on the pilot bearing, it will not go in all the way. Don't beat the crap out of it, it will stick out 1/8th of an inch because thats where it bottoms out on the crank.
10. Cursing helps. I believe one member commented that his car was "Powered by profanity". Well in that case, I will never run out of fuel.
1. If purchasing a conversion kit from California Pony Cars, check fitment between the trans mount and the crossmember. I had to grind 1/8th of an inch off the mount, or else it would not sit flush. I found this out on a test fitment on my bench. I am glad I didn't find that out while under the car.
2. Get all the bolts possible from the T5 you get at the junkyard/ebay. Make SURE you get the trans to bellhousing bolts. They are a fairly hard to find bolt, and you don't want to be held back thinking your old trans bolts will work.
3. The pilot bushing needs to be changed with a pilot bearing. Packing the bushing with wheel bearing grease, and using a clutch install tool (plastic) took me about 2 minutes. Hit the tool 3 times fairly soft and it popped out.
4. For people with single exhaust.... You will have fun getting the T5 input shaft into the bellhousing after getting it under the car ready for install. With the toploader, you can slide it back and then lower the front to get it out. With the T5, the part where the exhaust Y's together will not let you slide the T5 back sufficiently to get the input shaft into the bellhousing. I had to pry on the Y part with a 2x4 and barely got the clearance.
5. Take the shifter handle + assembly off BEFORE trying to install it. I learned the hard way.
6. My starter bolted right up. It seems that sometimes they will, sometimes you need to get an automatic starter.
7. Have fun finding the Correct U-joint with the CPC yoke they supply. They have internal locking, and the driveshaft on my 66 is external. Driveshaft shop is your best bet for less headache.
8. Do NOT bolt the fulcrum kit on the bellhousing thinking you will slide the fork in after you have it bolted to the engine. The fork will not clear it. Either bolt the bellhousing up with the fork already installed, or bolt the fulcrum kit together when the bellhousing is installed and you put the fork in place. I learned the hard way, as usual.
9. Another note on the pilot bearing, it will not go in all the way. Don't beat the crap out of it, it will stick out 1/8th of an inch because thats where it bottoms out on the crank.
10. Cursing helps. I believe one member commented that his car was "Powered by profanity". Well in that case, I will never run out of fuel.
