gearing for the t5

[BrownPSU78]

so im doing the t5 swap into my 69 mustang and getting rid of that ol 4 speed.
However what do yall think i should use as first gear and rear gear ratios
i am looking for 1/4 performance on a basically stock 302
Thanks for the help
--Brown

 

[2bav8]

3.50 rear gears and the standard T-5 gear ratios work well for street use. A set of 3.73s will give you a slight advantage for the 1/4 mile.

How dedicated is the car going to be used at the strip?

 

[6stang8]

If you get one or build a T5 with a 2.95 ratio(I'm referring to world class T5's here), your torque rating goes to 330 ft/lb or close to it if you are building one.

I rebuilt a T5 and kept the 3.35 first gear and installed it into my '68 which has a 3.00 traction lok 8" rear and 225/50/16 tires. It definetly has made the car feel stronger! I previously had a C4 tranny in it with just a stock converter which sucked.

Anyway, I think first gear doesn't last long enough for me but it does pull pretty good! I'd still go for the 2.95 first gear in a World Class T5 and then get the right rear gear if your going to be drag racing a lot because it is stronger.

I couldn't imagine having 4.11 gears with a 3.35 first gear. I wonder how someone could keep traction with such a combo?

I guess I'm just used to a Corvette I have which has a 2.68 first gear and a 3.45 rear and 285/40/17 tires. Some guys put 4.11s in their 'Vettes and say it really wakes them up and makes 6th more usefull.

I guess it's just what you are used to or what you want.

edit: I see your 302 is basically stock. You could go with the 3.35 first gear with a stock 302 and preferably a '90 and up V8 T5(rated a 300 ft/lb) if you wanted and not worry too much about the strength of the T5.

 

[BrownPSU78]

i am having trouble find the 3.55 first gear what rear gear should i use if i get a 2.95 first gear

 

[stangman67]

i am having trouble find the 3.55 first gear what rear gear should i use if i get a 2.95 first gear

Thats becuase you will find the T5 with a 3.35 first gear, or 2.95 with the z spec tranny. If you have an 8" rear, you could run 3.55 rear gear for best road manners and economy. With the 3.35 first, it seems 3.80s would be better for the strip, and 4.11 for 2.95 first gear trans. If its a 9', the only difference i know of is the choice of 3.55, 3.70, 3.89, 4.11 for best all around.