• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

How much can a v8 world class t5 handle?

  • Thread starter Thread starter SadbutTrue
  • Start date Start date Mar 10, 2008

SadbutTrue

Founding Member
May 1, 2002
2,390
4
49
Granada Hills, California
Mar 10, 2008
#1
  • Mar 10, 2008
  • #1
I stuck a t5 out of an 89 GT into my car last year. It has a steel retainer, for whatever thats worth. I get mixed messages on how much the thing can handle on the classics board... some said even my mild 351w might have too much torque for it and some said it could take 400 hp (without slicks and regular powershifting) without issue.

I sort of figured I didn't see 5.0 guys constantly swapping their t5s out for tremecs so they can't be thaaat weak (though since I don't own a fox I could be misinformed).

So I figured I'd ask the source. What are people's experiences with these units? I figured you get this question a lot but did a few searches and didn't find anything specifically saying when a t5 starts getting in over its head.
 
S

Sicarius428

Active Member
Jan 6, 2004
2,085
5
49
Mar 10, 2008
#2
  • Mar 10, 2008
  • #2
The T5 is kind of hit and miss. It really comes down to how hard you launch and how hard you shift. I was able to break mine with just hard shifts and I don't have anything close to a mild 351. Upgraded ones can handle a lot of power but the cost of an upgraded t5 and a TKO series is about the same. I think I already replied to your post in the classic section... I'll let others chime in then.
Kevin
 

NKau

Founding Member
Dec 15, 2001
1,346
0
37
Jefferson, WI
Mar 10, 2008
#3
  • Mar 10, 2008
  • #3
They can handle quite a bit, so long as you aren't launching them on sticky tires a lot, or powershifting. Some guys can't kill them, others blow them up like they're going out of style. I've personally never had a problem with any of mine, but I don't drive like a complete savage at all times like some do. The 90-93 units are rated a bit higher than the earlier ones if you are buying used for what it's worth.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,242
17,924
224
Massachusetts
Mar 10, 2008
#4
  • Mar 10, 2008
  • #4
85-89's are rated at 265 ft-lbs of torque

90-93s are rated at 300 ft-lbs.

If you drive gthem right, they can take 400HP, or you can snap them with stock 225
 

SadbutTrue

Founding Member
May 1, 2002
2,390
4
49
Granada Hills, California
Mar 10, 2008
#5
  • Mar 10, 2008
  • #5
NKau said:
They can handle quite a bit, so long as you aren't launching them on sticky tires a lot, or powershifting. Some guys can't kill them, others blow them up like they're going out of style. I've personally never had a problem with any of mine, but I don't drive like a complete savage at all times like some do. The 90-93 units are rated a bit higher than the earlier ones if you are buying used for what it's worth.
Click to expand...

Yeah I found that out after I got and installed the 89 one

Well, I'll drive it and see how long it lasts, shrug. Thanks
 

Fett

New Member
Nov 2, 2004
766
6
0
Mar 10, 2008
#6
  • Mar 10, 2008
  • #6
So, 5000rpm hole shots on spray isn't good for a T5 then?

Oh well, there cheap enough at least.
 

2000xp8

SN Certified Technician
Aug 8, 2003
8,023
1,615
194
NJ
Mar 10, 2008
#7
  • Mar 10, 2008
  • #7
IMO, sell it while it still works well, it has alot higher value that way, because if you break something serious, all it will be is 75lbs of scrap metal.

Instead of investing money in clutches or flywheels to match up, it really would be a better investment to get a tremec or have the t5 made into a gforce because with one of them the clutch will not be able to be re-used, and you will just have more scrap metal to add to the pile.

I beat mine till it broke, and i wish i didn't. I landed up with a trans worth $100 instead of $600, and a Useless $300 clutch.
That's $800 that could of went towards a better setup.
 

1.8kmint

New Member
May 31, 2007
47
0
0
Middletown, CA
Mar 10, 2008
#8
  • Mar 10, 2008
  • #8
Its a roll of the dice with your odds based on your driving style....
 

Turkey Sammich

I can't fap normal. I cracked a rib, then my ankle
Jul 12, 2006
0
59
154
Mar 10, 2008
#9
  • Mar 10, 2008
  • #9
I've gone through two T5's already. If you baby you're stang, you shouldn't have a problem. If not invest in a stronger transmission, especially if you're going to be adding more hp/tq to your pony.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Place to Avoid: Jamison Auto Group in Gulfport, MS
  • D Durden
  • Oct 20, 2025
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • 2 3
Replies
45
Views
2K
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Feb 4, 2026
nickyb
T5 questions, replace vs rebuild
  • AnthonyA1234
  • Nov 1, 2022
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2 3
Replies
55
Views
11K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Nov 21, 2022
Mustang5L5
SN Mustang Magnum T56 swap
  • revhead347
  • May 24, 2024
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Replies
15
Views
6K
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech Jun 28, 2026
GearHeadGuy
M
Progress Thread Monkeybutt2000's 89 vert build thread- 408w build in progress
  • Monkeybutt2000
  • Apr 4, 2020
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 20 21 22
Replies
437
Views
68K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Feb 20, 2026
2Blue2
R
Fox Closed PCV System, Dual Valve Catch Can
  • RTW0223
  • Dec 6, 2019
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
3
Views
14K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Dec 30, 2021
jay98
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?