Should I convert to manual tranny?
- Thread starter VT66PONY
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zookeeper
Founding Member
I think it's a great idea, especially considering I'm going to do the same. Here's my plan: I have an '88 GT that has the same 5.0/T5 combo every other GT had and I love it. My goal is to get my '68 to drive and perform like my '88. Since that's the plan and they both have 2:79 rear gears, I won't even swap rear gears, the T5 has a low enough 1st gear, and I'll install a Powertrax locker in the original 8 inch. I don't plan on dragging the car, so the 8 inch will be more than enough. My '88 pulls down 25+ mpg an has gotten as high as 27mpg, and since I plan on driving my '68, it needs to get good mileage. I plan to use the '68 style clutch assembly and the spacer plate to avoid swapping over to a cable-type clutch linkage, but lots of guys use the cable and are happy, so whatever you want would be fine.
zookeeper
Founding Member
The '88 is all stock, and partly worn-out! The key to good mileage is the Ford EFI, tall gears and using the cruise-control at every opportunity. As any late 80's 5.0 owner can tell you, fifth gear is very tall and allows for freeway RPM's of about 1600 or so at 60-65 mph. Oddly enough, the 27mpg I got was on a trip to Reno a few years back and was acheived with the cruise control set on 80mph! Bizarre but true...
zookeeper
Founding Member
Oh yeah, for those that think carburated cars can't get good mileage, my wife's 427 Corvette routinely gets 17mpg and has enough grunt to drag a bulldozer. It has a smallish (650cfm spreadbore) carb and tall (3:36) gears and a manual trans. I also believe that a manual trans is very helpful in acheiving good mileage in any car.
BobV
20+ Year Stangneter 
The 5-speed swap does increase the "fun factor" and mileage. My carb'd 5.0 has a best of 23.8 mpg, with a 3.25 rear gear. 
The 3.35:1 1st gear really helps launch the car as well. Your C4 has a 2.46:1 first gear, which can feel sluggish, especially with a tallish 2.79 rear.
The 3.35:1 1st gear really helps launch the car as well. Your C4 has a 2.46:1 first gear, which can feel sluggish, especially with a tallish 2.79 rear.
zookeeper
Founding Member
Just for the record, it's no coincidence my car is "white-white" with blue stripes. I saw BobV's car featured in Mustangs and Fords magazine and shamelessly copied his paint scheme.VT66PONY said:thanks for everything...I just looked at both your cars and I have to say that if i can get my 66 coupe to look half as good as those two, then I'd be more than happy.
I wouldn't recommed the T-56. You would need to do alot of hacking to the trans tunnel to get that big tub of guts in there and you really won't benefit by having 2 overdrives instead of 1 overdrive with a good 5 speed. There was a guy who put a Richmond 6 speed in his 66 with a hydraulic clutch setup 
zookeeper
Founding Member
Hmmm...I seem to remember that guy. Seems like the car was satin black or something...I wonder what ever happened to him?gp001 said:I wouldn't recommed the T-56. You would need to do alot of hacking to the trans tunnel to get that big tub of guts in there and you really won't benefit by having 2 overdrives instead of 1 overdrive with a good 5 speed. There was a guy who put a Richmond 6 speed in his 66 with a hydraulic clutch setup
zookeeper said:Hmmm...I seem to remember that guy. Seems like the car was satin black or something...I wonder what ever happened to him?
If you find out let me know. He was a GREAT guy, I miss him.
On a side note - Did you see that Tyler lost him mind and made me moderator of the 05 Tech forum? This place does strange things to people
zookeeper
Founding Member
CornerCarvin67
New Member
- Dec 30, 2004
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I just finished putting in my T5.
NIGHT AND DAY.
It's a hassle... and alot of work. But worth it.... honestly.
NIGHT AND DAY.
It's a hassle... and alot of work. But worth it.... honestly.
