Should I convert to manual tranny?

VT66PONY · May 13, 2005

So i have a stock automatic C4 transmission on a 302. I want to convert it to a manual t5 or t56. A good idea? Also can I install a t56 onto a 302 or would that just be overkill?

zookeeper · May 13, 2005

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.

HHStang · May 13, 2005

I'd do it. It might be easier and cheaper for you to use a T5.

VT66PONY · May 14, 2005

thanks this really helps! I love to drive manual and i miss not having it when i bought this car last christmas!

VT66PONY · May 14, 2005

zookeeper said:
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.

That is amazing mileage zookeeper...what kind of set up do i need to pull that off?

zookeeper · May 14, 2005

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 · May 14, 2005

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 · May 14, 2005

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.

VT66PONY · May 14, 2005

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.

2bav8 · May 14, 2005

I highly recommend the swap.

zookeeper · May 14, 2005

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.

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.

gp001 · May 14, 2005

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

VT66PONY · May 15, 2005

Yeah, i think the t5 will be the best choice cost and installation wise. Thanks!

zookeeper · May 15, 2005

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

Hmmm...I seem to remember that guy. Seems like the car was satin black or something...I wonder what ever happened to him?

gp001 · May 15, 2005

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 · May 15, 2005

You have GOT to be kidding me! Jeez, there goes the neighborhood. BTW, nice '05, perfect color.

CornerCarvin67 · May 16, 2005

I just finished putting in my T5.

NIGHT AND DAY.

It's a hassle... and alot of work. But worth it.... honestly.

Should I convert to manual tranny?

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