SICK of my T45

[Dan98Covert]

I am searching for quality info on swaping a T56 or as a second choice, a TKO 600 into my 98 Cobra Convert. Seems easy enough, but I'm having problems finding somone who knows what all I need.... slip yoke, crossmember, driveline length, etc. Any help would be great. I am so sick of my T45. What a piece of junk. I can't believe Ford would do this to us. The motor is all stock for now, partly because the tranny won't hold up as it is, so why pump up the motor and all to my trouble.

 

[96Cobraguy]

I just recently read about trouble with the T45 but what exacly is the trouble? I really haven't had any trouble other than its loud and whiney but I have only launched it a handful of times.

 

[Dan98Covert]

The sincros are weak, launch it all you want, but if you power shift it, get ready for it to grind every time you try to shift. Mine grinds going into 2nd and 4th. Reverse is hard to engage if it goes in at all, and it has a bearing noise when it is idling in neutral that goes away when you step on the clutch. It's definitly not the throw-out bearing, it is coming from inside the tranny. Probably the pocket bearing or maybe the cluster shaft. I don't care, I just want a better trans., one that I can abuse a little rather than having to baby it. I didn't buy this car to baby. I bought it to have fun with. If I hadn't heard so many other stories about the T45, I might re-build it, but why bother?

 

[BennyBlown2v]

A TR3650 swap is a REALLY easy and cost effective swap! My very good friend bought a TR3650 for his 97 Cobra for $600 with pro 5.0 shifter included, he took his old crap T45 out, and put the 3650 in, had me do the custom welding bits to relocate the crossmember. Late 03 and all 04 GT TR3650's have the "fix" so you don't have to worry about bad synchros and popping outa gear etc that some of the earlier ones had. Also, these trans will hold ALOT of power, only weak part being the input shaft (upgraded ones are CHEAP), and those usually only break in PD blower or turbo applications when launching under boost on slicks.

Best thing is, no need to change driveshaft bits, shifter location in the car, etc etc etc...