Stock 5 speed?

[mike78]

First post, need info please. I am wanting to convert my 78 auto to a manual. Driving around, I found a sadly rusted fastback and thought to myself -- possible Donor? So as I walk up, I notice that it is a stick. Nice When I looked closer, the shift knob indicated a 5 speed. Did the II's ever have a stock five speed? Or did somebody just switch the knob? If it was converted, It was done at least 10 years ago (dust level guess).

 

[78CobraII]

No 5-speeds stock in the MII. Like you said, it was either a knob swap or tranny swap.

If its a T-5, the shifter should be nearly touching the dash in 1st and 3rd with a Fox Mustang shifter. There should be some evidence of the shifter hole having been opened up toward the dash 1-2 inches.

If its really a T-5, you'll want to pass if the engine does not match yours as the T-5 input shaft is specific to either the 302 or the 2.3L in both length and diameter. A T-5 can be used with a 2.8 V-6 but will require significant fabrication.

 

[mike78]

78CobraII -- thanks for the info. Mine is a 302 and the donor has v8 tags. Were there any other 5 speeds that were compatible before the t-5? This car is shot -- I haven't contacted the owner yet, I guess that will tell all. Will post what I find, and thanks again.

 

[78CobraII]

I'm not aware of any Ford 5-speeds until the T-5.

GM used a 5-speed in the late '70's on the Monza and Sunbird 4 and 6 cylinder cars but I don't think it was a T-5. Doug Nash 5-speeds were popular in the late '70's and early '80's, but I've never seen a Ford application.

Ford's closest thing was a 3+1 OD transmission called the SROD based off of the Top Loader 4-speed.