T5 is in...headers & subframe connectors too

[Vince]

I finally got my car back last week. It's been in the shop getting the T5 conversion done, plus a bunch of other stuff. It seemed there was one delay after another but the wait was worth it. Here's what got done:

T5 conversion
- rebuilt T5 from 89 Mustang, using the MII bellhousing
- new RAM Powergrip clutch
- using my custom crossmember
- B&M shifter, Hurst shifter boot

other stuff
- Hooker Super-Comp headers installed
- Stumpy's subframe connectors installed
- re-routed fuel line from fuel pump to carb

The T5 & new shifter feel so much better than the old RAD4 setup. Now it has a nice notchy feel to it. The first gear ratio (3.35) helps off-the-line pickup a little. I think I will step up to a steeper rearend gear in the future. Right now I have the stock 3.00:1. With the 0.68:1 fifth gear the engine is turning a little bit too slow on the highway. I'm thinking something like a 3.80:1 will be good for acceleration and still give me a good cruise RPM.

 

[Addicted_2_II]

Very cool Vince!!!

How did they get that T5 shifter to be in the same place as the Rad4? I thought the T5 was about 5" shorter at the shifter?

Does the car feel and stiffer with the Subframe connectors?

Your car looks great!!!

Thanks for sharing with us,
Chad

 

[Addicted_2_II]

Also, where did you get your new seat apholistery or is that original?
Chad

 

[Blue Thunder]

Very cool Vince!!!

How did they get that T5 shifter to be in the same place as the Rad4? I thought the T5 was about 5" shorter at the shifter?

Does the car feel and stiffer with the Subframe connectors?

Your car looks great!!!

Thanks for sharing with us,
Chad

If I recall correctly, my T5 was only an inch or two off from the stock shifter location.

 

[Blue Thunder]

Vince, awesome car, dude. Nice job.

 

[Addicted_2_II]

If I recall correctly, my T5 was only an inch or two off from the stock shifter location.

For some reason I thought it was off more than that... But I dug up this picture and that confirms what you are saying!

Not sure who provided this picture but I know I got it from this forum!

Chad

 

[Putter]

"Not sure who provided this picture but I know I got it from this forum!
"

Looks like someone with a black coupe and a luggage rack.
Great posts lately, keep it up. :SNSign:

 

[Vince]

Thanks guys.

I forget the exact number but I think with the Mustang II bellhousing the shifter is only forward about 1-1/2". This was the main reason I wanted to use the MII bell.

Regarding the subframe connectors - the car feels solid but honestly I haven't driven the car enough to know how much of a difference they made. The last time I drove the car before getting the connectors welded in was August...and I've only driven it one day since getting it back from the shop.

Regarding the seat upholstery - the passenger side is original and the driver's side was redone last year. The guy did a really nice job, using his own materials instead of an upholstery kit, and it matches perfectly.