Fox T5 with big block?

F

Foxy86LX

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Apr 22, 2025

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Glendale, AZ

Apr 22, 2025

#1

• Apr 22, 2025

• #1

Hey all, long time creeper first time poster! I recently picked up an 86 Lx to build a drag car. No motor or trans. I picked up a t5 that came out of another fox but was paired to the 4cyl.

My questions are…
1. Can this trans be equipped behind a big block?

2. If it would work, What else would I need to update besides the bell housing and input shaft ?

Thanks so much for the help!

 

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

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#2

• Apr 23, 2025

• #2

If its the 4 cylinder transmission I " believe" it has different gear ratio's than the standard T5.....
Someone with more knowledge will come on here and help
You do know that the T5 is not a very strong Transmission? Probably not the thing to put behind alot of horsepower and slicks....

 

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LILCBRA

I wish I didn't have all of these balls in the air

Mod Dude

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#3

• Apr 23, 2025

• #3

Welcome to the zoo!!

I'd say that that transmission wouldn't last long behind a big block launching at the drag strip. They're not known for being reliable behind a stout 302 based engine in the same scenario, much less the torque a big block could produce.

 

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Foxy86LX

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Apr 22, 2025

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Glendale, AZ

Apr 23, 2025

#4

• Apr 23, 2025

• #4

limp said:

If its the 4 cylinder transmission I " believe" it has different gear ratio's than the standard T5.....
Someone with more knowledge will come on here and help
You do know that the T5 is not a very strong Transmission? Probably not the thing to put behind alot of horsepower and slicks....

Click to expand...

Hey there. Thanks for the help. I did not know it wouldn’t be good for that! All part of the learning process haha. I’ll do some research but do you know what manual trans would work?

 

LILCBRA

I wish I didn't have all of these balls in the air

Mod Dude

Dec 6, 2005

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#5

• Apr 23, 2025

• #5

Foxy86LX said:

Hey there. Thanks for the help. I did not know it wouldn’t be good for that! All part of the learning process haha. I’ll do some research but do you know what manual trans would work?

Click to expand...

This one is a popular upgrade and could probably handle the stresses.

TKX | TREMEC

TKX 5-Speed RWD Manual Transmission | Slimmest 5-Speed On the Market | 3 Shifter Locations | Extreme Durability | Increased Torque Capacity | Learn More Here

tremec.com

 

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

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#6

• Apr 23, 2025

• #6

 

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Noobz347

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Jan 4, 1985

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#7

• Apr 23, 2025

• #7

A T5 behind a big block should have wheels like this:




350-400 lbs MAX engine torque on a rig that will [never] put that much to the pavement.

Now, if you plan to drive like you're taking Ms. Daisy to church on Sunday then yeah, I'd do it.

 

nickyb

I gotta say i never painted my nuts, Never Ever

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#8

• Apr 23, 2025

• #8

Don't use that trans! Big block making big power needs a t56 trans.