T5Z Opinions & Experience

[89MustangGX]

I've been piecing together a 5-speed swap for quite some time now, and finally started getting serious about it. I have the pedals swapped into the car, and I have just about everything else I need except for a tranny to go to a T5. I was undecided about a T5 or a Tremec, as I have had both (older T5's and 3550's). I have broken many T5's, not many 3550's. There is an obvious price difference.

I came across a deal with a T5z. I am pretty sure it is a T5z, it sounds like it -- and I can probably grab the numbers to double-check easy enough. I can get a T5z, Pro 5.0 Shifter (with Steeda handle), Cobra clutch, and x-member for about $1000. Everything has about 6000 miles on it. It is very local. The car it was living behind is a dynoed 320ish hp car. Not sure how much track time it has seen, I think mostly street miles -- so not sure on how hard it was driven.

This is where I get stuck. If I wanted a T5, this is definitely the way to go. But having never owned a T5 other than the older, weaker ones ... I don't know if I'm throwing money away here or if I will be happy with it.

So, questions:

1) Real world (and racing), how does this tranny compare to a 3550?
2) Pricing? Is this about what a fairly-new one would go for?
3) Experience -- anyone run one of these and still want a 3550 or more?
4) Any other opinions anyone wants to throw in on the subject.

Thanks!

 

[dwhiskie]

I believe the 3550 were discontinued and replaced by the tko500/600,I bought the 500 because theres to many stories about people blowing up there T-5s,I was going to get the z but for 500. more I got the better one

 

[squeeeg]

The t5z is better then the world class t5 but still doesn't compare to the tremecs. $1000 is actually a little steep for used one. You can buy it new(well the tremec equil anyway) for that price. You also should be able to find a 3550 fairly cheap now that the new 500 and 600 tremecs are out.

 

[89MustangGX]

Ok, good thoughts so far. I used to always say a T5 was a T5 no matter what was done to it. But I thought more and more people were running them, so maybe I was wrong, but maybe I wasn't.

If I want to go to a Tremec, I need a new bellhousing, but already have everything else I would need.

If I go to a cheaper T5, like a stock/original one for the time being, I already have everything except the x-member. Maybe that's the way I should be looking for now while I keep my eyes open for a Tremec?

Neither of these options include a shifter which I would absolutely need to have no matter which way I go -- so I don't think I can really factor that in.

More thoughts?

 

[Daggar]

The TKOs will use your stock T-5 Bellhousing and cross member, if I'm not mistaken.

 

[89MustangGX]

The TKOs will use your stock T-5 Bellhousing and cross member, if I'm not mistaken.

The Tremecs all need their own bellhousing, but they use the crossmember of an AOD (most cases are an adjusted 5-speed).

 

[BaXTeR3221]

Some tremec's need a new driveshaft yoke, though i dont know if the 3550 needs one. I upgraded my t-5 to the t5z gearset last summer and i wish i had done a tremec. What i have has worked very well to this point, but if/when i breaks, i'll wonder if the money would have been better spent towards a tremec.

 

[Daggar]

The Tremecs all need their own bellhousing, but they use the crossmember of an AOD (most cases are an adjusted 5-speed).

I thought that one of the big selling points for the TKO 500 was that it was a direct replacement for the T-5. No huh?

 

[89MustangGX]

I thought that one of the big selling points for the TKO 500 was that it was a direct replacement for the T-5. No huh?

I don't know much about the 500/600 models, but I believe the 500 is similar to the 3550 in that it uses the same clutch and driveshaft as the T5. The only thing that needs to be changed is the bellhousing. I think the 600 is similar to the TKO in that it needs a different clutch and driveshaft yoke along with the different bellhousing.

Not 100% sure on the 500/600, but definitely on the 3550/TKO.

 

[Daggar]

I do remember that the 3550s needed their own bellhousing and cross member... it's why I ended up buying a Superduty T-5 instead of a Tremec the last time. Then when the new TKOs came out, somone told me it was a direct swap... same parts. I was pissed! lol I don't feel so bad now.

 

[HISSIN50]

the only guy i remember with a TK500 or 600 (cant remember which, but it is one of the new ones) is Jason (90mustangGT). maybe a search of threads he started would reveal info on what exactly is required (though a phone call is likely faster).

The Z's can handle a decent amount of power, if not run on slicks (from what i have seen/read).

good luck with the project Adam. didnt you just install your auto shifter not long ago?

 

[Mike86Stang]

Hey Adam, no problems yet from my T5Z I was putting down about 290ish through it plus plenty of street abuse & track time. It has over 130k on it now & I plan to use it once the new motor is together...should be putting down alot more power than the previous set up.

 

[dwhiskie]

The new tko500 comes with a short throw shifter just need to buy a handle and you do need a different ds yoke-the 500 come in 10 spline or optional 26 spline.the 600 is only 26 spline.

 

[speed1972]

I've had the T5Z in my car for almost 3 years now. I bought my setup used for like $800. It came with everything but a clutch cable. I also ended up putting a new clutch in it like 6 months later so I'd say I had about the same money into it that you're looking to spend. Summit sells the T5Z for like $1100 so I don't think the price is bad.

As far as strength, until recently, it was behind a stock motored vert with 3.73 gears. I've beat on it every day since I bought it new. I installed an h/c/i about a month ago and again, have beat on it ever since with no issues to date Another consideration...book says they are good to 330 ft/lbs torque. How much are the others good to?

Larry

 

[Funanin]

I hate T5Z, i broke 2 of them and i think the stock T5 is alot better. And this was when I was nearly stock. (only about 220hp/270tq). I dont know if I just happened to buy 2 bad ones or what but I hated them and I ran a half second slower at the track with them in. I went back to stock T5 and theres a hell of a difference IMO.

 

[ALMOSTFINISHED]

I bought mine with about 7k on it ad I have only put about 1k since. I like the trainsmission, feels strong. The only thing I don't like is the 2.97 first gear. My stock T-5 had the 3.35 (not sure of the exact number). I liked the "stump" pulling torque from the shorter ratio. Otherwise its a very smooth tranny, I run amsoil synthetic fluid too. Not sure if it will hold up to my 331 and the S/C but we'll see.

Nick

 

[BaXTeR3221]

I actually like the 2.95 gearset better. Since i have 3.90's, it gives me a little better mileage, along with the lower 5th gear, and it should help with traction problems once the blower is on the car.

 

[speed1972]

The T5Z is definitely a plus when you have traction issues. The slightly taller first gear helps!

 

[89MustangGX]

I did just have the whole thing out, tranny and shifter, not too long ago. I had put a big stall converter in it, Lentech vb, B&M shifter, etc. It does exactly what it's supposed to do -- and it's the best auto I've ever driven, but it's still not what I want. As much as I wanted to believe I'd be happy with an auto, I won't be.

I'm still not set on which way to go -- there's such a mix of opinions. Maybe since I've already broken a couple T5s, and I plan for this car to put down moe power than any of my others, I should lean towards a Tremec?

I'd just hate to put the money into a T5z and then blow it up and end up with practically nothing, except the joy of starting all over again.

 

[HISSIN50]

I did just have the whole thing out, tranny and shifter, not too long ago. I had put a big stall converter in it, Lentech vb, B&M shifter, etc. It does exactly what it's supposed to do -- and it's the best auto I've ever driven, but it's still not what I want. As much as I wanted to believe I'd be happy with an auto, I won't be.

I'm still not set on which way to go -- there's such a mix of opinions. Maybe since I've already broken a couple T5s, and I plan for this car to put down moe power than any of my others, I should lean towards a Tremec?

I'd just hate to put the money into a T5z and then blow it up and end up with practically nothing, except the joy of starting all over again.

that auto set-up sure sounds cool (i am not that great with the auto stuff - is it a manual VB?). i always thought one would be kinda neat.

but it sounds like, in just reading this, that you answered your own question. when consideration is made for the cost of having a manual trans, vs having the manual trans that you want, or cost per shift, i would spend the extra money for a Tremec (easy for me to say, huh).

and if you do a T5 and break it, well you are out more money (let alone time) than had you done a Tremec in the first place. another idea - see if you can find an old 35/36 series Tremec and rebuild it before installation.

good luck with the decision Adam.