What gears to use with a 4cyl T5?

[TheBocSez]

I bought a T5 conversion for my 91 LX on ebay. Ended up getting everything I needed to do the conversion, but the tranny was a 4cyl T5.

My problem is this. I really want to do the conversion and dont want to spend more money getting a V8 T5 right now. I currently have 4.10's that I am using with my AOD. With the 4cyl T5's 1st gear ratio of 3.97, 1st gear will pretty much be useless with the 4.10's

It would be less expensive to just replace the gears. So whats the best set up for a n/a 5.0 using the 4cyl T5?

Im trying to decide between 3.73 or 3.55.

Any input is appreciated except the 'Dump the 4cyl tranny" ones. I have researched it and know that some have had great sucess, and other havent but its what I have for now and will use until it gives out.

Here is the rest of the set up heres the basics.

302
E7 Power Heads
TMoss ported Lower
Custom Cam

Thanks for the help.

 

[352Ford2]

If its only a temp thing, throw in what ever you have kicking around (3.27,3.08's) you can usaly get those ratios for free.

there was a guy on ebay selling z spec t-5 gears a while back for 300-400 bucks, that might work well for you if he is still doing it.

 

[Foxfan88]

i would say 3.55s, since the gearing is a little higher in the 4cyl t5.

I just like the way the 355s feel, the car i rode in with them was great, still felt like stock, like the gears would actually be gears and the highway didnt kill u. Also had some pull too.

 

[stang8urimport]

I used 4 clyinder T-5s in my 83 with BETTER sucess then V8 tranny's... V8 T-5s would last a couple months, and I had a 4 cylinder tranny last over a year. I know there is a certain pilot bearing you can use (I believe from a Ranger) that will compensate for the smaller input shaft. I had 3.08s in mine, and it was like 4.10s in 1st through 3rd. And then 5th I could pull to 6000 RPM (way too fast for an 83 Vert with no bar, talk about scary!!)

 

[TheBocSez]

Yeah, I located the bearing for it on ebay for like 4.00. I have read that same thing about the 4cyl T5. Some people run the piss out of them with no probs at all behind a V8. I guess we will see if I am as lucky. I suppose 3.55 would be the best. I dont do much highway driving or track time. Just a nice street car and I think 3.08 would be too little.