Would A T5 Hold Up Behind A '70 Boss 302?

[The_Dude]

I've acquired a '70 Boss 302 that was stolen and lost it's complete drive train sometime back in the '70s. It's got a 351 Cleveland, Lakewood scatter shield, top loader and a 9" with 3.90 gears now. Putting it back to stock would be really expensive, but I'd like to, at least, have the right engine. I have access to a 69 Boss 302 long block, but with those gears, I'd like an over drive. I think I'd have to cut the tunnel to fit a TKO, and this body is pristine. I don't want to do anything that can't be easily reversed.

 

[fiveohwblow]

I do believe it would. Mine held behind 500+ HP and TQ for years. Didn't mount slicks and treated it with respect. You should be good, just get a WC

 

[NIKwoaC]

Look into a gear vendors overdrive. It would allow you an overdrive gear while still using a classic 4 speed.

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

T5's can be built up. Besides it's not like the Boss 302 put out any more power than your typical bolt on 347 and there's plenty of guys running T5's behind those.

 

[stykthyn]

iirc tge boss 302 made mild low end numbers. This seems to be where the t5 gets abused the most. I think you will be ok.

 

[88LX5.Oh]

Whatever you do, save the Cleveland. Take the heads off it, cap the water jackets at the far ends of the heads, put them on the 302, buy the special intake, and you'll be close to what an actual Boss motor was

 

[The_Dude]

The Cleveland will be traded along with some cash for the Boss engine. What do you think a warmed up 4v cleveland is worth? It was rebuilt back in the '80s, but has hardly any miles on it.

 

[CarMichael Angelo]

You'll have to find the right person looking for that cleveland. (probably a resto project). As for the T-5 (or any late model 5 speed) the shifter is in the wrong place. The tunnel will not accommodate a "on center" mounted shifter I believe. The old Top loader shifter was mounted on the side, and I believe that the hole in the tunnel is oriented for it.

 

[The_Dude]

You'll have to find the right person looking for that cleveland. (probably a resto project). As for the T-5 (or any late model 5 speed) the shifter is in the wrong place. The tunnel will not accommodate a "on center" mounted shifter I believe. The old Top loader shifter was mounted on the side, and I believe that the hole in the tunnel is oriented for it.

I have someone wanting the cleveland and some cash for a Boss long block. An early T5 (up to '93) does fit. Many classic Mustang owners have done this conversion without tunnel mods.

 

[nine3cobra]

a t-5 should be fine, so long as your not expecting to do any launches on slicks or anything of the sort.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

You'll have to find the right person looking for that cleveland. (probably a resto project). As for the T-5 (or any late model 5 speed) the shifter is in the wrong place. The tunnel will not accommodate a "on center" mounted shifter I believe. The old Top loader shifter was mounted on the side, and I believe that the hole in the tunnel is oriented for it.

It's a non issue. My brothers '67 fastback has a late model HO backed by a T5 and no tunnel mods were needed.