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By MarkMontereyBay - 10 Years Ago
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I am resurrecting my plan for swapping the Fordomatic in the 57 Bird to a T-5 manual using Mummerts conversion kit. Has anyone here done the full conversion from a Fordomatic to the T-5? One of the questions I have is using a hydraulic clutch instead of the stock clutch linkage. It seems it might simplify the Sanderson header clearance. I have collected the correct bell housing, clutch fork, linkage, brackets,etc. and a 57 Bird clutch/brake pedal assembly. Still need the flywheel, clutch and pressure plate, TO bearing, etc. Also what shifter can be used? Thanks.
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By MarkMontereyBay - 10 Years Ago
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I finally figured how to get the Search Discussions to come up with the thread I started a year or so ago. Has anyone done this on a Tbird since?
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By lyonroad - 10 Years Ago
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MarkMontereyBay (5/25/2014)
I am resurrecting my plan for swapping the Fordomatic in the 57 Bird to a T-5 manual using Mummerts conversion kit. Has anyone here done the full conversion from a Fordomatic to the T-5? One of the questions I have is using a hydraulic clutch instead of the stock clutch linkage. It seems it might simplify the Sanderson header clearance. I have collected the correct bell housing, clutch fork, linkage, brackets,etc. and a 57 Bird clutch/brake pedal assembly. Still need the flywheel, clutch and pressure plate, TO bearing, etc. Also what shifter can be used? Thanks.
Mark, I am preparing a T5/hydraulic clutch set up for my '55 Club Sedan and I installed a T5/ home improvised mechanical linkage in my '56 M100 (behind a 351C. When I did the pickup I purchased all of the components at once. The T5 came with a Mcleod Qwik Stik. Pricy but very nice. This shifter has a number of stick offsets available if needed. I did mine straight up. I used a Hurst shift lever.
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By MarkMontereyBay - 10 Years Ago
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I would be interested to read how it goes for you. I have been going through the instructions on Mummert's site for the Thunderbird T5 adapter installation. In my case the engine/trans will need to come out to do the conversion. The biggest chore I see is replacing the Fordomatic pedal assembly with the manual transmission (clutch and brake) pedal assembly and mounting a pushrod on the stock Tbird clutch pedal arm to match a firewall mounted clutch hydraulic master cylinder. Looks like I can get the correct year T5 and mount it, using Mummert's adapter, on the bellhousing I have then make a bracket, etc. for the slave cylinder ahead of time on the bench before I take the engine/trans out of the car.
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By glrbird - 10 Years Ago
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Mark
Speedpro56 has had a number of different trans in his 56 bird, don't know what he started with, maybe he will share some of his insite here.
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By MarkMontereyBay - 10 Years Ago
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Thanks, Lyonroad sent me some photos and part numbers that will help also.
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By Canadian Hot Rodder - 10 Years Ago
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I did the full conversion from automatic to a T-5 in my 56 Victora. I however used stock clutch parts. Using a hydraulic clutch might actually give you more space around your exhaust, especially in a Bird! I wrote an article for Y-Block magazine showing the details if that helps?
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By Daniel Jessup - 10 Years Ago
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Canadian Hot Rodder (6/13/2014)
I did the full conversion from automatic to a T-5 in my 56 Victora. I however used stock clutch parts. Using a hydraulic clutch might actually give you more space around your exhaust, especially in a Bird! I wrote an article for Y-Block magazine showing the details if that helps?
Which issue was that? I would like to see it too.
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By Joe-JDC - 10 Years Ago
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I have just acquired a '55 Thunderbird with 3 speed OD transmission, and I really would like to convert it to a 5 speed, also. Is there a place on this forum where that conversion has been done with pictures, and a thorough explanation of the steps involved? I am unfamiliar with the search function for this forum. Joe-JDC
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By slick56 - 10 Years Ago
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There is a bloke in Rosemead Calif. that does a cable clutch conversion for the T5, mostly for Mustangs,but i imagine it could be modified to suit.
Danny Bahn @ DB Performance Engineering (626) 571-7126
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By PF Arcand - 10 Years Ago
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Joe JDC: I don't think I've ever seen a full explanation here on a 5 spd conversion in a T.Bird. May have seen one some years ago in Y-Blk magazine, although it may have been in a sedan. If your looking for performance, it may be worth the trouble and expense, however if for economy, I doubt the difference from an O.D. trans would be significant. As for parts, John Mummert may have some of what you need.. Hope this helps.
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By Noob - 10 Years Ago
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Joe, I converted my `57 T-bird from a 3-speed manual with O.D. to a T-5 (WC) a couple years back. It made a difference both for torque efficiency and cruise rpm's reduction... also did it in my `56 F-100. I've not seen a lot of authoritative A-Z instruction out there... just bits and pieces and some trial and error stuff from hot-rodders since most of the highly traffic T-bird site are full of purists (not that there is anything wrong with that).
John Mummert was a big help on advice and parts for modifying and mating the bell housing to the tranny... a good place to start.
Cheers... Brian
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By Genuinerod - 10 Years Ago
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Noob
I am looking to do this swap with the T5 also. I have the Mummert parts and a "Z" T5. What did you do to mount the transmission to the X member on the T-Bird? What is your rear end gears and RPM at 60 mph? My car came with a 3 speed ("C" code) but I changed it 30 years ago to a BW T10 with 3.50 rear end. It is time to change it to the T5 and enjoy the overdrive. This will go with my rebuilt "338" inch motor, Mummert heads, headers, comp cam, MSD. Should put out about 350 HP. Thanks RHill
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By charliemccraney - 10 Years Ago
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Unless Noob also has a T5 Z, his rpm in overdrive will be meaningless to you. Further, if his tires and rear gears are different, it just won't help. Assuming that everything else will be the same, you can figure it out by multiplying your current rpm at 60mph by .63, the overdrive ratio of the Z. You'll probably need a shorter rear gear.
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By Joe-JDC - 10 Years Ago
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I am not worried about the rpm's at highway speed. I have two Fox mustangs with 5 speeds, so I am familiar with OD and gear ratios. I was just surprised at the gear spacing, shifter throws, and I had forgotten about the lack of syncromesh in the first gear. It was a "wake-up call" in a good sort of way when I took it for my first test drive. My first ford was a '56 Fairlane Victoria with 292, and I rebuilt that engine back in 1963 and swapped out the automatic for a standard transmission with floor shifter. It was my favorite Ford from the 50s. It is a little tougher now at my age to be changing out transmissions, even though I have a lift in my garage. LOL. I will try to keep updating the car, and will post pictures when completed. I have already started making plans with Ted E. for a stroker for street duty, and the 5 speed is a "must have" for the fun factor. Joe-JDC
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By MarkMontereyBay - 10 Years Ago
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Update of sorts. I haven't started the T5 conversion on the 57 Bird yet, Just beginning a Broader Performance C6 conversion from the stock Cruisomatic in my 65 Galaxie 445 Stroker. Once that is finished I will start the T5 set up in the Bird and try post some photos and coherent descriptions.
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By Canadian Hot Rodder - 10 Years Ago
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Daniel, I can't remember what issue it was in, but if you send me an email, I can forward my original draft of the article. Thanks.
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By lyonroad - 10 Years Ago
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Just signed up for the "Y-Block Magazine" Bruce sent me the covers from a couple of back issues with my first issue. One is the issue with Rob's article. It is Nov-Dec 2012 - Vol 19 No.6 - Issue 113. Hope this helps. Rob sent me a copy of his article earlier this year and it is helpful.
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By Canadian Hot Rodder - 10 Years Ago
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Glad I could be of some help! 
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