Any leads on a T-5 for the old '56 would be appreciated. I'm looking to throw it behind the 292 with the adapter plate. Just need to find a reasonable one. Craigslist here has 1 for like 750 bones.

Triple Sevens CC
Central California

There are lots of "T-5"s. Various gear sets, lengths, torque ratings, you name it. Wikipedia is a surprising good source.

Another long one here http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/tech-ultimate-t-5-article.171291/

One here http://www.moderndriveline.com/Technical_Bits/t5_history.htm

Also, watch the adaptors. Some require trimming (1/8" or so) the input shaft, so it doesn't bottom in the crank. Some rotate it to allow the shifter to come off center thru the floor.

Great trans, I've got one in the bird. A World Class (WC), somewhat higher torque rating. If your going to build a race motor, you'll need a TKO500. Lots more money, but much higher torque rating.

But do your research. Easy to not get it right.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

miker not really a race car here I'm just tired of ringing her neck @55 mph and its either a rearend or tranny. P.S. These 4.11's suck in my opinion.

Triple Sevens CC
Central California

I'd get that local one for $750 before it is gone.  If it is in good condition, and a V8 T5, that is a good price.  Since it is local, you get to actually see it before you buy and you don't pay shipping.  Brand new T5Z is $1750.  To rebuild a T5, your looking at about $1300 to $1800, so a cheaper one might not be worth that lower cost.



Lawrenceville, GA

Welcome to the site, Triple 7.

Charlie's indication of the merits of being able to see something that is used before buying it are very true.  T-5s are said to be a 100,000 mile transmission.  That refers to 'normal' usage before rebuild is necessary.  -Perhaps a better wear indicator would be to KNOW the driving habits of the previous owner. 

Miker's link to the article from ModernDriveline that gives the development history of the T-5 is well worth your time to read and reflect upon.  All T-5s are NOT the same.  Swapping transmissions is not something you want to do twice. 

My shop teacher used to say, 'Why is it there is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over?'  And then there's the money angle of doing something a second time.


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

The T5 in my Firebird made it to 160000 miles before one of those aftermarket roller pilot bearings failed and chewed up the input shaft.  When I took it to the shop, everything was worn enough that just about everything had to be replaced.  It absolutely would have made it farther, were it not for the pilot bearing failure, but since it had to be taken all the way apart anyway, everything was replaced - doing it right the first time,

If the only goal is to get RPM down at 55, then I would not shy away from one with over 100,000, but if there are signs of any trouble at all, I'd pay only about scrap value for it, because it will probably need over $1000 worth of work.


Lawrenceville, GA