Ive got a 56 fairlane vicky with a292 and 3 on the tree od. I wanna go with a 4 spd toploader instead.Can i use my original clutch setup? thanks

More than likely you can use the original pressure plate, but you may have to change the disc as the toploader may have a different diameter and tooth count.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

One out of a small block will have a lower gear ratio in first gear that will take off from a stop sign better. The input shaft will have to be shortened slightly. The big block trans has a higher first gear and will not have to be shortened. The small block will be fine if you do not abuse it. A strong Y Block can break one. The big block transmission will hold up to most abuse from most warmed over Y Blocks. I am using the large input top loader in my Mummert headed 312. As stated you will probably have to change the clutch disk.

If you are going through the trouble, go for a T-5 five speed out of a Mustang GT!! Put one in my 56, better ratio first gear and the top end in 5th is great! Not to mention 27 MPG and it takes my abuse!!!!

I love the smell of burning rubber in the morning!

"If you are going through the trouble, go for a T-5 five speed out of a Mustang GT!! Put one in my 56, better ratio first gear and the top end in 5th is great! Not to mention 27 MPG and it takes my abuse!!!!"

What year/s GT?Do you still have the split bench, if so, what is the shifter clearance like?
Thanks, Al.

.


South Australia

If you go with a T5 the one to get is T-5z, '93 and earlier, 2.95:1 first with .63od. Part number 1352-251-xxxxx. Look carefully. There are umpteen versions of the T5. John Mummert and Modern Driveline carry the adapters and you can get a clutch from Superior Clutch in California. My measurements suggest that the sifter will fit but time will tell.


Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia

IMO a four speed transmission will significantly improve the performance and enjoyment in driving your y-block powered vehicle.

IF you see yourself doing any amount of highway driving, like Canadian Hot Rodder, Mark (lyonroad), and Al (slick56), I also would recommend that you consider the Tremec T-5. The 5^thgear reduction in rpms will prolong the life of your engine and save you gas money.

Modern Driveline has some excellent information on their website at www.moderndriveline.com

In looking at their Internet listing, they have six topic headings. Toggle ‘Tech Alley’.

Within the listing that opens, scroll down to the seventh topic, ‘T-5 History’ and toggle it.

The T-5 has been in production for over 30 years. The short story is that ALL T-5s are NOT the same. Some T-5s you DO NOT want. The design has evolved and been improved overtime. Well into the Modern Driveline article, they have a section devoted to the T-5z and explain how it has the best of what’s been developed for aftermarket performance use.

Also, on the left side of the ‘Tech Alley’ section page that opened with all the topics, is a category, ‘Specs’. If you toggle this heading it will open to a page of data regarding all of the Ford application T-5s that have been produced over the years with serial numbers, vehicle applications, torque ratings, and gear ratios.

The T-5z Mark mentioned has a 2.95 first gear and comes with a .63 overdrive from the factory. It’s rated to handle 330 ft. lbs. of engine torque and up to 450 horsepower. Unlike many other three and four speed transmissions, the T-5 weighs about 75 pounds! The BW T-85 overdrive I’m using in another vehicle weighs 150!

IF you were to deal with Modern Driveline for a transmission purchase, they offer alternate overdrive ratios of .73 and .59 that they will install for a fee. Based on my vehicle’s intended use and the rear end ratio I’m using, I went with their .73 overdrive ratio offering.

P.S. The ’93 Mustang Cobra and the ’94 and ’95 Mustangs have a longer T-5 input shaft that has to be swapped out to work with the y-block bellhousing.

Hope this helps.

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

My T-5 came out of an 89 GT. If you go on the Mummert sight, his adapter is good for 87 to 93 T-5's I believe. Mine is a 3:35 to one first gear with a .64 overdrive in 5th. Clearance was no problem for the bench seat and install was fairly easy. I wrote an article for Y-Block mag on the install, if you PM me I can email you a copy of it. it explains some of the little things to watch out for. My 56 come out of the whole sideways now, and it revs at 1800 RPM @ 60 MPH in 5th! (3:55 rear gears & P225/60's out back)

I love the smell of burning rubber in the morning!

I wrote an article for Y-Block mag on the install, if you PM me I can email you a copy of it. it explains some of the little things to watch out for.

PM sent, Thanks

Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia