I have begun a model T speedster build and I'm collecting parts. I currently have a 49 flathead that I'm rebuilding and I'm trying to find which Transmission will be the best fit.I have the bell housing pictured here which will bolt up directly to the Flathead and a Borg Warner T-98 which is a 4 speed truck motor. I think a beter choice would be to use a Borg Warner T10 of around 1965 vintage that was used in Ford Falcons of that era. Does anyone know if the T10 pattern is the same as the T-98 and will this bolt directly to the Flathead? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
DD another question. Is the Tranny out of a 1965 Ford Fairlaine the same as was used in the sprint? Such as this one? https://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-65-FO...NSMISSION-25-SPLINE-BORG-WARNER-/273012979661
jaw: you are correct. However ford made a pattern change in 1965, & mid '65 trans have both patterns on them, bot the '66-up have the later Ford wide pattern.
I have a T-10 on my 8BA and it's from a Mustang. As drtrcrV-8 stated they had both bolt patterns. I hope you have the starter mounting plate for your bell housing I don't see it in the picture.
Buz, I didn't get the mounting plate, I guess I will have to source one. 19Fordy, I don't want to use a modern transmission as I intend to take this car to TROG and the rules say specifly no T5s and no modern transmissions. drtrcrv,Is there any way to identify the narrow pattern trannys or do I just need to look for a pre 1965 T10? Buz, I'm also from Rochester.
If I am not mistaken I think the TROG rules state no parts after 1953? That would leave out the mid 60's transmissions. I have a top loader 4 speed from a a 66 mustang which has both bolt patterns behind my flathead and it bolts directly to that style bell housing. The only thing I had to do was to open the registration hole in the bell housing an 1/8", or you can turn down the front bearing retainer the same amount.
J.A.W. send me a pm I have a couple of those bell housings with the starter plates. I would like to see your project.
The eBay trans is a '63-64 narrow pattern, and is for a Falcon/Comet (as per the shifter location). Falcon/Comet, Fairlane, and Mustang all used the same basic trans, with each having their own shifter location and variations in rear trans mount. '62-64 Full-size Fords used a longer tailshaft version. The bolt pattern change was made at the beginning of the '65 model year, with only the soon-to-be-discontinued 260 carrying the five-bolt bell/narrow pattern part way into '65. The dual-pattern trans was generally only found on the early '65 260 and as factory service-replacement transmissions. Some few were used as regular production trans, but most RPO trans had the single late wide pattern.
Gordon, Here is how I see the rules, I could be wrong and I have tried to contact them for clarification with no response yet. :-( Engine: American made 4 cylinder and V8 flatheads up to 1953. We no longer allow T-5 or modern transmissions in the bracket racing. So what is meant by Modern transmission? Surely a 55 year old tranny cant be considered modern. I have a V8 Banjo rear end and will have to convert to open drive if I end up with the T10 but I'm open to an older 3 speed if that's what I need to do. Trying to figure this out is why I haven't pulled the trigger for any transmission yet.
I can see why it might be confusing. For me if they don't allow any motor built after 1953 then its probably the same for the transmission as well. You can probably get away with the open banjo conversion though as they were available in the Ford pickups of the later 40's.
Why not just get the other style bellhousing that takes the early big bell trans and run a late 40's floor shift 3 speed and be done with it. That way there is no argument about showing up with the wrong trans and getting the boot and getting replaced by a car that is set up per the rules. or run the correct 49/51 trans to go with the engine. I'm assuming you aren't planning on taking the car this year so you still have time to collect the proper parts.
You should ask around but I thought I’d read that most guys found that they only needed two gears for the race......and they did best by starting out in second gear on the sand. With this in mind, I’d recommend the 1942-52 open drive pickup truck 3 speed trans. The most rugged version would be the 1951-52 type as it had somewhat stronger gears. If you convert an existing closed drive banjo rear end to open drive, be sure you make the right modifications to control the rear end for twist and roll. If you could get the complete rear end and spring assembly from the 1942-47 pickup, you’d have everything you’d need. We can’t help you with the rear end but the transmission we can build from stock.....or help out with parts if needed.
Mac, I have also been considering using a T-98 as I believe that will bolt directly to my flathead and should solve the rule question.What do you think of the T98? Mr 98 you are correct. I will be at the race as a spectator this year and hopefully a participant next year.My goal is to build a speedster that looks like #97 here.
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