I just bought a T-5 at Pick n Pull. It's out of an 83 Camaro with a v-8. Good trans all gears ok, it's even mechanical speedo. But the common delima of having too long a shifter location for my F-1, and I'm not going to cut the cherry floor. I know the S-10 tailshaft is the hot set-up, but will any other T-5 tailshaft work? Mustangs and Jeeps used these things as well and are alot easier to find than the S-10. I only need about 5 less inches so I can modify the trans cover. Thanks, Tim
AFAIK, only the S10 & GMC counterpart have a tailshaft that's readily adaptable. However, I've been told, but haven't verified, that Astro Vans have a more forward shifter - anybody confirm this?? Jeeps are set up for 4WD, so have a flat rear with just a stub sticking out for the transfer case - would probably make a neat closed driveline adaption & I plan to investigate this someday in the future. Mustangs have them on the back like the Camaro/Firebird. Keep looking for the S10 & be sure to get the topcover as well as the tailshaft.
I'm planning a t5 swap into my 51 F1, too, and would be interested in your progress and updates. Thanks, Jerry
I'll keep you posted! Seems like the S-10 is shaping up to be the one to get for shifter stuff. So my search continues, Anybody got these parts? What exactly will I need and can I swap them myself? Thanks, Tim
It's a very easy bolt on swap. The only problem is with the sppeedo driave gear and driven gear housing. Later models use an electronic pick-up. Just drive out the pin at the shifter actuator, remove the bolts from the tail shaft and slide it off. Remove the top cover bolts, lift it off. Reverse for ***embly. Last ids get the detent spring and ball up into the actuator and insert the roll pin. jerry
Check out my adapter plans for a Flathead to T5 ****** Great for F1 Trucks! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=180024830006&ih=008&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT
George G, good to know you are the one who did up the plans for the T-5 swap. I ordered a set of plans from you (got them off Ebay) and I've located the truck 4 spd. Now all I have to do is find the time to dis***emble the trans and cut the front bell off. I've got my own home machine shop (Bridgeport, lathe, etc.) so I won't have to outsource the machine work. Frank
Fab 32. I have sold a plie of those plans, say 250? but so far no one has emailed and told me they got a car on the road using my plans.
You need the tailshaft housing & top cover. When you pop the tailshaft off, don't lose the little plastic funnel that goes on the end of the countershaft - that should match the tailshaft housing. Easily done at home. Your speedo gear won't line up anymore & the tailshaft isn't built up to accept the speedo gear anywhere else. However, you can build it up with shim stock. Here's a good page that outlines this specific conversion (S10 shifter onto Camaro T5): http://www.inliners.org/Jack/T5tech.html What are you cutting off? The T5 bellhousing unbolts in the traditional manner. If you're talking about the 4-speed truck mini-bell, it too unbolts (although there is a version out there that is integral to the trans, that's not the one you want - obviously). The 4-speed truck mini-bell looks like the pic below.
The Jalopy Journal
