Are there any other "strong" factory 5 or 6 speed manual transmissions besides a T5 that will bolt up to my 1965, 289? I'm thinking they didn't put a T5 into trucks and that they used something else but haven't been able to find much.
Trucks used the M5 Mazda-built trans. The small-block version has a co-ax hydraulic TO bearing. They are an integral-bell trans so don't adapt to other engines easily. I have one I'm putting on a 351W.
I guess the T-bird super coupes used the Mazda M5 ******. I'm not sure if the internals varied much from the pickup, pretty much the same I think. Also the big ZF 5 speed came in a small block pattern too. I have one behind a warmed up 300-6 build in my shop truck and I like it pretty good but wouldn't consider it much for gear slamming. It is basically the same ****** used behind 460s and Power Stroke diesels.
If you want to spend some money, try Keisler Engineering. I just bought a T45 5 speed conversion kit for my '65 Mustang. Its a little more robust than a WC T5 and Keisler converts them from integral bell housing to one that will work with a separate bell housing. It was a little spendy but it has EVERYTHING needed for the Mustang conversion plus it has a waranty that doesn't start until the car is done!
Use an M5R2. It it the mazda trans they put in the 1/2 ton pickups. They have a small block belhousing. I'm putting one in my current project.
The Tremec showed up in mid 2001, but it's not like a stick shift of old. It has a very modern mount up pattern. The bellhousing is not normal looking either.
Adapter from Novak bolts an 87-92 Toyota Supra Turbo R154 to a Ford bellhousing. Very tough transmission. http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/kit_fm3550.htm Greg
Turbo 4 cylinder cars used the T5, the V6 Super Coupes used a variant of the M5OD-R2 with different gear ratios. I think these are the gear ratios. Stronger than the T5 but harder to rebuild. The 89-93 ratios are 5th (0.75) 4th (1.00) 3rd (1.43) 2nd (2.32) 1st (3.75) The 94-95 ratios are 5th (0.75) 4th (1.00) 3rd (1.34) 2nd (2.16) 1st (3.42)<!-- / message -->
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