t-5 in 55 Ford

I just bought a 55 Ford Customline 2 dr. sedan. It has a 272 with a 3 speed on the column. I read about an adapter to put a 93 and back. Mustang T-5. on the Y block. Has anyone done this? if so, What am I going to need ? I'm still running the stock rear. I'm not sure what gears. Thanks for any help. Charles

 

Should just need the adapter and the proper clutch disc to match the splines on the input shaft. The other thing I would check is clearance with the seat for the shifter. Not sure what to say about a trans mount, but shouldn't be a big deal to fab.

 

Is a Mustng trans the only one I can use? does it have to be the V- one or will a 6 cyl. one work?

 

I would use a V8 T-5 .
You could use your 3 speed that came with the car and get the overdrive set up for the trans or hunt one down and do it that way . Then no adapters and everything else will line up !
I have a T-5 I was going to use in mine then changed my mind and now going with an AOD !
There are many options for the Y block that you can use . If you were going to leave your 272 alone it might work but don't go banging gears or she might break !

RetroJim

 

I have a '55 Fairlane 4 door my parents bought new, it has the 272 and 3 on the tree like yours. It's on its way to being a mild custom (shaved hood and deck lid, upgrade to disc brakes, lowered a little, otherwise pretty much stock. I thought about the T-5 option for mine as well, most people use the Chevy S-10 pickup version because of the location of the shifter further forward than on other versions. I've hesitated about putting one in my '55 because I'm thinking you might run into clearance problems and have to enlarge the transmission hump. I don't know if that is an issue or not, would like to hear from someone who has done the swap. BTW, you probably have a 3.78 rear, that's what my '55 has.

 

My 55 sedan had factory overdrive, it had a 3.89 ratio. I used an SROD for a few years, but the ratios really ****. If you stick with a stock 272, or a mild 292, and dont abuse it, a good T5 will work great. Try to find a qualified rebuilder to make up a Mustang world cl*** T5 with V8 ratios, and an S 10 tail housing and shifter. There are adaters available from Speedway, or the John Mummert website. For a rear crossmemeber, remove the one thats there, and cut both ends off it at a 90 dregree angle to the center part. Weld on a piece of 1/4 x 4 stock that goes down about four inches, and bolt both halves back in. Cut and weld a piece of 1 x 2 tube between what is there, and atatch it to whatever trans mount you choose. I used one from a six cylinder 80's pickup because that is what was laying there that day. There is tons of room under the hump. There are plans to make your own adapter on the Ford Barn.

 

I sent you an invite to the 1952-56 Ford social group,several of the guys have done or are are doing a T-5 swap.

 

the t-5's out of s10's with 4cyl motors had ford pattern. check into that.

 

Use the later V8 Ford one. Strongest of the lot. You can use a 94-95 Mustang one, but may have to change the input shaft - easy swap. See the link in my sig for more info.