Model A / T5 recommendations??? Cad 365 powered

I've read a Ton here on the t5, namely Flat Ernie, and while I can say i've learned ALOT, i still need some help.
I am only in the planning stages of my Model A Tudor project, Powered by a Cad 365, hopefully a fun yet economical T5 and on 32 rails.
Flat Ernie... In your T5 tech thread you say that the Astro Van has better gearing. Is this a big deal? What I want is a fun first gear, the best possible highway mileage, and practical shifter location. In short, I want it ALL.
My question is, in this particular application, which ge****t and which trans is best for me?

Suggestions please?

 

With 365 cubes up front, my choice would be a T 500. The Mustang guys are shreading second gear in a light car with 302 cubes. Use a T5 and its just a matter of time.

 

Thanks for the input Ole Don. I still would like to get my questions answered if theres anyone out there that can provide feedback on my actual questions.
My question is... here we go... in a model a Tudor with a stock 365 caddy, and about a 30inch tall rear tire, what T5 as far as gearing, should I be looking for?
I would like first gear to get me more than 10 feet and, of course I want best possible mpg. I understand I can change tail shafts to achieve desireable shifter location. But I want to know which T5 will work best with my tall tire and 365 engine.

Taken straight from Flat Ernie's "TECH: Ultimate T-5 Article"

S10 two options
1<SUP>st</SUP> – 4.03 2<SUP>nd</SUP> – 2.37 3<SUP>rd</SUP> – 1.49 4<SUP>th</SUP> – 1.00 5<SUP>th</SUP> – 0.86
1<SUP>st</SUP> – 3.76 2<SUP>nd</SUP> – 2.18 3<SUP>rd</SUP> – 1.41 4<SUP>th</SUP> – 1.00 5<SUP>th</SUP> – 0.72

Astrovan
1<SUP>st</SUP> – 3.50 2<SUP>nd</SUP> – 2.14 3<SUP>rd</SUP> – 1.39 4<SUP>th</SUP> – 1.00 5<SUP>th</SUP> – 0.78

V8
1<SUP>st</SUP> – 2.95 2<SUP>nd</SUP> – 1.94 3<SUP>rd</SUP> – 1.34 4<SUP>th</SUP> – 1.00 5<SUP>th</SUP> – 0.73

I am asking this question because I don't fully understand the effects of the different ratios and of the tall tire, i just know that they've all gotta jive.

Is there a tech thread that would explain all the factors involved in selecting proper gear ratios for the trans as well as the third member? I'd love to learn.

 

<P>With a "torquey" motor like the Cad and a fairly light car, you don't need a lot of 1st gear reduction to get the car moving.&nbsp; I'd choose the 2.95&nbsp; ratio with the Ford 3.35 as a second choice.&nbsp; I like rear axle ratios of 3.5-3.73 because I like some dig.&nbsp; With the 0.73 overdrive, and a 3.73 axle, your final ratio will be 2.72.&nbsp; I haven't checked any speeds with your tire size, but there are a number of calculators to do that for you.&nbsp; My friend has a 34 sedan with 351/AOD and a 3.73 axle.&nbsp; It has great off the line acceleration and cruises around 2100-2200 rpm and gets 22-23 mpg.</P>
<P>I agree with the T-5 being a poor choice for the Cad.&nbsp; They are rated from 265 to about 310 ft-lbs of torque, depending on particular model.&nbsp; I'd think a decent Cad could get close to 1 ft-lb per cubic inch, so figure 350-375 ft-lbs available.&nbsp; Expect to eat a T-5 about every 10th full throttle launch<IMG cl***=inlineimg border=0 alt=0 src="http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" smilieid="1">.</P>
<P>Good luck,</P>
<P>Farmalldan</P>

 

Thanks a heap for your input farmalldan.

You said, "My friend has a 34 sedan with 351/AOD and a 3.73 axle. It has great off the line acceleration and cruises around 2100-2200 rpm and gets 22-23 mpg."

If it works for him why not me? **Edit** I'm a dumb***. I read past AOD. forgive me!!!

These T5's that were in camaro's had around 300 ft-lbs.

I'd still like to hear some more feedback. Anybody who's successfully running a small block with a T5 got anything to say?

 

<TABLE cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD bgColor=#ffffff>Maybe I am asking too much from a T5.

1956 Cadillac 365 specs:

Maximum Brake Horsepower: 285 @ 4600 RPM
</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#ffffff>Maximum Torque Lbs.Ft. @ RPM: 400 @ 2800 RPM
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

OK, I'll answer the original question. The best ratios for your combination are the V8 S10 ratio's you listed.
Now me talkin again, - good luck finding one. They were rare when new. I did the same thing you are doing now but in a full sized 55 sedan with a Y block. I called two Mustang aftermarket parts supliers to ask the question. They both said the same thing, dont use a T5 with a torquey motor. I bought a T3550. They are no longer available new. A new T500 will cost about two grand now. You may find a used or quality rebuilt 3550 on the internet. Use the corect lube they are wonderful and trouble free.

 

I have the phone number for a guy that has an '88 camero T5. can I use a different bell housing to adjust for the 17/18 degree "tilt" and an S10 tail shaft to bring the shifter forward?

 

Thanks again Ole Don!
V8 S10??? There was an S10 that had a V8 in it?? **** this T5 business is confusing. I was under the impression the V8 was only camaro's and the like.