I'd like to put a T5 from an early S10 in my '41 Ford Tudor. I'm not sure how to deal with the center crossmember. There isn't a drop-out that can removed, it's all one piece. Any suggestions on how to do this? Thanks, Dave
Look at the Jim Carter Truck parts site. In his "High Performance" section he has a few ideas. Normbc9
A word to the wise. Be sure and check the gear ratio on your T-5. There is a difference and the only way you can know for sure is by the tag number on the ******.
Dave: I've sold quite a few of my T5 conversion kits to customers with 41/48 ford cars and the center X hasn't been a real problem according to them???
I cut mine out and made myself a bolt in drop out center section. seemed to make it alot easier, and if I ever need to pull it again with the engine in I can. Mine is not a Ford, but probably could easily fab something up.
Have yet to have one to fail, 4-6-8, WC and NWC. I have found ATF in NWC units, and 80-90 in WC units, and units run into the ground, long past rebuilt time, but no failures on properly rebuilt units.
I think they are a great trans, if it fails who cares, $100 will get another one. I have seen plenty of them with all types of mills in front of them. Best thing I ever did in my car was the T5.
You may need to use something like Ch***is Engineering Inc center crossmember conversion. Contrary to popular myth, the T5 is not made out of gl***. In stock form, they handle many older engines just fine and with a bit of prep can be made to handle 600HP. There's a lot of ground in between... There are two S10 T5 ge****ts - one has a 4.03 1st gear and one has a 3.76 1st gear ratio. Most find the 4.03 ge****t to be a little low with stock rear ratios and it doesn't have as an aggressive an OD either. If you can find one, get one with a 3.76 ge****t. There's plenty of info out there - do a search, check the link in my signature line, and have fun. The overwhelming majority of folks say it's the single best upgrade they did to their car/truck/hot rod.
The 4.03 ge****t does have its place. On smaller, lower power engines, it can help get the car off the line easier. The shallower overdrive can be a little easier on a small powerplant. That said, it is all dependent on power, weight, rear end ratio and tire size. It all has to work together. In most cases, though, the 3.76 ge****t is a little more versatile.
Agreed. I think the 3.76 is generally (important word) better suited because many/most folks aren't changing the rear end. Even smaller engines will have low rear end ratios and the 3.76 & deeper OD help offset.
i put one in my 48f-1 ford. notched the original one piece crossmember, and made a tubular that bolts to the frame behind it. very easy and simple.
No, the 3.76 ge****t is generally found in the Chevrolet S10. Mustangs generally have a first gear of 2.95-3.35. See the link in post #6 for details.
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