New Early AMC 6 to T-5 adapter!!

Tom Jennings and I (Frank Swygert -- farna on here) worked with Bruce Couture of Modern driveline to create an adapter for the Ford late V-8/V-6 T-5 five speed to the 1956-71 AMC/Rambler six cylinder (including 172.6/184/195.6 Nash and Hudson L-head sixes).

Most of those engines used the fairly weak T-96 three speed, though later ones used a T-14. Both transmissions are hard to find now. The T-5 adapter will really perk up a small six with a broader range of gears and make it a lot more fun to drive as well as more efficient.

Feel free to contact Bruce and take a look at his website (www.moderndriveline.com). The company has been involved with making five and six speed manual transmission adapters for Ford products since 1996. The Ford 2.77 three speed used in the early Falcons is a Ford license produced Borg-Warner T-96, but uses a different trans to bell bolt pattern. This fact is what caused myself and later Tom Jennings to contact Bruce, as Modern Driveline makes an adapter for the early Falcon to a T-5 (this is when we discovered the bell pattern was different). Tom sent him an early Rambler bell housing and I supplied some additional measurements and fitment information. It didn't take Bruce long to fabricate and adapter at a reasonable price.

If you are hot-rodding an old Nash Rambler, Hudson Rambler, or 58+ AMC Rambler and want to keep the original engine this is the way to go! You'll just need a driveshaft for the 50-55 Nash/Hudson Rambler and 58-65 Rambler American. The 56-65 big Ramblers used a torque tube and will need a rear axle and suspension as well. Less incentive to keep the original engine when you have to do all that, but it's not real hard to do. Early Ford Ranger 7.5" axles are rather cheap. plentiful, and the right size for the car and strength for the sixes. Same wheel bolt pattern too!

 

Good info.

 

this is cool!

 

Bruce hasn't had any response to the new adaptor, which is unfortunate. They haven't been out long, but he may be putting them on e-bay and discontinuing it due to lack of response. If you've been thinking about one of these it would be a good idea to contact him!