Hey guys, I have a 32 Ford pick up. It has a 265 engine in it and an automatic trans. I want to switch out the automatic transmission for a T5. If any one can guide me on the parts needed I do have the ******. Not sure if I need to use a stock bellhousing? Or what modifications are required Thanks Josh
There are a m***ive number of threads regarding this subject on here and the web. Google search is your friend. Here is one from here: T-5 Transmission to SBC ... How? | The H.A.M.B.
If you use an iron bell you get side mounts with the bell housing. Not sure what you need. But a flywheel that matched the bell housing. Corresponding pressure plate Correct disc for the t5 An Astro van disc was the largest stock disc as far as I know.(for s10 t5s) Look up the threads on how to set it up Some use a spacer. Some cut the input shaft length. Car t5s have the shifter further back than the s10 ones
Since your current setup uses front and bellhousing mounting, probably easiest to use 55-57 bellhousing or any bellhousing with those mounts. S10 shifter tail housing would also locate the shifter in a more favorable position in the cab.
Yeah I would look for a 55-57 Chevy p***enger car bellhousing or possibly a 63-67 Chevy truck 4 speed bellhousing as they both have side mounts that will work with the front motor mounts of the 265.
I see you have the three bolt, bell housing mounted starter and as said you should get a ‘55-‘57 bell. The correct flywheel for your starter is the 168 tooth ‘wheel. Be sure the f/w you select is drilled for a 10 1/2” clutch (preferred) or the 11” clutch. There were also 168T f/w’s drilled for a 12” clutch used on some trucks, for sure you do not want that. And if that was my truck I would use a diaphragm pressure plate.
Mounting an S10 T5 on a V8 will either take a spacer between it and the bellhousing, or a bit of modification to the input shaft/bearing collar. Both are a little longer than a V8 T5.
I have a 60's iron truck bellhousing, with side mounts, the starter that goes with it, a 168-tooth flywheel, and I think I have a pressure plate, too. I might have a clutch disc, but I am not sure what the spline count and diameter is on your T5.
I used an Offy adapter plate from my previous transmission that is 5/8" thick as a spacer and a 10 1/2"clutch disc from Speedway to work with my existing pressure plate that came from a mid 80's Mustang.
My dad always used to say to beware of a 265 with an automatic as he got one back in the day and the crank wasn’t drilled for a pilot bushing. Something to check out as you move forward…
Look again, there is no bellhousing mounts. He has an adaptor plate for the three bolt bell housing mounted starter Front mounts and the rear transmission mount will not control engine torque. Whatever path chosen it will need bellhousing mounts/brackets welded to the frame. personally I would weld mounts that attach to the existing adaptor plate then a normal post 58 bellhousing/T5 combo can be used They are an orphan with no side mounts, no oil filter [OP's 55 above] , pulse oiling for the cam/lifters, no block mount starter. It would be easier to sell the 55 engine to a restorer and install a later model engine with side mounts [305's are cheap]
There a dozen ways to mount the Chevy Muncie pattern T 5 to a Chevy V8 bellhousing but I am pretty well positive you will have to use a Cast iron V8 Chevy bellhousing that the starter bolts to the face of the bellhousing as as far as I know no 265 ever came set up for having a starter bolting to the block and that aluminum bellhousing is totally useless to you. 55/57 Car bellhousing or 55 59 Chevy Truck Bellhousing is the simplest. Early 60's Truck bellhousings were hydraulic clutch and those afore mentioned mid 70's bellhousings may have the larger hole for the SM 465 bearing retainer. Performance adapters doesn't give this spacer away but it does one thing that many don't and that is it has the lip to center it in the bellhousing that in turn centers the T-5 in it getting things right rather than hand grenade close.
@Kerrynzl , I was leaning to bellhousing area mounting too, had not thought of welding mounts to that starter plate, just adding the tri-5 bellhousing with 3 bolt starter, and eliminating the adapter plate. Use what you have, either way works. Has to keep the front mount, as mentioned, due to the lack of side mounts on the 265.
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