I've been thinking alot lately about converting my 49 ford over to a t5 5 speed. Who has done this using the 8ba flathead? Just curious as I have the t5 readily available.
Some info here: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/ford-t-5-flathead-help.1166737/#post-13262522
Haven't done it but know of someone that used this kit. It is set up for a Ford T-5. https://www.moderndriveline.com/sho...2-53-ford-flathead-to-ford-t-5-adapter-plate/ I think I also read somewhere on the hamb a description of someone making their own similar adapter. There may be some for a GM T-5 ; but I don't know of it. There is an in depth T-5 tech thread by @Flat Ernie on here you might find useful.
Also how bad would I have to hack up the trans tunnel? That's the main thing I'm unsure of. If I have to hack it up a decent amount, I'm not going to do the conversion. So with that being said, has anyone here on the hamb done a 5 speed conversion in a 49 to 51 shoebox ford with an 8ba flathead.
I used to offer a kit for this conversion but the bell housing supplier was not reliable and his product price went thru the roof. So I discontinued it. Mine used the stock clutch linkage with some minor re engineering.
I beleive you will have to do more than you want to. If you do a 4spd only worry is hole for shifter and boot. 5spd is raise tunnel about 1-1/2 " from bell housing to hole for shifter. Example: I got my OT 72 Comet with 3spd and factory floor shift. I put a Ford top loader 4spd and Hurst shifter in; I could have thrown it in from across the street; original trans mount-crossmember-shifter hole and boot. I later put a T5z 5spd in, thats where raising the tunnel by 1-1/2" comes in. T5 is taller because the shifter bolts to the top of the trans main case and you will have to make trans mount. A tape measure should give you a clue.
I have installed T5s in a 62 Cutlass, 62 Studebaker, 37 Ford and a Model A. The first question is where does the shifter come up on the unit you are using. This is where the tape measure comes in. Speedway sells an adaptor for a T5 to a flathead with the****ociated parts. If you have bucket seats, any T5 will do, but with a bench seat you will probably need an S10 unit. As far as the hump is concerned, I sliced down the center from firewall to rear of*******, opened up the tunnel to accept the T5 and welded in a patch. Other then being taller, it looks pretty stock. You will also have to do the driveshaft. Sorry, I can't help you on the pedals. Warren
If you want to use a Mustang T5, here is an option to move the shifter forward. Warren https://americanpowertrain.com/shop/fields/make-model/white-lightning-shifter-mechanism-magnum-t-56/
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