Projects T 5, S-10 craigslist. Opinions ?

So I found this on craigslist. Hoping to use it for my 31 coupe. I read most of the ultimate t5 thread and posted this on the end, but I think it got buried. OK so it's a WC out of a S10. I called the seller and he's a HAMB supporter and here are the facts. #1352-216 with the low 1st gear. But I'm running a very high rear ratio, 3.0. with a SBC. If I started in 2nd at a 2.37 ratio for around town, could I use the low ratio 1st for a "quick get away"? Does this make sense to consider for my project. Thanks in advance and sorry about the double post.
Here is the link http://delaware.craigslist.org/pts/5398220084.html

Thanks, Dino

 

The low first gear is weaker with less torque capacity than the higher first gear models such as the V8 versions. So using the low first gear for quick get away would be when you are also using heavier throttle. This situation makes that strength (or really torque capacity) problem worse. You are putting more power down. I guess it depends on your power of SBC and weight of the vehicle, but it would be better to have the taller first gear version. You also could use more rear gear, since you have the OD trans planned.

I think it can work, what seems to be worse for the T-5 is speed shifting. If you don't do drop the clutch full throttle starts it will probably live. especially if your SBC is a smaller less torque build.

 

Don't know your plan here, but the T5 in the photos has the "Ford" bellhousing pattern, which makes it 93 or later S-10. Might be just fine for your adapter, but wanted to point it out. The good news is the 93+ models are world class.

It seems to me that having a low first gear with a 3.0 rear end gear would "feel similar" to a higher first gear with the more typical 3.73 rear we tend to run with these. What you really want to shoot for on that first gear is a combined ratio of 12:1 or something close to that. Your OD will be pretty tall with a 3.0 rear end. Of course you can just run in 4th if it's too tall. It all depends on tire heights/powerband/gear combos/etc. You've got to run through your specific combo.

I have bent way too many brain cells thinking about these T5s as I'm putting one in my 51. Back in the old days I would have just slapped that thing in there!

 

I think with the tall 3.0 rear gears you will be running at around 1600 rpm at 60 mph with 31" tyres , with 28" tyres you will be around 1780 rpm. Personally I think you need lower rear gears to bring the rpm up a little.

 

I have that exact T5 behind a 59L flathead, 3.78 and 31" tall. Only gripe is that the 1-2 shift is a big jump. I start in 1st gear and shift fairly soon and use 2nd to accelerate in. It isn't a drag race transmission, far from it. It is a good low gear to putt-putt thru the car show. I bought mine off EPAY two years ago....brand new for $400 +$75 ship

 

Thanks for the reply. I know it's not the perfect situation, but are you saying it's easy to damage 1st gear or the does it mean it's going to take more power to make it work ? Sorry obviously I don't know much about transmissions and appreciate the advice. SBC will just be warmed over. It's a steel bodied 31 highboy, maybe 3000 lbs, probably a little less. Thanks

 

Thanks for the reply. The adapter to a chevy bell housing is available from INLINE. Maybe it's the wrong transmission to use. I want the shifter in a near stock position, not against the seat.

 

Thanks, that's a ray of hope for this*******. I'm not going to be drag racing, but a SBC might have too much power for it to work for me. Thanks tho.

 

lots of threads here - just click Search above and put S10 T5 into box

 

Thanks, Joker been reading them.

 

I put a 1986 NWC t5 from an S-10 behind a 322" Nailhead that was in my 53 Ford Pick Up.
I had a 3.00 Gear in it and with the low******* 1st gear it was a really good combo. Somewhere between 11-1 to just under 12-1 (the old memory bank cannot remember exactly). The only issue with the Gear Combo was it did not really need OD until at least 70 MPH. I did not drive it easy, and I did not Bag on it either, overall I thought it was a really nice package. I did Re-Build it before installing it though. I would do this combo again based on my experience.
Good Luck with yours!

 

also, thread running here today = TECH: Ultimate T-5 Article

 

Transmissions multiply the torque of the engine. The lower the gearing, the more the torque is multiplied. The S10 trans with the 4.03 first gear is rated for lower torque because the internal stresses are greater when the torque is multiplied so much---- think about it this way: the twisting strength of the engine's crankshaft is being multiplied by more than 4 times with a 4.03:1 first gear. In a worst case scenario, instead of turning the driveshaft, the gears will push each other apart enough to stretch the transmission case or rip teeth off the gears. That being said, I wouldn't worry so much about it unless you plan on putting some abuse to it, or if your motor puts out a lot more torque than the trans rating. The worse that can happen is you blow the trans and that's what this hobby is all about in the first place.

With a 3.00 rear, your combined first gear ratio will be acceptable, but your overdrive will be fairly useless. The good news is that a competent T5 shop can swap overdrive gears for you.

 

Mike51 said what I would have. The trans could work if you take it easy, just no full throttle clutch dumps. Being the low first gear I believe it also has less steep OD gear, which will work better with your 3.00 rearend gear. The OD has less OD for the same reason it has more torque multiplication in first gear, the engine it was designed to go behind has less torque.

 

the *216 has a .76 OD to go along with that low first gear according to the tag charts. One word of advice I'll add is learn how to verify the ratios by spinning the shafts or inspection if the case is open... these transmissions are notorious for having gear combos that don't match the tag for one reason or another.

I would not be afraid of this transmission in your combo other than having a very tall overdrive. You can beat on any transmission hard enough to break it. Just don't beat on it.

 

Thanks, maybe it will work.
Mike51, 38chevy454, Nostrebor, thanks for explaining that, it make sense now. I'm not going abuse the t5, I'm more into cruising and enjoying the ride.
J, Joker, I've been reading that thread as well thanks for the reference.

OK, so if I use it, with the Ford pattern an adapter to a chevy bell housing will it work with a 350 sbc ?
All your replies are much appreciated.
Dino

 

I'm not familiar with the INLINE adapters, so I'm giving this a bump for you!

I have one of these 93+ transmissions and an AMC bell housing from the 80's that mated a Ford pattern transmission to the Iron Duke 4cyl engine. They are sitting on the shelf awaiting that perfect project. If the INLINE adapter converts chevy bell to ford pattern, that would be easier to source.

 

I'm no Chevy expert, but I think later Chevy V8 bell housings adapted to the Ford pattern for Camaros and Firebirds with T5 transmissions.

 

Camaro and Firebird didn't get the Ford pattern in the V8 cars. They transitioned to the 6 speeds. There was a bell in some Astro vans that will work as well, if you can find one.

 

Thanks for the bump, it looks like the best solution is too change the gear set. I just spoke to Modern Driveline. They make their own tail housing which are brand new for these t5 conversions. He was great and ran the numbers in his computer and told me rear is too tall to have good engine health and performance . Thanks everyone for your replies. Sometimes you got to bite the bullet to get what you want.
Dino