I'll go one farther Alex, this would be a good way to run a T5 in something like my lakester with rear engine. You could actuate this setup with a rod or Morse cable thingymabob. Prob redundant but just thoughts in my head.
I think the S10 T5's are not WC (world Class) that's why they are less preferred over the Mustang T5's. Also, the Mustang T5's can mount to Ford Bell housings without modification (I think) where the S10's require modifications to a ford bell housing.
S10 T5 prior to 93 are all NWC, 93 is a transition year, and 94 and later are all WC (with Ford bolt patterns). Mustangs T5 prior to 85 are NWC and all 85-up are WC. If you're referring to putting an S10 into an early Mustang, that only makes things worse as far as shifter position for the Mustang. Unlike hot rods who typically need a forward shifter position due to the original architecture and layout of the early toploader transmission.
This probably won't affect others but thought I'd mention it. My old 3 speed top loader was completely under the flat floor board, only requiring a hole big enough for the shifter. The S10 T5 is coming in quite a bit higher. Not only is the shifter plate above the floor, the top cover in front is an inch or better above the old flat floor. New floorboard time for me.
I am planning to put a T5 in a 64 Falcon. From what I understand, the Falcons need the shifter to be ahead of what the Mustangs need, therfore the need to put on a S10 tailshaft. Based on what Flat Ernie has said, would I be better off looking for a post 94 S10 T5, rather than finding a Mustang unit then having to swap tail housings? Would a 60s manual trans SBF bellhousing fit the post 94 S10 trans, or would I need to find a Mustang T5 bell?
Im thinking about putting a T5 in my 64 F100. I will probably use the 94 or later S10 as I think it will bolt up to my 223 inline 6. Does anyone know for sure?
I put about a '88 Mustang T5 in a '63 Falcon. ( bucket seats so no bench to get in the way ) The shifter was right where I wanted it. But I had to do a lot of work to the tranny tunnel and the brace inside of it to get it to fit. And make an adapter to mate a early 5 bolt bell to the T5... ( I can post a pic of the adapter if you need it, I still have it )
Not that this often-overlooked piece will help everyone with shifter placement, but the fairly rare ASTRO van tail-housing actually places the shifter roughly a couple of inches behind S-10 position. DD
I would like to keep the bench seat as it has been reupholstered with NOS fabric from the guy in NW Washington. After doing a little more research, it seems the later S10 T5s run an electronic speedo, not sure what years there to avoid. The astro tailhousing is another option I hadn't heard of yet. So I presume it puts the shifter somewhere between the forward location S10 unit and the rear location Mustang unit?
I'm reasonably certain that the input shaft is all wrong to use the Ford bellhousing. The tranny will bolt up, but I think the input shaft is wrong...get in touch with Snarl, he's got the answer on this, I think. And you'll have an electronic speedo...which may/may not be a problem for you. Rare. I have been told, but never seen one in the flesh, that the Thunderbird T5 is a little bit forward of the Mustang - I think between Mustang and Astro. If looking at T-bird T5, look for one from a V6 Super Coupe. The Turbo Coupe was the 4-cyl and has a long, spindly input shaft that is unique to the 2.3 4cyl
Rare. I have been told, but never seen one in the flesh, that the Thunderbird T5 is a little bit forward of the Mustang - I think between Mustang and Astro. If looking at T-bird T5, look for one from a V6 Super Coupe. The Turbo Coupe was the 4-cyl and has a long, spindly input shaft that is unique to the 2.3 4cyl[/QUOTE] The Super Coupes use the Mazda M5R2 transmission. You're stuck with the Turbo Coupe T5 for a Thunderbird application. Farmalldan
This is the transmission case I used in my '58 Apache. I took a Muncie Rock Crusher out of the truck and the Astro shifter location was a near perfect fit where the Muncie shifter came up through the floor. I notched the seat frame for the Muncie shifter similar to one I saw in an old T-bird before having the seat reupholstered. The T-5 has served well for the last 10 years but needs some work due to over aggresive shifting by my son.
Interesting. A quick google search confirms what you've stated. Another search for M5R2 shows that trans being used in late model F150 in both 2/4WD, Rangers, and only textual descriptions of the T-Bird. I've no reason to doubt you, and I'm not, just odd that there's so little info on it. Ashame it has an integral bellhousing as it appears to have multiple shifter locations available...I'm sure if you were determined enough, you could make one fit to many engines in a one-off fashion cutting/rewelding the bellhousing flange...
I had this shifter in my truck and it worked great. I blew the trans up and had it rebuilt with a different tailhousing so I have a restomod shifter for sale $120 shipped.
badbuild do you still have the shifter? im have been lookin for one. I can pay you $90.00 if you still have it drop me a line please. superspencedog@gmail.com thanks!
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