Hi guys - first time post here! I'm importing a 31 Tudor to Australia and because mitchell overdrives are super expensive I've been looking at other options. A Macs speed shop T5 adaptor has come my way and was wondering what issues I may have with a conversion like this - I know I'll have to buy a yoke for an open tailshaft, new clutch plate to suit, but does the brake cross shaft have to be modified? Any hints would be appreciated. Also, does making the open tailshaft compromise stifness? Cheers
I would suggest you do a search here. There is an entire - large - thread about T-5 conversions and another specifically about T-5 conversions keeping the torque tube. And others specific to the Model A. Questions welcome, but do some legwork as well. You may find all you need to know and more already addressed.
I'll add one thing, if you find an old thread that has been sitting stagnet for a long that started with a question you are far better off to start your own new thread if you have questions. Members are prone to answer the question from the first post without reading all the posts in the thread first and your question gets lost to all but a couple of folks who scroll through the thread to the end before answering. Plus especially on a question such as yours we have had people who were the real knowledge base on the subject pass away in the past few years. There are some good T-5 in a primarily stock model A threads though. Hotrod works does sell the open drive conversion for 1928/1932 Fords 1928-1932 Ford open drive line conversion kit (hotrodworks.com)
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/jeep-t5-trans-in-the-torquetube.256226/ https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...ssion-to-torque-tube-any-one-done-it.1100263/ https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/t5-transmissions-torque-tube-rear-ends.517296/ https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/jeep-t-5-to-model-a-conversion.1076445/ etc.
With an open drive conversion you will need something to replace the torque tube to position the rear end correctly and move with the springs. Like a wishbone.
There are a number of different ways to skin the T-5 cat...I prefer the closed driveline route but also have an open driverline... If you keep the mechanical brakes, yes you will have to drop the crosshaft It is easy to "jig" it into place to maintain position on a piece of plywood and some drywall screws. Measure, mark and cut then drop with some flat stock.... If you go open driveline...the original torque tube was what held the differential from rotating You will , at the very least, need to strengthen the radius rods and figure out an attachment point...there is a conversion going on right now that has been posted....https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/29-roadster.1297299/ I'm not sure but it looks like maybe he got the kit from Snyders....but I'm guessing...maybe you can ask the OP Also you will need to fabricate an e-brake bracket..I wont drive a car any more without a functional e-brake good luck
The Model A is not well suited to an adapter like Mac's because of the starter location and the pedal setup. I send all my model A inquiries to Miller High Speed Heads. they have a really good adapter setup for pouting a T5 behind a Banger.
I might also add...that you need to pay attention to the overdrive ratio...a stock engine won't pull a tall OD ratio ...that leads to all kinds of modifications to up the horsepower of the engine or find the transmission with the shorter OD ratio and the shifter placement at the front of the tailshaft...S-10 You may have to machine the input shaft to make it shorter You will also have to modify the cross member...notch and reinforce or move it back Don't know if your adapter has a place for the pedal shaft....another consideration and I had to build brackets for mine...and master cylinder mounting for the '29 I have with juice brakes....CAD...cardboard aided design is your friend again good luck
http://www.vintageprecision.com/products/bell_housings/index.html another option and one that I have used
I was unaware of the Vintage Precision adapter, looks good. I will be recommending them and Miller to my A inquiries.
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