Top loader to T5

Discussion in 'Technical' started by jpollard, Apr 13, 2005.

  1. jpollard

    jpollard Member

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    Anyone have any idea how hard it would be to swap from a Top Loader to a T5? Can you use the same bell housing and clutch etc....

    Thanks
    JP
     
    jpollard, Apr 13, 2005
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  2. Mavaholic

    Mavaholic Growing older but not up!

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    You can buy an adapter plate from any Mustang supply house. The mount sits further back than the toploader so a little fabrication is needed. Lastly you will have to shorten your drive shaft.
     
    Mavaholic, Apr 14, 2005
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  3. just1993

    just1993 Mike

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    Mavaholic what is this adapter you are talking about. If you get a T-5 trans and bell housing off of say a late 80's mustang that had a 5.0 in it. Does it not just bolt up, but have to deal with clutch linkage? IS THIS CORRECT or was I missled, because I bought everything to do this swap. Thanks, Inquiring minds want know
     
    just1993, Apr 14, 2005
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  4. jpollard

    jpollard Member

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    Great! I will look into it, it doesnt sound so bad. So is a T5 worth doing over the Top Loader..
     
    jpollard, Apr 14, 2005
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  5. Thack

    Thack vision advicator

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    since Jpollard already has a manual trans this adapter is the easiest way. Your right the 5.0 parts bolt to your engine but you either have to use a hydraulic or cable to accuate the pressure plate because it operates the opposite way. You will also have to come up with the pedals if you don't have them already.

    Both mine and Tammy's car have the hydrualic set up. Tammy's has a custom pedal that I fabed up. My car has the stock pedals and basicly the same hydraulic parts.
     
    Thack, Apr 14, 2005
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  6. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member Supporting Member

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    Jim, I did this exact same swap about 8 years ago. Bought an adapter plate from California Pony Cars (a lot of places sell them now). I wanterd to keep my beefed-up manual linkage and my Lakewood bellhousing. The adapter not only mates the T5 to the old bell but also spaces it rearward about 3/8" because the input shaft of the T5 is longer than the Toploader's. The mounting pad for the trans mount is about 1 1/2" back from the original location. I cut and welded my original cross member to fit. I had a custom driveshaft made but I also run a 9" rear which has a longer pinion. Clutch disc splines and pilot bearings are the same as the Toploader. You will want to get a good aftermarket shifter eventually, the stock shifter sucks. I put a Steeda TriAx in mine. An old school Hurst handle and knob bolts right to it so it looks like the 4-speed.
     
    bmcdaniel, Apr 14, 2005
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  7. mextaco

    mextaco New Member

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    hello i have a maverick 72 atomatic i want to covert it to standard t5 and i want to stay with my stock engine 302 what do
     
    mextaco, Dec 29, 2008
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  8. mextaco

    mextaco New Member

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    hello i have a 72 maverick i want to covert it to t5 what do i need to take from the junk yard and wathfrom a place i want to do myself if anyone has expirience can you tell me what i excacly what i need and i want to keep my stock 302 thank you for your time
     
    mextaco, Dec 29, 2008
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