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4 CYLINDER T5 hold up to a V8?

D

Daves69Coupe

Member
Was hoping someone could help me out on this. Im thinking about buying a T5 transmission from the classifieds section. Problem is its from a 4 cylinder mustang and Idk if it'll work with my 5.0. I plan on bringing this car out onto road coarses and not just cruising so I dont wana buy it put it in and have it blow on me. Any chance of this holding up or should I just wait until a T5 from a V8 comes along?
 
You can use the stock bellhousing, the only change that I've heard is the pilot bushing needs to be changed, and maybe some light grinding to the tip of the input...

For road racing, you are going to want a close ratio transmission. I think the 4 cyl ratios would be a bad choice being so wide, but for $100 it seems worth it to me as you could then buy a new T5Z gearset and rebuild the transmission yourself. The one good thing about the 4 cyl T5 is that you know the case hasn't been stressed like one out of a V8. The T5Z gears have even a higher torque capacity rating than the V8 T5 gears.

If I were you I would buy the 4 cyl box, then install the T5Z gear set. I'm pretty sure everything else is the same...
 
When i was in high school, my buddy put one in his 87 5.0 vert after his stock t5 blew up. It was from a wrecked 4 cyl mustang he already had. In the 5.0, It lasted almost 1 hole night. But boy did we have fun. First gear was a blast. :beer
 
As many have posted a 4 cylinder T-5 will not hold up do to its 3.97:1 first gear. You can install a 2.95:1 first gearset but the overdrive ratio will become a .59:1 if not changed out. Much too high even with 4.11:1 rear gears. Just to let you know the "T-5Z" gears will not fit the main shaft of anything but a Cobra T-5. Reason being the input shaft to main shaft bearing is tapered where all other WC T-5 use 15 loose bearing with a thrust bearing. Such a 2.95:1 input shaft does exist you just have to order as such. For the most part 4 cylinder T-5 make good cores to build from as they have not been normally have been beat up. There are differences in the main cast through the years, the later ones are stronger. A better core to purchase would to look for a 94-2004 V6 and just change the input shaft from a 93 and earlier V8 T-5 for those looking for a cheap lower torque rated V8 box. We stock the shorter input shaft and bearing retainer to do so.

Regards, Bruce - Modern Driveline
 
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