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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Which T5 Trasnmission To Use???

Well I've just started selecting everything to begin my V8 conversion on a 76 MGB. I will be using a 215 and a T5 transmission. My question is which T5 transmission to use? The T5's that come out of Mustangs have different different ratios. I plan to use the existing rear axle. Also, as I go to the salvage yards to look for the transmission, which cars are the best to source from? Or, am I just better off spending the $1100 to get a new one?

Sorry for all of the questions, but I have been reading this board for a while now and I now that I will get good answers here.
Gregg Stucke

Well, that is always a tough questions. from what I have seen 905+ of pople using a 215 mount a GM T5. These are from late model Camaro's and Firebirds (I believe 1989 or later) You can use earlier trannies, but they do not have as good a 5th gear ratio..

BUT, I noticed in my D&D Catalog that he make s a bellhoising setup to mount a Ford T5 to the 215.

Finding one will be no easier for eather type. I am using a Frod becuase I am using a ford block, it took me 6 mos to find one under $500. GM will be much the same...
Larry Embrey

Gregg,

I used a V8 Camaro T-5. The shifter came out close to the stock location. Of course this will vary depending on motor mounts used. Be advised that a bracket must me made to compensate for the angled tranny mount. No biggie.
Carl

I think the consensus is to use whatever T-5 you can find:) You want on from a Camaro or Mustang, as most have the .63 overdrive, which you'll need if using the stock rear end. My T-5 came from a T-bird turbo coupe. It has a .81 overdrive, but it is matched perfectly to my 3.08 rear end. If you use a Ford T-5, you will need to get the adapter plate from D&D. I believe it's around $150. Be careful when looking for a T-5. Many Mustang and Camaro owners that soup up their engines quickly find that the T-5 isn't strong enough for their engine, and run the tranny into the ground. Try putting an ad in the local paper, I got a couple of responses there. Most of the junkyards I called wanted $800 for a used one! For that price, I was prepared to go to Summit and get a Heavy Duty T-5.
Michael Hartwig

Gregg, I'm using a t-5 from mid 80's Camaro. For sure V6 late model t-5's in Camaro's are angled and you will have to take this in consideration, not sure if V8 is angled. Try to find one from a V8 engine. They have a higher torque rating and you can identify them by the number of splines on the input shaft- 14 or so for the V6, higher for V8. However, the V6 tranny should hold up fine. Like Larry said, D&D makes a nice bellhousing for it. If you plan on using the stock rear end, which is fine if you like outstanding acceleration and lousy gas mileage, try to find one with a tall fifth gear -.65 or so compared to usual .73 or so - I can't recall the exact numbers right now. You will find, however, that 1st gear might be too low and useless, which is one reason to change rear end gearing.
Joaquin

If you have the money, summit or jegs has anew 6 speed t-5, 3400 clams though! that would be nice though. mike
mike childress

The V6 and V8 GM tranny's are essencially the same, other than a different input shaft and I think final drive ratio.

Same deal with the Ford, the T-bird and SVO mustang T-5 housings are the same, but input shaft and gearing is different.

I would say late 80's in V8 GM or Ford mustang 5.0 tranny would to you well. '87 or later GM and 85 or later Ford, that is when the World class units came out with beefier internals and better final drive ratios. Ford is .675, GM is like .63 or .65

The GM guys HATE the T5, thier fat overweight cars(No offense I actually love the Firebirds) kill the T5's. The mustang guys are not as unhappy with the T5 as it holds up better with thier lighter cars, but they still bust'em up pretty good powershifting them.

I too would love to get the T-56, I have seen them as low as $2400, but that is more than I am spending on my entire conversion so far and I have all the pieces apart from exhaust, TOB and motor mounts.. Maybe when I win Lotto..

Whatever T5 or T-56 you decide on D&D can get it mounted to your 215, he makes both GM and Ford adapting bellhousings.
Larry Embrey

D & D has a source who rebuilds the t5. i purchased mine thru him, $750. rebuilt, and it is rock solid and quiet and narry a snick going up & down. you do not want to have to pull that engine out after all is done and neophytes like me do not know a good used trans from a bad one so here is one more idea for you.
todd wyatt

You can use any variation of the BOP/Rover 215 with the original 215 3/4 speed bellhousing to mate up the GM t-5. I'm using a '96 4.0L Disco engine with a Buick 215 housing and an '89 GM T-5 .63OD (I think all 305/350 versions are .63 and the 6cyl T-5 is the .73, according to various Camaro sites). The Camaro/Firebird bellhousing's bolt holes are what is actually 'twisted' (18deg). The T-5 mounts straight up to the 215 bellhousing but the rear mount is then angled. No big deal to modify/fabricate the support though. If D&D has a better price than you can find a 215 bh for you could get the Ford one and the mount would also be square. The GM .63OD gives a good ratio with the stock 3.9 rear end. I've heard you want the v-8 (whether GM or Ford) version (GM has 27/26 splines) if you're planning over 200hp for your engine.

jimt
jimt

An added comment on the 6 cyl Camero t-5: The lower gear ratios are really not to favorable for these conversions. Although these can usually be found more easily the the v-8 trannies, I'd stick with the ones from the V-8 cars. good luck, It took me to a while to finally find a good one from a wrecked '89 Camero for $400.00.... cj
Chris Jones

Gregg
Another good choice if you go with the Ford T5, would be a T5 from a 94-95 Mustang Cobra. Acording to the SVT brochure these tranys have uprated bearings and phosphate-coated gears for greater longevity. First gear is 3.35 5th is .68. Although they are not very common I think it might be the same T5 as the Ford racing units sold at Ford dealers.

Bill bill_jacobson@hotmail.com
bill jacobson

This thread was discussed between 01/02/2001 and 03/02/2001

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