New Transmission - which?

[EBarnes]

So the T-5 needs about $1,200 worth of work. Or a new transmission. I am thinking with the TF engine upgrade next year a different transmission may be in order, even if it necessitates a different clutch and bellhousing.

Or are the T-5s holding up?

Suggestions? Suppliers?

Appreciate it!

Eric

[carbon fiber]

tremec tko and don't look back. i've got a pro 5.0 shifter on mine and it was worth every penny. there's no z pattern from 2nd to 3rd. put it in first and just slam it back and forth all the way to 4th gear. no more missed 3rd ever. i think the steeda tri-ax is like that too(?) some like the t5 and i know these cars are lighter than the mustang i've got mine in, but in my opinion the t5 is an oversized paperweight.

[FFRSpec72]

I broke the output shaft on my T5 this year with the TF upgrade but I had been running 4-5 seasons on that transmission. I had it rebuilt for about $350, picked up 2 more for $200 and had one rebuilt for $300 so I'm set, just have to rebuild the second one. I'm fine with the T5, no issues except for this season. $1200 seem a little much for a rebuild, as you must have messed up the cluster and need all new gears and shaft

[Bob Cowan]

Why not have a third party like G-Force or Gordon Levy rebuild it with stronger parts? It would probably be cheaper than a new TKO; also lighter and smaller. The new stronger input and output shafts (with more splines) would require a new clutch disc and drive shaft yoke.

[FFSpecRacer]

The T-5's are handling the new TF package just fine. Just be sure that anything used to rebuild one is legal for the series.

[mhoward1]

My T5 Broke on the first lap of the second race of the season after the TF upgrade. granted the T5WC was starting it's 4th season. It took a while but I found a nice tremec 3550. With the TF package we are right on the edge of T5 TQ and HP ratings According to BW Spec sheets.
Peak Torque and HorsePower
T5 – 305 Lb/FT and 380 HP
T5WC – 310 Lb/FT and 405 HP
T5Z – 330 LB/FT and 440 HP

These are based off of no drive-line shocks and OEM tire compounds.

With the Tremecs we have a lot more headroom.
Tremec 3550 and TKO 500 – 550 Lb/FT and 600 HP
Tremec 3650 and TKO 600 - 600 Lb/FT and 650 HP

One other advantage of the 3550...better shift position. With the optional input ports you can move things forward to a more natural position.

[EBarnes]

I think I have Dan Elam's old Challenge car... The rebuilder did make the disclaimer that the Trans was an unknown, and hadn't been gone through, by him. Such is life-track cars break!

Rules state OEM T5 (mine is a WC), or T5Z, or Tremec (part#3550 or TKO500) with specified ratios, and "Transmissions must be unmodified and gears may not be shaved, polished, trimmed, or otherwise changed.", so I think rebuilding with stronger parts is not allowed, unfortunately.

Had I the time, I would do this myself. But Right now I do not... Lucky to make the NASA weekends at RA! Anyway, I will stick with the T5 for now, hopefully do the TF upgrade mid-year next season, and see if the 3550 makes sense after that. Or maybe buy a spare as Tony has!

[mike forte]

Hi EBarnes,
I would install a new TKO-500 and forget about borken T-5's. Yes you can upgrade the T-5 but it's expensive and still a T-5.
Please note: Tremec TKO-500 price increase is coming Jan 1st....
Mike Forte
508 875 0016
mikeforte302@gmail.com

[Tuck60]

With the current engine upgrades...you are rolling the dice with a T5. We are at the max limit of a T5 and with all the punishment they get on the track; they will break sooner or later. Money well spent to replace with a TKO.

Mike