Relocating T5 Shifter

[norm vandal]

I know this topic has been posted many times, so I'll first apologize for any redundancies. Quite a number of the old posts have photos that are no longer accessible, etc. So, here goes:

I'm looking for photos, plans, drawings, narratives or even suppliers of mechanical devices that modify the T5 transmission to relocate the shifter more forward. I'd like the shifter mod unit to fit under the transmission tunnel cap. Any help would be appreciated. Please, before you suggest any older posts, be sure they open with photos too. Thanks.

On the same topic, does anyone have current info on Mike Forte's shifter conversion that uses the S10 style tail section of the T5. I can't find it on his site. Has anyone had this done recently? The cost?

I will most likely fabricate one myself, but why reinvent the wheel. Seems like a solid, well-functioning, reasonably-priced unit would be in demand?

Thanks much for your help,
Norm Vandal
Roxbury, VT

[MPTech]

Lots of good info on the other site.
Here's the post / links I used to do the S10 mid-shift conversion, VERY happy with the results. Topped it off with an MGW short-shifter and it is very smooth and positive shifting.
Looking for T5 S10 Midshift Topic (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/244556-looking-t5-s10-midshift-topic.html)

Can we discuss using S10 T5 tranny case (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/258640-can-we-discuss-using-s10-t5-tranny-case.html)

Aftermarket shifter for a mid-shift conversion T-5? (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/258714-aftermarket-shifter-mid-shift-conversion-t-5-a.html)

T5 S10 Tail Housing Mount use stock s10 (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/376770-t5-s10-tail-housing-mount-use-stock-s10.html)

[FFRSpec72]

conversion that uses the S10 style tail section of the T5

I run a challenge car, I had a conversion that I did with linkage, was OK but not the best as it took up room above the tunnel, was a little sloppy and not precise. I assume you can do a better job than I did but I went the rout of swapping out the tail shaft on the stock T5 for a '87-88 S10 mechanical speedo tail shaft, shifting fork rods and top plate, cost is about $80 as I just found a junk S10 T5 on CL that had bad gears, and used the parts I needed. The job takes a few hours and no special tools. We have even done this at the race track w/o issues when I broke a output shaft and needed to swap transmissions. I highly suggest this route, its very durable solution.

[norm vandal]

Being new to all this, I'm not sure what is meant by " other site"? Can you enlighten me. Thanks for the S10 conversion info. I may have to go that route


Lots of good info on the other site.
Here's the post / links I used to do the S10 mid-shift conversion, VERY happy with the results. Topped it off with an MGW short-shifter and it is very smooth and positive shifting.
Looking for T5 S10 Midshift Topic (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/244556-looking-t5-s10-midshift-topic.html)

Can we discuss using S10 T5 tranny case (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/258640-can-we-discuss-using-s10-t5-tranny-case.html)

Aftermarket shifter for a mid-shift conversion T-5? (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/258714-aftermarket-shifter-mid-shift-conversion-t-5-a.html)

T5 S10 Tail Housing Mount use stock s10 (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/376770-t5-s10-tail-housing-mount-use-stock-s10.html)

[norm vandal]

Since I'm new to this game, can you tell me what is mean by "the other site"? The S10 info was super, if I decide to go that way. In the long run, it seems like the best choice.
Norm Vandal
Roxbury, VT

[MPTech]

other site = FFCars.com

I've tried to support this site (I really like Dave and what he's trying to do), but the history and wealth of knowledge still resides on the "other site".

[FFRSpec72]

Since I'm new to this game, can you tell me what is mean by "the other site"? The S10 info was super, if I decide to go that way. In the long run, it seems like the best choice.
Norm Vandal
Roxbury, VT

The first link goes over to ffcars.com site.

My first conversion looked like this

25933

[Tyler Wayne]

Take a look here. Scroll down anD you will see my first rendition. Has held up well for 5000 miles, not to say that I wouldn't change anything if I did it again, but everything can be improved. And I did it with scrap metal and some rod end bearings.

http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/297583-wayne-build-thread.html

[edwardb]

I'm looking for photos, plans, drawings, narratives or even suppliers of mechanical devices that modify the T5 transmission to relocate the shifter more forward. I'd like the shifter mod unit to fit under the transmission tunnel cap. Any help would be appreciated. Please, before you suggest any older posts, be sure they open with photos too. Thanks.

On the same topic, does anyone have current info on Mike Forte's shifter conversion that uses the S10 style tail section of the T5. I can't find it on his site. Has anyone had this done recently? The cost?

I will most likely fabricate one myself, but why reinvent the wheel. Seems like a solid, well-functioning, reasonably-priced unit would be in demand?

Thanks much for your help,
Norm Vandal
Roxbury, VT

With all due respect to those who have done mid-shift conversions, have you sat in and/or driven a Roadster with the standard T-5 shift location and the supplied FFR shifter? I have to agree it looks a little different. But in practice it takes literally just a few minutes to get used to and it really works quite well. It is a slight up/down motion, but also more front/back than you might think. I find it very acceptable after two plus seasons in my Mk3. Plus I like the more authentic look. Another option is the 427 shifter from Finish Line. It has a slightly different angle, and more toward the driver. But also is quite acceptable. Just wanted to throw this out there...

Mike Forte's website has only a fraction of what he sells. The best bet is to call there directly and talk to them.

[FFRSpec72]

have you sat in and/or driven a Roadster with the standard T-5 shift location and the supplied FFR shifter? I have to agree it looks a little different. But in practice it takes literally just a few minutes to get used to and it really works quite well.

Yes, it totally sucks for racing, no way no how.

[edwardb]

Yes, it totally sucks for racing, no way no how.

Take your word for it. The question was meant for the OP.

[CraigS]

Having a 5 speed civic driver and sometimes driving my wife's 5 speed Mustang, and then hopping in my FFR w/ the old style shifter, I have never had a problem w/ the transition.

[David Hodgkins]

Norm, welcome to the forum. I have a T5 with S-10 tailhousing and love it! The shifter is right where it needs to be, IMO. My transmission came from Gordon Levy of http://www.levyracing.com .

If Mike Forte has a kit, I'd call him to discuss it. Both Mike and Gordon are Supporting Vendors of TheFactoryFiveForum.com

:)

[MPTech]

Here's an old post I found on the topic that may have some relevant information too.

Mid shift kit? (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?8578-Mid-shift-kit&p=84222)

[norm vandal]

Thanks to all of you who have responded to my post and helped me out. So...I found out that Mike Forte does not do the S10 tail section modifications. His solution was to sell me a TKO tranny. That's okay, but one costs more that I have into my engine, headers, T-Bird IRS rear end, two T5 transmissions, drive shaft, pedal box, MSD distributor, coil and 6A ignition, new master cylinder and rebuilt steering rack. As you can see, I want to build this car on a budget, or should I say I HAVE TO. I'm not into big horsepower or showcase engines. Not that I'm putting any of this down, but I just want a simple little 289 FIA car that's as close to the original, built within my budget and my parts "discoveries". Big engine means big bucks, which I don't have. Hell., I might even rattle can the paint job! Hmmmmm.
At this point, I am trying to locate an S10 T5. Perhaps you have one or know of one? Let me know... This might take a little time, I know, but as the idiom goes, time is money. I'll do the swap myself with the help of an old tranny expert who lives in my village. The mechanical alternatives that move the shifter forward are intriguing and should be quite simple to fabricate, generally won't fit under the tunnel cover. I thought about simply raising the cover around 1 1/4 inches or so, and though this would work it could spoil the original appearance of the car. I'm still thinkind about it, however. FYI: no one sells these that I can discover. Here, the best solution seems to use a second Mustang shifter, remove the ball end, and fasten the plate to the tranny, like one example presented to me.
All in all, your help gave me the guidance I needed, so I thank you once again.
Sincerely,
Norm Vandal
Roxbury, VT 05669 (802) 485-8380

[GThompson]

I did the S10 mod on my Coupe, appears to have turned out well. One of my friends gave me the truck (minus the wheels & alternator), I pulled out the transmission, sold the truck remains, and modified my transmission. The things I learned along the way:

1) You can take the stock S10 and Mustang shifters apart and mix'n'match parts, don't have to buy the fancy billet shifter.

2) There is some machining that can be done on the S10 tail housing to make it fit a bit better (should cut a fin off of the bottom of it, could probably use a sawzall).

3) When you cut the hole in the tunnel cover make sure the shifter is centered in the hole.

4) You can spend lots of time and money making the stock speed sensor work with the speedometer. I recommend getting one of the GPS-type systems. This way, if you ever change transmission, tire size, gearing, whatever, your speedometer will always work. Yes, there are times when it may not read accurately but those minor issues are nothing compared with trying to make a cable-drive system work correctly.

Go digging through an auto recyclers yard once the snow goes away, you'll be amazed at what you can find!!

Good luck with your project!!