Transmission suggestions for Ford 302

[Brad.Walker]

I'm doing the planning work for building a 33 HotRod.

I'm looking at using and rebuilding a Ford small block 302 from my personal SUV (1999 Ford Explorer). Now need to give some though to a transmission.

I've search the forum and can't seem to find any specific transmissions suggestions, so figured I would ask here.

Suggestions on a particular manual transmission for a SBF 302?

Thanks.

-brad w.

[FF33rod]

Most use the Tremec TKX.... works well.

Steve

[Alan_C]

A T5 or a more robust T5Z will work well if the engine is not built past about 300 HP and you have no plans to race the car, especially drag racing. The new TKX is a great but pricey transmission option as a complete kit is about $5K these days.
Just for grins, although you did say manual transmission, I plan to put a modern 10 speed 10R80 automatic in the Gen 3 Coupe I have on order as I just have to be different. There are adapter plates available to mount up a 6R80 or 10R80 to the 302.

[Higgybulin]

I am contemplating putting a T45 or 3650 behind a 351W. I havent heard of anyone on here doing it, but I just started looking. Seems to be a ton of donors around if you are not buying new.
Higgy

[CaptB]

Tkx

[Alan_C]

I am contemplating putting a T45 or 3650 behind a 351W. I havent heard of anyone on here doing it, but I just started looking. Seems to be a ton of donors around if you are not buying new.
Higgy
The T3650 was designed for use with the modular engines as it has an integral bellhousing. I used it with the 4.6L DOHC engine from a 2004 Mach 1. It will bolt up to a Coyote, but not the 351 without an adapter plate.

[Higgybulin]

The T3650 was designed for use with the modular engines as it has an integral bellhousing. I used it with the 4.6L DOHC engine from a 2004 Mach 1. It will bolt up to a Coyote, but not the 351 without an adapter plate.

Yes it needs an adapter plate but lots of guys using them to swap into Fox bodies which means the shifter location will end up in the right place. With everything that I have read or seen so far with the adapter, the input shaft ends up in the right spot as well when using a 302 or 351W clutch, pressure and flywheel. You would have to clearance the bellhousing on the new trans for the starter. Sounds simple enough. Decent T5's are getting harder to find it seems and when going the donor route they are the best option.

[rthomas98]

How much horsepower and torque are you expecting? If 300 hp or below go T5, it is much smoother shifting but can't handle more horsepower. Anything 300hp above go TKX.

[33fromSD]

How much horsepower and torque are you expecting? If 300 hp or below go T5, it is much smoother shifting but can't handle more horsepower. Anything 300hp above go TKX.

I did the T5 with my 302 in the 33 HR and while it's not a speed demon, it's a blast to drive.

Jim

[Scott Gompper]

The T5 is just fine and is priced right. The whole kit is $3267.70 for T5, Bell housing, clutch, pressure plate, master cylinder, slave cylinder flywheel and bolts! I could not take out my AOD without removing the 302 (Now 347). Call Forte's 508-875-0016

[Mach1martysr]

What part number is correct for the T5 behind a stock 302 ? I’m almost done rebuilding the engine and looking forward to getting the T5 ordered .
Thanks,
Marty

[Ford & Jeep Fan]

What part number is correct for the T5 behind a stock 302 ? I’m almost done rebuilding the engine and looking forward to getting the T5 ordered .
Thanks,
Marty

You can use a T-5 and bell-housing From any 83-93 V8 Mustang/Capri Although the 85 and newer (transmissions) were better units.