Gear shift for T5 Transmission in Mk4

[Magic Islay Malt]

When I look at Mk4 builds that have used a T5 transmission, many have a rather awkward looking gear stick/shift.
I understand why it needs it, but I'm curious, whats it like to drive with this type of long shifter.

I'm collecting parts for my build and I can get a T5 from a 2003 V6 Mustang that some is parting out at a reasonable price, but I can't help wondering about the shifter location and this being uncomfortable to drive.
The option is a TKO500 as I understand it has alternative shifter locations that would allow for a more traditional shifter but this is +$2k more than the T5 I have my eye on now.

Welcome your driving experiences and any other options builders may have applied.
Thanks in advance.

[StangRacer]

You can move the shifter forward on a T5 by using the tail housing from a Chevy S10.

[MVRight]

For me, driving with the long shifter isn't that different from my Mustang. I have a TKO600 in mine and it is shifted slightly forward, but I was pleasantly surprised when driving it after awhile, where your hand lands on the shift ball, the movement isn't that different than a "regular" placement.

[rich grsc]

It isn't awkward at all, I much prefer it to a forward shifter placement

Oh ya. that V6 transmission is a great boat anchor

[Jeff Kleiner]

You get used to the forward facing shifter by the time you drive around the block.

Not sure of the torque rating of that V6 transmission but I do know that it has the long input shaft which means that to use it you will have to use the specific SN95 bell housing. The TKO500 and 600 are no longer produced and have been replaced by the TKX.

Jeff

[BEAR-AvHistory]

When you sit in the seat & drop your hand the shift knob is right there. It feels just like a vertical shift after a few runs through the gears. Muscle memory kicks in & you don't really think about it. On any given day I might be driving a 6MT Jeep, 5MT pickup or the 5MT TKO-600 Cobra. Never even think about the gear shift just get in & drive.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=202727&d=1723411338

[Magic Islay Malt]

Thanks for the responses, so the T5 from a 2003 V6 is a no-no ?
Would the best T5 for my mild 302 be pre-1993 one ?

[StangRacer]

Thanks for the responses, so the T5 from a 2003 V6 is a no-no ?
Would the best T5 for my mild 302 be pre-1993 one ?

No, you can certainly use the T5 out of a 2003 V6 Mustang. It has the same torque rating as the T5's used in the 1990-1993 Foxbody LX V8 cars and GT's which was 300 ft lbs. Jeff is correct the input shaft is longer, by .750 IIRC... you can use a bellhousing from a 94-95 GT Mustang or you can simply change the input shaft to the Foxbody length shaft. Changing the input shaft is easy and takes maybe 20 minutes if you take your time. There are plenty of "how to" videos out there... If you go this route and change the input shaft, get some shims to make sure the input shaft is shimmed correctly.

The only other difference between the 03 V6 T5 and the earlier V8 Foxbody T5 is the drive for the speedometer. The 03 V6 T5 is set up for an electronic drive speedometer and the earlier Foxbody V8 T5 has a gear driven speedometer. If you are going to use a gear driven speedometer in your FFR there are ways to convert the 03 V6 T5 to the gear drive. However, the "easy button" is to just use a GPS driven speedometer...

There are some advantages of using the 03 V6 transmission. Because they came out of a V6 those that don't have any knowledge of T5's don't want them so you can usually pick them up dirt cheap. Also, because they were behind V6, they are often in great shape because they haven't been beat on. Most V6 cars have skinny tires and people weren't side stepping the clutch at 5000 rpm.

The 03 V6 T5 would be a great choice for an FFR with a mild 302. I used one in my CMC road race Mustang that I got out of an SN99 V6 car in the salvage yard for $50 and never had the first bit of trouble. Two keys to making them live is to not use an aggressive clutch and get a good shifter that has positive stops. If you are planning on hitting the drag strip with drag radials and a sintered iron clutch disc you may want to consider something else...

[Magic Islay Malt]

No, you can certainly use the T5 out of a 2003 V6 Mustang. It has the same torque rating as the T5's used in the 1990-1993 Foxbody LX V8 cars and GT's which was 300 ft lbs. Jeff is correct the input shaft is longer, by .750 IIRC... you can use a bellhousing from a 94-95 GT Mustang or you can simply change the input shaft to the Foxbody length shaft. Changing the input shaft is easy and takes maybe 20 minutes if you take your time. There are plenty of "how to" videos out there... If you go this route and change the input shaft, get some shims to make sure the input shaft is shimmed correctly.

The only other difference between the 03 V6 T5 and the earlier V8 Foxbody T5 is the drive for the speedometer. The 03 V6 T5 is set up for an electronic drive speedometer and the earlier Foxbody V8 T5 has a gear driven speedometer. If you are going to use a gear driven speedometer in your FFR there are ways to convert the 03 V6 T5 to the gear drive. However, the "easy button" is to just use a GPS driven speedometer...

There are some advantages of using the 03 V6 transmission. Because they came out of a V6 those that don't have any knowledge of T5's don't want them so you can usually pick them up dirt cheap. Also, because they were behind V6, they are often in great shape because they haven't been beat on. Most V6 cars have skinny tires and people weren't side stepping the clutch at 5000 rpm.

The 03 V6 T5 would be a great choice for an FFR with a mild 302. I used one in my CMC road race Mustang that I got out of an SN99 V6 car in the salvage yard for $50 and never had the first bit of trouble. Two keys to making them live is to not use an aggressive clutch and get a good shifter that has positive stops. If you are planning on hitting the drag strip with drag radials and a sintered iron clutch disc you may want to consider something else...

Excellent info, thanks.
There is another, as someone in the movies once said.
I've found a 1997 GT with a 4.6L V8, with the exception that it might have had a harder life attached to a V8 than the V6, would it need the input shaft changed ?
Would it be more of a "drop in" ?

[Jeff Kleiner]

The 1997 with a 4.6 uses a T-45 which is not compatible with a pushrod Windsor engine.

Jeff

[rich grsc]

Another issue with the V6 is using the later bell housing, that is a fitment issue. Is has a big vent on top which makes installing in the frame a tight fit, but the biggest problem is the clutch arm. On a Fox body, the clutch arm comes straight out the side of the housing, on the later ones it exits at a downward angle, that isn't an issue if you use a stock oil pan, but if you want a newer pan with bump outs, the clutch cable won't clear.

[StangRacer]

Excellent info, thanks.
There is another, as someone in the movies once said.
I've found a 1997 GT with a 4.6L V8, with the exception that it might have had a harder life attached to a V8 than the V6, would it need the input shaft changed ?
Would it be more of a "drop in" ?

I seem to recall someone made an adapter kit years ago that would allow the use of a T45 behind a Windsor. I don't believe it ever caught on due to the expense and extensive modifications required. The bellhousing of the T45 is integrated and required a section to be milled off and another section to be welded on... if you were going through all the trouble to adapt the t45 to a Windsor you would be dollars ahead to just go with a TKX. You can get adapters to use a 3650 behind a Windsor for a reasonable cost. However, I would only consider this option if you already had a healthy 3650... For a mild 302 the 99-04 V6 T5 with a Foxbody input shaft swap would be the most reasonable and economic choice.

[Magic Islay Malt]

Thanks. I'm learning lots, but still have lots to learn.

[Jeff Kleiner]

The "easy button" is to just go with a T-5 from a Fox Mustang and not have to change anything. 1985 and up are what's referred to as the "world class" version. In 1990 they got a stronger gear set and in '92 the synchros were improved. My preference out of all is the T-5z because of it's higher torque rating and better gear ratios (2.95:1 first vs 3.35) however they were not ever installed in production vehicles. I suggest that you get involved in the huge Mustang community because through that network you'll find tons of T-5 that have been pulled out when cars get upgraded to TKOs, TKXs, etc.

Jeff