Will the stock M5 take the power a 350 can give? I've done some searching and people seem to say yes for it. But what should I do as a precaution? What clutch should I get? Any thing for the tranny as long as I'm down there?

Thx, Kevin

 

yes, the T5 will hold up to the 350... I know people (myself included) who are running a T5 behind a stout 350. But then again, I don't beat on it too much. I would do a full rebuild and make sure that it's a WORLD CLASS T5 tranny. Also, I believe there's a beefed up part for the 5th gear that you can get.

 

I've run 12s in the 1/4 for years on my T5..


-- Joe

 

Fifth gear isn't the problem with the T-5 on the street or drag strip. The problem is that when you make a lot of power, the diameter of third gear is so small, that the teeth actually peel off like corn coming off the cob. The experience of the guys in So Cal with the t-5 is that somewhere around 290 rwhp seems to be the magic number. We have had at least three cars loose their t-5 at the strip. Typically, they have no problem when consistently running low 13's. When they drop into the 12's, the trannys fail usually within 6-12 passes. Your tranny might be stronger than most, but if it isn't it will cost you. In So Cal we all have to run tpi or Super Rams. For smog reasons, carbs are not an option. If your running a carb, you might get away with more power and faster runs because you won't have the low end torque. I think the cause is that when you shift from 2nd to 3rd at the track, you come out of 2nd at your "red line" and grab 3rd right at the torque peak. A typical tpi or Super Ram set up making @300 rwhp will make close to 400 ft lbs torque at the rear wheel. I think carbs have torque numbers closer to the hp numbers.

 

I have yet to have any problems with mine and I'm running mid-13s.

 

So, those that responded with saying "I've had no problems", is it a bone stock T5? What about the clutch though? Will the stock clutch, if in good shape, be fine?

Also, I don't plan on making tons of power. So, I'm not too worried about that right now. What year 350 blocks can I use? What are the reasons I can't use others, if I don't know the year?

Thanks.

 

The people in So Cal who have had problems with the T-5 were running at the drag strip with enough power to get well into the 12's. One guy who held his together the longest before it went launched very carefully,and did not use drag radials. His trans finally failed on a recent cruise. As far as clutches are concerned, the stock clutch is fine for the street if you don't get brutal with it. If your going to go to the drag strip and use it hard, you want something stronger. You can use any year 350 block, but you should try to get a 1987 or newer block for a couple of reasons. The 1987 block has the one piece rear main seal and a roller cam.
You can put a roller cam into any block, but If you don't use a factory roller came block, you will have to use after market roller lifters-$$$.

 

I used m/t et drag slicks.

My clutch is a RAM 6 padal fully ceramic race clutch.

-- Joe

 

Stock T5 with Centerforce Dual-Friction clutch.