I realize there are "Ranges" - but those that have had them done, what have you paid, and are there really any performance/durability upgrades avaliable for the T5?

 

you can get a complete bearing/synchro rebuild kit for about $250.

for a complete performance overhaul, check out www.g-forcetransmissions.com They have a complete kit for the T-5 to make it supposedly handle 600+ TQ. Costs about $1500 to do it yourself.

 

I assume one would need a special tool kit designed to work with the T5 (although - remember - I'm a tranny idiot). Where should I look for one, and where was the $250 bearing/syncho kit avaliable at? Thanks for your help so far..

 

Full bearing and synchro kit with al small parts and seals $175 (all OEM quality). Race and bearing for 1st gear $45 (not included in any kit I've ever seen). Upgrade to super alloy gears $450. New rear bearing retainer (OEM cast iron, these are often chewed up) $45. If nothing else is damaged that's the cost. I charge $200 for labor to completely rebuild & blueprint a T5. A T5 built like this will easily support 400 lbs/ft in a street car.

The tools you need are 10, 13, & 15mm sockets, torque wrench, screwdriver, bushing driver, brass punches, ball peen hammer, dial indicator and base, calipers, depth mic, and some other basic stuff. A press isn't 100% necessary, but it sure helps, espcially with some good clamshells.