Well im taking my car in a new direction. Im going to put my motor (specs in sig) in a 85 sport coupe. Well i already have a Turbo 350, 2400 stall, works fine. But my goal with the car is to make it into a nice crusing car. I have a T5 that came out of my car originally that has a bad countershaft bearing. I want the fun to drive quality of the manual and the overdrive, since i plan to cruise around it in every now and then. But my friend keeps telling me ill regret putting the T5 back in since it broke once and will break again. I know i can get the parts to rebuild it for around $200, how hard is it? I plan on running only 9 inch tires and a stock clutch since it will be easier on the trans.

What are yall suggestions, and a T56 is almost out of the question since its out of my budget and i have a 2 piece rear main seal and the special flywheel cost more.

 

I am such a big fan of overdrive AND clutch pedals that I know which direction I would go. Even if you stay automatic I would use a 700R4 because of the overdrive and the 3.08 first gear. I'm not sure of the particulars regarding reliability of your transmission since you are gonna have to dig into it. I do know that there are lots of guys here who live with T5s and have a lot more engine than you do. They just don't clutch drop and go nuts all the time.

 

Are they difficult to rebuild, any special tools required. Im a fairly good mechanic, just never tore into a tranny.

 

You will need more than a Craftsman tool set to do it right. Things like dial indicators and snap ring pliers will be a must. You can buy a book, such as a factory service manual, if you search around on ebay for pretty cheap.

Buy a book and then read it first. You need to have the special tools (and regular tools) that are listed in the book to do the job right.

 

Well i have more than my share of regular tools, snap ring pliers, and can get hold of a dial indicator. I will buy a manual, thanks.

 

Depending on whether or not its a regular T5 or a World Class T5 would make a big difference. The regular units are not very strong, but the WC units handle some fairly stout power if driven right. They're a fairly simple designed trans, so rebuilding is not too difficult with decent mechanical knowledge. Get the book and read up.

do a search on here - there's ton's of info on T5's

 

Also, the 700R4s arent too difficult to build. Theres A TON of info, both on here, and generally on the net on how to make them strong. You want to start out with a later version like 1987 or late. You may have to swap in an electronic speedo to do that.

As well, you will want to replace any wear parts, clutchs, etc... Upgrade servos and things to vette style stuff, put a shift kit in it, and youre set.

HOWEVER, depending on what rear gear you have, you can have some fun with your TH350 as well. Im a big fan of having the ability to shift gears, but not always a fan of the clutch. Clucthes can be fun too, but im not that advanced yet, so i prefer a compromise. WHich is RATCHET SHIFTING, you can buy a shift kit that will let you manually select any gear and hold it for as long as you want. With a slap shifter, you can have more fun.

As well, if your after once in a while drivability, i would look into getting a lock-up torque converter with a high stall, and a gear vendors overdrive unit. The gear vendors are very expensive new, but try to find a used one.