What causes this tranny to fail? Why does everyone swap in a T-56? How much torque can each year T-5 handle? Will a more powerful clutch, steel bearing retainer, new throwout bearing etc. make it able to handle 400+ lb. ft. of torque? Any help would be appreciated, Tony

 

There really arent a lot of ways to beef up a T5. I hear the 83-87 version is rated around 285 ft/lbs and the 88-92 world class version is rated around 315 ft/lbs. Driving around town, it will last for a long time. But racing it is what breaks it. People switch to the T56 or Tremec because they are stronger and last longer.

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1991 Camaro Z28
5.7L 5-Speed (originally 305)
13.25 @ 107.18 MPH
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The T5 uses basically standard parts. My T5 is on the way out,and i am going to swap in a Tremec TKO.

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1991 TA WS6 305/5 spd
Nitrous,hooker shorties,flowmaster 3" cat back,3.73's and a 160 shot of nitrous
DragStars 15x3.5 et fronts,15x10 rears with 275-50/15 BFG DR


1997 TA LT1
Draglites,15x3.5 sportsman pros
16x9 255-50/16 Comp TA's or Drag radials
Moroso CAI,no sway bar,dynomax non catback

 

Ummm...... the T-5 causes it to fail. That's the weak point.

Seriously, the case is too weak to hold the gears together; the shafts and gears are all quite small; and the design is for gas mileage not strength.

There are a few things you can do to help it out, but speaking strictly from experience you'll be replacing parts alot at that torque level. I have a 400 that puts 373 ft-lbs to the rear wheels through a T-5, and I've been through quite a few of them I can assure you.

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."