Whats the best way to change the fluid out of a T-5 when its on jacks? I know there are two plugs, drain and fill. How do you get the fluid into the fill plug? Also, how much and what kind of fluid do I use? Thanks!

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85 2.8L Sport Coupe 5-speed.
Mods: Hpertech chip and powerstat, MSD 6A-L, Crane fireball coil, Dynomax hi-flow cat and catback system with a dynomax magnum race bullet muffler on the i-pipe, K&N filterchargers, Eibach and Tokiko springs/shocks setup, Global west sub frames, Suspension techniqs front and rear sway bars, and good ole 88 IROC wheels with Kumo Ecstas on em!
"I'm out to seek those pesky VTEC boys!" (don't get me wrong, I'm asian myself! hehe)

Wins: 2000 V6 Accord, 69 302 Mustang, 2000 Auto VR6 Jetta, 89 Toyota MR2, 90 Civic Si, 76 350 Camaro.

 

I've found the best way to drain and fill is to use the drain plug, and after putting it back in, removing the shifter plate from inside the car, taking out the 4 bolts and shifter, and adding the fluid from inside. A LOT less messy!

Only use a good quality ATF with this transmission!!!!! Some of the lubrication passages are too small for the regular 80W - 90W gear oil that a lot of people use, and the bearings will starve for lube. I have used Mobil 1 synth. ATF with great success. Although a little more pricey, the benefit is a longer fluid change interval.

Hope this helps!

[This message has been edited by PonchoTA (edited May 09, 2001).]

 

If you don't want to remove the shifter, use a hand pump. It looks sort of like a grease gun. I just recently bought one that holds a little over half a quart. Fill the pump from the Mobil 1 ATF bottle, put the hose in the fill plug hole, and pump the fluid in. Repeat above steps 4 times.
The hand pump was 8 bucks, also great for pulling out the last bit of dirty oil from the oil pan. Just remember to clean it after each use.

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No guts, no glory.

 

You may want to check a Helm/Haynes book to find out what kind of fluid to use for the tranny.
Some are ATF and others are GL-5. I used ATF in my 84 T-5 and it would grind during half of the shifts into any gear. I switched to GL-5 and now the shifts are smooth as glass.

My $0.02
Dale

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1986 FireBird
2.8L MPFI
Gutted Cat, No muffler (Sweet Sound)
Was 700-R4 --> Now T5

 

Hey Dale,

What's GL-5? Where do you get it? I have an 83 T-5 and since my tranny is being rebuilt right now, maybe now would be a good time to try it if it works...

[This message has been edited by PonchoTA (edited May 09, 2001).]

 

If your trans is the stock 83 one, use gear lube (otherwise known as GL-5). I strongly recommend synthetic such as Mobil 1 or Red Line. Do not use the real thick stuff like Lakewood BFL; 75W-90 or 80W-90 are as thick as it needs to be.

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

 

Yo NTCrist, where'd u get the hand pump?!

 

I got my hand pump at a AutoZone. I'm pretty sure you can buy them at any regulaer parts store. Like I said, mine was a little over 8 bucks. They're usually by the grease cans/grease guns. Make sure to get a long enough hose for the application. Sure makes things easier than taking off the shifter.

 

I'll tell ya one thing, those pumps make changing the rear end fluid a hell of alot easier too.