First off, evidently the search feature is down ....

OK, I have recently swapped in a T5 in my 91. The engine is a slightly modified 350. When I did the swap I used all new clutch and hydrolic components. The flywheel was resurfaced. For fluid I used ATF and Lucas for Auto Trans. The rear end is a 2.73 posi.

Now for the problem .... The transmission runs and drives great when moving but....

I am having trouble in first gear. When I am taking off I have to forcefully hold the shifter in position. If I try to take off without holding it in it will pop out of gear (sounds like someone slams into my car when it happens). When it happens I have to put in neutral and put it back in gear. I do not have the problem if I dump the clutch (but the cops frown on breaking the tires loose) or get to take off quickly. Once the car is moving I have no problems what-so-ever. I can ride along in first gear indefinately. I am puzzled by this.

It seems to me if it were a syncro it would tend to grind going into gear, or slip out when moving. If it were a shifer problem it also seems like it wouldnt want to stay in, even if the car was rolling.

I would like to hear theories on this, or if somone has had the problem before what the resolution was.

 

The T5 (and T56, etc.) use stamped steel keys to detent the synchro engagement sleeve. These keys keep the slider in neutral when that gear pair isn't being used, and keeps the slider engaged to the gear when that gear is selected.. They are a common failure component and aftermarket companies sell billet keys to replacement.

The other scenerio is that the plastic fork pads (another common failure) have worn or broken on one side. This will keep the slider from fully engaging the gear and pop back out. If the drivetrain is in motion, the rotational force is enough to keep the slider in contact with the gear, and even fully engage. There are aftermarket bronze pads to upgrade them as well..

 

Is this something that is relatively easy to fix. I build engines as a pastime, but have never done more then open a transmission case to look inside? I am fairly mechanically inclined, just do not have the experience in this area.

 

If you're mechanically inclined and can follow the tremec service manual, it's not hard at all.. The T5 sticky has the speciallized tools needed, which most shops should have anyway..

http://www.ttcautomotive.com/English...0-0199_173.pdf

 

It depends on how far you have to take the trans apart to fix the problem. If it's just the fork pads you got lucky. You pull the tailshaft housing and the top cover, repalce the pads, clean and silicone the gasket surfaces, bolt it back together, and you're off. If it's in the 1/2 synchro assembly you have to get further into the trans.

This is sort of an odd problem. Usually the T5 will have problems with 2nd gear, usually from gacked engagement teeth from too many botched 1-2 powershifts with a stock shifter. I've got good used 1st gears if you need one, but my guess is the problem is in the slider and hub assembly as noted. Otherwise it would jump out of gear at speed.

 

Thank you all for the input. It has been most helpful. I am leaning toward the fork bumpers, as the shifter stays in place when it jumps out of gear. It will still be locked in first gear posistion, and I will have to pull it to neutral and back to first. I have been just riding it in 2nd for the time being, I am in process of an engine rebuild in my grocery getter. Luckily, I am safe as long as it is not raining and can ride my motorcycle into work.