In the hay day of kit cars (mid-1980s) my uncle built a replica of the 1937 Jaguar SS100 using a Ford drivetrain. I am now the proud owner, but the reverse gear has ceased to function. Here's the specs as best I can determine: 1977 (78?) 2.3L with Offy intake manifold/Holley 4bbl, headers, high-performance ignition/coil, and a full page of goodies from Racer Walsh. Awesome engine!! Started right up after being parked for 10 years, and is a blast to drive.
Tranny is 1981 Mustang Turbo 5 speed (5th gear is to the right and back, reverse down/left/forward) with tag number RAPAB CB EOZRBA 0022. Rear end is 8" with 3:55, wheels are 165/80R 15.
This tranny seems very rare, used from 1980-1983 in the Mustang and Capri, the only tranny shops contacted that even recognized it said no parts are available for repairs. The T5 was recommended as a replacement, but I was warned about needing to do significant fabrication to install.
Here are the questions: is the T5 the best replacement in terms of 1. equivalent gear ratios to the 1981 Mustang, 2. size and fit (shifter location no concern, but length as relates to xmember and driveshaft length is), 3. input and output shaft diameter and number of splines, 4. other questions I am not informed enough to ask?
Whether T5 is best or not, what are the best donor vehicles/trannys to be looking for, or what should I be asking for at tranny shops (I realize that even with the T5 different versions have been produced...)
My preference is a 5 sp with equivalent gear ratios to the Mustang, but with 5th gear to the right and forward (this would reduce the attempt to shift into reverse when I jump into my other car and get up on the freeway!!)
The Kit Car has become my daily driver, and look forward to many more miles and years from the enhanced Pinto engine!
Thanks much for any and all assistance or leads for information.
Hello filemyr,
The T5 will bolt to the 2.3 IF it is from a 2.3.
Not sure about what gears your existing tranny has.
Not sure about the yoke or u-joints or tranny mount.
From Pintony
Thanks Pintony
I guess if the T5 is from a 4 cyl the gearing shouldn't be too different.
A question I forgot to ask is what years has the 2.3L been the same block with the same rear bolt pattern? For example, would an early to mid-1990s 2.3L be the same bolt pattern?
One tranny shop I talked to indicated the bell housing would be different to mount the T5: engine side is the same but tranny side is different than the 2.3L to '81 Mustang trans currently installed... the same guy said I might have to change out the input shaft... I sure hope there is an easy solution...
Thanks again!
Hello filemyr,
There is a bunch of stories flying about the Borg warner T-5.
Now understand I know nothing about Kit cars and how they are put together.
I know Pinto's
The 2.3 had the same bell house bolt pattern it's full run.1974-just a few years back.
The T-5 has the same yoke spline as the Pinto C4 auto tranny.
From Pintony
Hello Filemyr
Here is the only information I could find on what Ford used for 5 speed transmissions in 1981.
From Pintony
140VS
(M)
3.72
2.23
1.48
1.00
0.76
3.59
Ford '80-83
140VS
(M)
4.05
2.43
1.48
1.00
0.82
3.90
Ford '80-83
see attached pdf file, spin doccument 90 deg counterclock wise and check out your options
WOW Brad,
That is a great file. Thank you for posting it to the group.
Maybe Jeff can do something to this file to make accessable to everyone?
I need to print and laminate this file so I can I.D. trannys at swap meets.
From Pintony
anything you want, get an adapter plate made :P
You could also use a 5 speed from any 4 cylinder (except diesel) equiped ranger. The only problems would be rigging up a hydraulic clutch system and possibly a change in shifter location. I know the t5 shifters are further back than the mustang 4 speeds, and I've also compared the ranger trans to the mustang 4 and the shifters are VERY close to the same area, but i have no idea about the 5 speed you currently have.
-Harry
You can use 83-86 Tbird bell-housing and almost any of the 80s some 90s Mustang bell-housings that have a T5 and 4cyl. All of these should work since they are Mechanical - cable operated bell-housings
Use a T-5 Borg Warner