Hey I just got done installing my T-5 in my 73 wagon( 2.0) and what a difference it makes, wow its great, like a different car almost, but I wanted to share some of the problems I ran across so maybe someone else can do this easier. First off I came up with a great way to solve the locating pin problem and for really cheap. At home depot they sell these copper plumbing adapter things , I can't remember the exact name of them right now but it was next to the threaded connectors you solder onto pipes it was barely larger than the locating pin holes in the bellhousing and the inside diameter was perfect for the 2.0 pins, so I turned them a little with a drill and my bench grinder, lightly tap them in to place in the bellhousing and thats done, perfect fit for the 2.0 pins.the other problems I came upon was the fact that I had to slightly notch (very slightly, maybe half inch or so) the drivers side rack mount to clear the clutch cable, but this might not be an issue on other cars because I heard 73 has kind of an orphan steering rack. Then the bell crank on the bellhousing interfeered slightly with the inside of the trans tunnel so that just took a couple hammer blows to take care of that. anyway I'm probably forgetting lots of stuff but I'm excited it's done. Oh I also used a driveshaft from a 89 mustang with the 2.3 t-5 but I had to get a conversion joint to fit it into my stock rear end.
one up+ for you for sharing your conversion with others, thanks, Jeff
Glad you got it done, can you go into a little detail on what you like about the t5 over the former trans as far as perfomance etc.
I also have a 73 wagon 2.0 and have thought about the conversion. What did the tranny cost you?
most importantly, let us now how it effects your mileage. As far as I know, it should only improve it. Thanks.
-Harry
Overall it is just a lot smoother, shifts a lot easier and seems to accelerate faster, I don't know if I just lucked out on the gear ratios in the tranny or what, its a lot quieter now to, but that might be because the old trans was pretty shot. As far as the cost I lucked out cause the day I went to the junk yard it just happend to be half of day so I got it for right around 45 or so if I remember correctly ( I bought a lot of other stuff like door seals and some sweet sport mirrors). The gas mileage seems better but I am not sure on exact numbers because my speedo isn't working right now, but considering I am cruising at much lower rpm's on the freeway now it should be, overall I would highly recommend it as I am extremely pleased with it overall.
Hello Chris,
Welcome to the T-5 2.0 Group.
Can you get more of the plumming fittings and get a shot off to the group?
I'm sure that the C4 users might benefit form your experience.
The Ford 4 Cyl. T-5 has a 3.98 first gear so you should get a better low end take off from that.
the 4 speed Hummer has around 3.5 first gear.
The 4 cylinder T-5 has a yellow drive gear on the output shaft.
I have installed the BLACK gear to help correct my speedo and I am running a 21 tooth speedo cable gear.
Your Pinto may not need the black gear as I am also running a 4.11 posi. rear.
If you can??? Post the part number for the change over rear u-joint and what rear you are running.
Thanks..
From Pintony
Hello Chris,
What did you use for your T-5 install clutch?
I am still un-sure what I am going to do about my install that will hold the turbo.
From Pintony
Hey I can't get a pic of the plumbing fittings because I don't have a digital camera right now, I'll try and take one to work and take a picture there, but I went back to home depot today and found out the size, they are 3/8 x 1/2 and the center hole fits perfect on the pin in the 2.0 the the outside just needs to be turned down a little to get in the holes on the 2.3 bellhousing, I just clamped it with a nut and bolt then used my drill and bench grinder to turn it down. I am not sure what the part number is on the U joint because I took it to a driveshaft shop to have them match one and they didn't have the box for it and I forgot to ask for the number :-\ and as far as the clutch, I used a clutch disk from an 87 mustang ( I think you told me about that one in an earlier post of mine when I was planning this) and reused my stock pressure plate, I just did it on the cheap right now because I am planning on having a turbo 2.3 sometime in the next 6 months or so and didn't want to have to shell out a bunch of bucks for something I am not going to use for that long. As far as one that would hold the turbo, are there any places around you that could recover your disk with some high performance friction material, just an idea.
Chris,
What bellhousing did you use?
I just used the one from the mustang I got the trans from with the little plumbing bushings to make up the dowel pin difference.
I used to work in a plumbing supply house and I never would have thought to use 1/2 x 3/8 sweat bushings for locating dowels.
Thanx for sharing this info. I had to have mine made up by a machine shop buddy.
I share Pintony's welcome to you to the T-5 club. Did the swap in a 72 Runabout.
For what it's worth I just purchased a flywheel - clutch - pressure plate from an outfit in California by the name of Goldstar Racing. I was referred to them by Esslinger. An aluminum flywheel with a steel insert, stock clutch disc and pressure plate. I paid $500.00 for it, pricey I suppose but a sweet set up. I think that I'll have to use the long throw out bearing as I had to with my old stock unit.
I also had clutch cable interference with the lower crossmember.
I notched mine with a piece of four inch square tube and welded it right in place. Not saying this is the best thing to do, just what I did.
Rock on T-5 ! ! ! ;)
Al
in Ct.