Which T-5 to buy and rebuild.

[91gt347]

Ok. I can get a 4 banger T-5 REAL cheap. My question is since Im rebuilding anyway. Can you turn a 4 banger T-5 into a world class T-5 ? Would I be better off buying a '86 5.0 T-5, then make it a WC. I'll have to buy gears for either one,so it would be cheaper to do the 4 banger...IF it can be done.

[NoMo5o]

I know that a 4 banger one will bolt up to a 5.0, the only thing that I think could be different is the main shaft. I know the input shafts are different because you need a pilot bearing from a ranger or something to plug the input shaft into the crank. I have acutally wondered if this could be done for a while now. These things are supposed to be pretty simple to rebuild, and I have already done a t56 just from reading a book and looking at pictures.

[91gt347]

I wonder if thats the difference that makes the torque rating so low on them. I have the one out of my car. It has a broken cluster gear. If I could get the 4 banger one for cheap,then put my input shaft in it and have a good tranny ,that would be the shit.

[WickedFlamed02StangGT]

I also heard that a four banger tranny's main shaft is a little shorter than the v8 tranny's

[whoa5oh]

the only difference in the tranny's since the borg warner t-5 was used in everything from mustangs to trucks to gm f-body cars, is on the mustang specifically the input shaft is much smaller in dia. and the 1st and 2nd gear ratios are lower to accomodate more mechanical advantage for the less powerful motor, same casing ect. i would build either one, but i've seen 4 cyl tranny's hold up to some serious beatings. and the shaft is not shorter. it's a direct bolt it with the right pilot bearing in the back of the crank. but i'll suggest something for you, save the money for a good tranny, the power you're putting down, and i've seen this many times, your case is weak, and it's actually distorting under load, thats why they eat the gear sets and bearings out of it, i've grenaded my main cluster out the side of two t-5's without a hint of warning. jsut my opinion, you'll spend more money is 6 months rebuilding tranny's than a nice used tremec would cost and you'll be a lot happier. if you look at the cases on a t-5 and a tremec the reinforcing ribs are farther apart thinnner and a lot less of them on the t-5 think if it as a soft metal (aluminum) under high heat and stress. which would you rather have

[rdwright66]

Whats anybodies opinion on the 3550 transmission. Is it a strong tranny and can it handle abuse?

[whoa5oh]

i had a 3550 it was strong, only thing i didint like is second gear is stiff due to tight synchros, making powershifting a pain in the butt, other than that no complaints

[johnisbubba]

I thought the 86 5.0 had a Borg Warner WC T-5

[whoa5oh]

i didint thinik the world class t-5's were in mustangs until 91-93 but i'll see what i can find out. i believe it was borg warners way of beefing up the tranny after they realized how weak the internal bushings were.

[Gtconv91]

Well the my first 3550 wasnt the greatest.. broke the 10 input shaft in 2 pieces, upgraded to 26, cracked the casing, and the biggest issue was kept it getting stuck in a gear.. 2 and 4th(manufacturer defect) Oh and bending the 3rd gear shift fork 3 times before i had my tranny guy make me an offer to build me a 3550 turned TKO upgraded input/output shafts face plated 2,3,4 and I love it...!!! went from having a 3550 out 7 time in one year to keeping it in the car for more then 2 yrs now!!