What do I do about my broken T-5?
 

I don't really want to fix it b/c it will just break again. I'm sure not going to quit racing over this. So, do I go with a Tremec 3550, TKO, or something else? I can't afford any fancy clutchless tranny or anything like that, and the car is still mainly a street car. But it will see 5000+ rpm launches (the car bogged twice launching at 5000--before it broke) on slicks and 400 rwhp (on juice). Will a 3550 stand up to this, or do I need to go straight to a TKO? I haven't really thought about an automatic, but I guess I could consider a built auto... What is involved in a swap from a T-5? I'm planning to get a steel flywheel, do I need a scattershield too?

Thanks for all replies - Josh

I would talk with one of the big tranny players and see what options they have for your particular situation. Ask them if they have studies showing their equipment in a similar enviroment. Then make an informed purchasing decision.

TKO, man!!!! $1450 from Brothers Performance Warehouse. The WC T5 is $1200. Get the TKO and kick some a$$!

D&D Performance in Michigan is another good source for tough T5 trannies.I've been beating the poop out of one of thiers for years with 5000 rpm launches on slicks and it's doing great.Also consider a toploader for racing.I'd hate to see us loose another driver to a boring automatic.Please keep shifting your own gears!!!!!!!!

Hey guys maybe you can help me, as you prolly know i been posting about my broken t-5 too, well this guy said he will sell me a totally rebuilt t-5 for 575$, but he said to bring "my old core" WTF?

I do like the guy already, he has been building them for a long time, and even builds full race transmission's, but what do you think? is he giving me a rebuilt tranny? or is he just using the case?

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90 lx coupe: 175k miles, steeda water pump pully, hurst shifter, Mac cold air fenderwell, accel supercoil, ADS chip, aluminum D/S, Black magic fan, 3.27grs.
Best time: 13.9116(on 225/60/15 firehawks)
Best mph: 98.17
Best 60': 1.9607

next mods: subframes, mac h-pipe

If this rebuilder is using upgraded components(i.e.alloy gearsets,fiber blockers steel bearing retainer etc),that doesn't sound like a bad deal at all.As for him wanting your old core,he has to get them somewhere if he runs an exchange program.

thnx for the info, but i think he is just using new components, not upgraded.

Gonzo GT - what do you have done to your T-5 that makes it strong enough to take the abuse? I can do all of the work myself (I've rebuilt T-5's before) but I sure would like some strong parts to put in my T-5 if I could. If not, that's fine too, I'd just like to know. Thanks!

It's been 4 years since i've installed it just the way the guys at D&D Performance shipped it to me,and I can't remember all that that they did to it.Maybe you can give them a call 248-926-6220.It's been a few years since i've bought parts from them and I hope they're still in business.They had great prices on drivetrain parts.

I will, thanx a ton!