Tremec Transmission

rtz · 02-24-2001, 10:12 PM

What is the differences between the the plain Tremec T5 vs's the Stock T5 since they are both the same price?

Also, how is the Tremec 3550 different then the previous 2 and the Tremec TKO?

http://musclemotors.com/mustang/mustangdrivetrain.htm

dinomite · 02-25-2001, 12:33 AM

I think htat the tremec t5 has slightly different gear ratios, the 3550 has the same ratios (i think) but is rated at 425 ft/lbs. and the TKO is the same as the 3550 just rated at 525.

rtz · 02-25-2001, 01:08 AM

Do the Tremecs use the same shifter, bellhousing, and transmission mount location as the stock T5?

Unit 5302 · 02-25-2001, 02:11 AM

Tremec bought out Borg Warner.

The Tremec T-5 is a Borg Warner T-5.

fastang · 02-25-2001, 02:56 AM

The 3550 is an awesome transmission but it takes a different bellhousing, clutch fork, and a different trans mount for fox bodies. SN95's dont need the other trans mount. It also takes GM synchromesh fluid which can me hard to find.

------------------
95GT B303 cam, 1.7 rockers, 65mm TB, 73mm MAF, milled heads, 355's K&N, off road pipes, pulleys, msd coil, 9mm wires, Tremec 3550, Pro5.0 shifter,10.5 Motorsport clutch, weld in subframe connectors

dinomite · 02-25-2001, 10:20 AM

I think that tremec uses a different shifter.

QuantumMotorsports · 02-25-2001, 10:24 AM

I'm kinda curious to see what you guys think, so what would be the best thing to do. Rebuild an old T-5? Or get the 3550 or TKO? I'm planning on building a 347 possibly. I want to be able to go to the track and slam the hell out of it and still drive it without having to mess with crappy synchros.

------------------
Michael Black
Quantum Motorsports
Norman, Oklahoma

1988 Merc Cougar 5.0 HO, P&Ped heads, 2.25" custom mandrel bent dual pipes, T5 five speed tranny
15.43 @ 91.08mph (not shabby for a 3600 pound car)
60' 2.453 Street tires suck!!!

chris91LX · 02-25-2001, 12:32 PM

If money is no concern, go with the TKO. I read an article not too long ago about throwing in a six speed but I can't find the article I think it was in 5.0 Magazine.

------------------
91 LX 5.0
Z t-5, 3:73 gear, Vortech 73mm Mass Air, Accufab 65mm TB, BBK underdrives, Crane HI-6S Ignition, BBK unequal length headers, Bassani x pipe, 2.5" Dynomax Super Turbo cat back, Kenny Brown Super Subs, Factory Five Control Arms, Mac cold air kit and more to come!

Chris_H · 02-25-2001, 12:33 PM

Well I have had my 3550 for over a year now and not a week goes by that I wish I had bought a different tranny. It has problems going into gear, especially first at times. A lot of times the tranny will stiffen up and make it difficult to move the shifter. After about a month of having it, the tranyy acted like there was no 3rd and 4th gear. The shifter just wouldn't move into either one. Just the other day it didn't want to go into reverse. I bought a Tri-Ax shifter about 2 months ago, and it hasn't helped much. I personally will never buy another Tremec for my car.

Chris

------------------
1987 LX, rebuilt 306, Mac shorty headers 1 5/8, 2 1/2" Mac off road h-pipe, 2 1/2" 2 Chamber Flowmasters cat-back, Mac underdrive pullies, 3.55, K&N, Tremec 3550, King Cobra Clutch, Steeda Tri-Ax, Autometer gauges, White face gauges, blue silicone radiator hoses.
Best times:
2.331 60ft, 9.966 @ 71.069 1/8 mile, 15.491 @ 91.846 1/4 mile at 4000 ft. elevation on street tires

Unit 5302 · 02-25-2001, 01:04 PM

I have heard so many things about the 3550 being the ultimate pile of **** I wouldn't buy one if you paid me.

It seems as though Tremec is nearly impossible to get to back up their products for one. Another is the poor shifting characteristics of the 3550 that I've seen posted many, many, many times. I've also read about the older 3550's cases cracking with alarming regularity. Not to mention the breakage of the tranny, it doesn't seem to be any more reliable than the T-5.

Bottom line, a few people have good results with their 3550, and they run up and down the street talking about how great it is, but most people hate using two arms to get the pile to shift, hate dealing with a company that won't back their products, and hate having a more expensive tranny break so often.

IMHO the 3550 is the biggest piece of **** to roll off a factory assembly line and be placed into a Mustang as an upgrade.

dinomite · 02-25-2001, 03:17 PM

Not trying to get on you but what other trannys are out there that you would reccomend? I am thingkin of building a 400+hp 351 with an equivelant amount of torque, and I need a transmission to back it up. In catalogs I have, they sell the world class rated at 330 ft/lbs and the tremecs rated at 425 and 525.

Unit 5302 · 02-25-2001, 06:32 PM

The T-5 most likely will not last in your application. The 3550 probably won't either, and even if it did, who wants to have a pain in the *** like that anyway?

Save some frustration, I've never heard anything bad about the TKO, so for the extra cash I'd get that, or a T-56, which was originally a Borg Warner design.

NO SLO PK · 02-25-2001, 08:39 PM

FWIW, I'm in the same boat...broke two T-5s in a 10 month period. I'm going with either the TKO or a DOUG NASH as soon as I get my tax return.

------------------
'91 LX
Procharger, 3 row intercooler, extrude honed Cobra intake, Mac full Length Headers, 30# inj., 73mm C&L, 75mm tb, E303 cam, 289 rods, ported E7 heads, MSD, T-Rex w/255 lph Walbro, 5 lug conversion, Cobra R wheels, 3.27 gears and Moser Axles.

Piston · 02-26-2001, 12:09 PM

Lets see,

I bought the 3550 Tremec and I did notice a problem with putting the damn thing in gear at times. It will grind a gear trying to put it in first at times I have to put it in second first. Won't go into reverse from any other gear other then first at times. It's just a big fat pain in my *** . On top of that on my 94gt it took a lot of extra work to get in in there. From a new driveshaft to new bellhousing. I would of bought something else if I only knew. At first I thought I was the only one. I guess I am not alone...

LX XLR8R · 02-26-2001, 01:47 PM

no problems with my tremec at all..my buddy ran low 10's constantly with his..its a strong tranny..you need a diffrent bellhousing..thats it..you can reuse the old crossmenber if you cut the 4 weld spots on the end cylinders..i am almost 100% positive that it uses the std t-5 clutch fork..if you do not want to but a new bellhousesing then you can take one out of the mustangs that had stick transmisions right b4 the new t-5 came out witch i would belive is around a 80'stang..i think the new t-5 started in 83'ish??..o and yes the shifter is diffrent and the shorthrow that comes with it is garbage and IMHO i think tht is the main reason for most people's problems..i got a pro-5oh when i got my tranny so i never had a problem..hope this helps

------------------
1987 black notch(ex 4 banger)
DSS 306 w/ main support...Elderbrock 6028 heads..gt-40 intake..24# injectors...70 mm tb..77 pro-m...accel 300+..mac full legnth..tremec w/ pro5oh...full MAC exhaust,off road h-pipe,long tubes, catback...ron davis radiator..subframes, control arms...CFDF II..o yea holley FPR sucks..dont buy one..

fastang · 02-26-2001, 02:27 PM

Im sorry to hear that you guys have had these probs with your 3550's. Mine has been great. I have had it for about a year now and I havent had ANY problems at all. I bought a pro 5.0 shifter when I installed it too. Maybe that was your problem? Mine goes into gear very easily every time and I race constantly. I personaly dont think that there is a better trans for your $. A few cases cracked on the OLD model but they dont sell those anymore, so just dont buy a used one unless you can tell the difference between the two.

------------------
95GT B303 cam, 1.7 rockers, 65mm TB, 73mm MAF, milled heads, 355's K&N, off road pipes, pulleys, msd coil, 9mm wires, Tremec 3550, Pro5.0 shifter,10.5 Motorsport clutch, weld in subframe connectors

dinomite · 02-26-2001, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Unit 5302:
The T-5 most likely will not last in your application. The 3550 probably won't either, and even if it did, who wants to have a pain in the *** like that anyway?

Save some frustration, I've never heard anything bad about the TKO, so for the extra cash I'd get that, or a T-56, which was originally a Borg Warner design.

Thank you unit, I just assumed that cause they were fairly simmilar, both tremec with same ratios, that the problems would be sononymous. Thanks for clearing that up! Now I just have to find an engine.....and a car to put all this into.

buddha · 02-26-2001, 10:08 PM

Yes, you can use the T-5 clutch fork in the Tremecs. I have had no problems with my 3550 either, and have turned many mid to high 1.40 60fts with it.
I do know they have had three case changes, due to breakage, and mine falls in the middle. Really, the only big differences that I'm aware of between the TKO and the 3550 is the spline count on the input and output shafts, so I'm not sure how one would shift better than the other. But really, what other choice is out there? A six speed will cost you over $2000 to put in. It would be cool, but no thanks.

mustanggtr · 02-27-2001, 10:25 AM

I've had my TKO for a year know, strong tranny. I think it is well worth the money.
I is behind a 351. I didn't use the tremec shifter, I went with a Hurst billet plus.

[This message has been edited by mustanggtr (edited 02-27-2001).]

StreetStang37 · 02-27-2001, 12:18 PM

I saw a car in 5.0 Mustangs and Fast Fords that had the 3550 in it and it was running an insane amount of horsepower and torque. I think it was somewhere near 500+-700+ for both not sure how much. It said the tranny handled it well, but then again it was a weekend warrior car, not too much drag racing. When I go home later, I'll check the magazine again and post the right numbers after school.

------------------
1993 Mustang GT - March Ram Air & Pullies, K&N, C&L 73mm MAF, Super Competition Hooker Headers, 2 1/2 in. mandrel bent cat back, High Flow H-Pipe, Pro 5.0 Shifter, 16* Timing Advance

02-24-2001, 10:12 PM	#1
rtz Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 180	Tremec Transmission What is the differences between the the plain Tremec T5 vs's the Stock T5 since they are both the same price? Also, how is the Tremec 3550 different then the previous 2 and the Tremec TKO? http://musclemotors.com/mustang/mustangdrivetrain.htm

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02-25-2001, 12:33 AM	#2
dinomite The Dude Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,262	I think htat the tremec t5 has slightly different gear ratios, the 3550 has the same ratios (i think) but is rated at 425 ft/lbs. and the TKO is the same as the 3550 just rated at 525.

02-25-2001, 01:08 AM	#3
rtz Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 180	Do the Tremecs use the same shifter, bellhousing, and transmission mount location as the stock T5?

02-25-2001, 02:11 AM	#4
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	Tremec bought out Borg Warner. The Tremec T-5 is a Borg Warner T-5.

02-25-2001, 02:56 AM	#5
fastang Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: santa ana ca Posts: 1,349	The 3550 is an awesome transmission but it takes a different bellhousing, clutch fork, and a different trans mount for fox bodies. SN95's dont need the other trans mount. It also takes GM synchromesh fluid which can me hard to find. ------------------ 95GT B303 cam, 1.7 rockers, 65mm TB, 73mm MAF, milled heads, 355's K&N, off road pipes, pulleys, msd coil, 9mm wires, Tremec 3550, Pro5.0 shifter,10.5 Motorsport clutch, weld in subframe connectors

02-25-2001, 10:20 AM	#6
dinomite The Dude Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,262	I think that tremec uses a different shifter.

02-25-2001, 10:24 AM	#7
QuantumMotorsports Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Norman, Oklahoma, USA Posts: 597	I'm kinda curious to see what you guys think, so what would be the best thing to do. Rebuild an old T-5? Or get the 3550 or TKO? I'm planning on building a 347 possibly. I want to be able to go to the track and slam the hell out of it and still drive it without having to mess with crappy synchros. ------------------ Michael Black Quantum Motorsports Norman, Oklahoma 1988 Merc Cougar 5.0 HO, P&Ped heads, 2.25" custom mandrel bent dual pipes, T5 five speed tranny 15.43 @ 91.08mph (not shabby for a 3600 pound car) 60' 2.453 Street tires suck!!!

02-25-2001, 12:32 PM	#8
chris91LX Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Suburban Chicago, Hanover Park Posts: 695	If money is no concern, go with the TKO. I read an article not too long ago about throwing in a six speed but I can't find the article I think it was in 5.0 Magazine. ------------------ 91 LX 5.0 Z t-5, 3:73 gear, Vortech 73mm Mass Air, Accufab 65mm TB, BBK underdrives, Crane HI-6S Ignition, BBK unequal length headers, Bassani x pipe, 2.5" Dynomax Super Turbo cat back, Kenny Brown Super Subs, Factory Five Control Arms, Mac cold air kit and more to come!

02-25-2001, 12:33 PM	#9
Chris_H Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: New Mexico Posts: 488	Well I have had my 3550 for over a year now and not a week goes by that I wish I had bought a different tranny. It has problems going into gear, especially first at times. A lot of times the tranny will stiffen up and make it difficult to move the shifter. After about a month of having it, the tranyy acted like there was no 3rd and 4th gear. The shifter just wouldn't move into either one. Just the other day it didn't want to go into reverse. I bought a Tri-Ax shifter about 2 months ago, and it hasn't helped much. I personally will never buy another Tremec for my car. Chris ------------------ 1987 LX, rebuilt 306, Mac shorty headers 1 5/8, 2 1/2" Mac off road h-pipe, 2 1/2" 2 Chamber Flowmasters cat-back, Mac underdrive pullies, 3.55, K&N, Tremec 3550, King Cobra Clutch, Steeda Tri-Ax, Autometer gauges, White face gauges, blue silicone radiator hoses. Best times: 2.331 60ft, 9.966 @ 71.069 1/8 mile, 15.491 @ 91.846 1/4 mile at 4000 ft. elevation on street tires

02-25-2001, 01:04 PM	#10
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	I have heard so many things about the 3550 being the ultimate pile of ** I wouldn't buy one if you paid me. It seems as though Tremec is nearly impossible to get to back up their products for one. Another is the poor shifting characteristics of the 3550 that I've seen posted many, many, many times. I've also read about the older 3550's cases cracking with alarming regularity. Not to mention the breakage of the tranny, it doesn't seem to be any more reliable than the T-5. Bottom line, a few people have good results with their 3550, and they run up and down the street talking about how great it is, but most people hate using two arms to get the pile to shift, hate dealing with a company that won't back their products, and hate having a more expensive tranny break so often. IMHO the 3550 is the biggest piece of ** to roll off a factory assembly line and be placed into a Mustang as an upgrade.

02-25-2001, 03:17 PM	#11
dinomite The Dude Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,262	Not trying to get on you but what other trannys are out there that you would reccomend? I am thingkin of building a 400+hp 351 with an equivelant amount of torque, and I need a transmission to back it up. In catalogs I have, they sell the world class rated at 330 ft/lbs and the tremecs rated at 425 and 525.

02-25-2001, 06:32 PM	#12
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	The T-5 most likely will not last in your application. The 3550 probably won't either, and even if it did, who wants to have a pain in the *** like that anyway? Save some frustration, I've never heard anything bad about the TKO, so for the extra cash I'd get that, or a T-56, which was originally a Borg Warner design.

02-25-2001, 08:39 PM	#13
NO SLO PK Registered Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Arcadia, CA, USA Posts: 731	FWIW, I'm in the same boat...broke two T-5s in a 10 month period. I'm going with either the TKO or a DOUG NASH as soon as I get my tax return. ------------------ '91 LX Procharger, 3 row intercooler, extrude honed Cobra intake, Mac full Length Headers, 30# inj., 73mm C&L, 75mm tb, E303 cam, 289 rods, ported E7 heads, MSD, T-Rex w/255 lph Walbro, 5 lug conversion, Cobra R wheels, 3.27 gears and Moser Axles.

02-26-2001, 12:09 PM	#14
Piston Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 77	Lets see, I bought the 3550 Tremec and I did notice a problem with putting the damn thing in gear at times. It will grind a gear trying to put it in first at times I have to put it in second first. Won't go into reverse from any other gear other then first at times. It's just a big fat pain in my *** . On top of that on my 94gt it took a lot of extra work to get in in there. From a new driveshaft to new bellhousing. I would of bought something else if I only knew. At first I thought I was the only one. I guess I am not alone...

02-26-2001, 01:47 PM	#15
LX XLR8R Dirk Diggler Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: SLOATSBURG, NY Posts: 1,931	no problems with my tremec at all..my buddy ran low 10's constantly with his..its a strong tranny..you need a diffrent bellhousing..thats it..you can reuse the old crossmenber if you cut the 4 weld spots on the end cylinders..i am almost 100% positive that it uses the std t-5 clutch fork..if you do not want to but a new bellhousesing then you can take one out of the mustangs that had stick transmisions right b4 the new t-5 came out witch i would belive is around a 80'stang..i think the new t-5 started in 83'ish??..o and yes the shifter is diffrent and the shorthrow that comes with it is garbage and IMHO i think tht is the main reason for most people's problems..i got a pro-5oh when i got my tranny so i never had a problem..hope this helps ------------------ 1987 black notch(ex 4 banger) DSS 306 w/ main support...Elderbrock 6028 heads..gt-40 intake..24# injectors...70 mm tb..77 pro-m...accel 300+..mac full legnth..tremec w/ pro5oh...full MAC exhaust,off road h-pipe,long tubes, catback...ron davis radiator..subframes, control arms...CFDF II..o yea holley FPR sucks..dont buy one..

02-26-2001, 02:27 PM	#16
fastang Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: santa ana ca Posts: 1,349	Im sorry to hear that you guys have had these probs with your 3550's. Mine has been great. I have had it for about a year now and I havent had ANY problems at all. I bought a pro 5.0 shifter when I installed it too. Maybe that was your problem? Mine goes into gear very easily every time and I race constantly. I personaly dont think that there is a better trans for your $. A few cases cracked on the OLD model but they dont sell those anymore, so just dont buy a used one unless you can tell the difference between the two. ------------------ 95GT B303 cam, 1.7 rockers, 65mm TB, 73mm MAF, milled heads, 355's K&N, off road pipes, pulleys, msd coil, 9mm wires, Tremec 3550, Pro5.0 shifter,10.5 Motorsport clutch, weld in subframe connectors

02-26-2001, 10:08 PM	#18
buddha Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Washington, MO Posts: 327	Yes, you can use the T-5 clutch fork in the Tremecs. I have had no problems with my 3550 either, and have turned many mid to high 1.40 60fts with it. I do know they have had three case changes, due to breakage, and mine falls in the middle. Really, the only big differences that I'm aware of between the TKO and the 3550 is the spline count on the input and output shafts, so I'm not sure how one would shift better than the other. But really, what other choice is out there? A six speed will cost you over $2000 to put in. It would be cool, but no thanks.

02-27-2001, 10:25 AM	#19
mustanggtr Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Bonne Terre, MO USA Posts: 4	I've had my TKO for a year know, strong tranny. I think it is well worth the money. I is behind a 351. I didn't use the tremec shifter, I went with a Hurst billet plus. [This message has been edited by mustanggtr (edited 02-27-2001).]

02-27-2001, 12:18 PM	#20
StreetStang37 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: San Jose, California USA Posts: 275	I saw a car in 5.0 Mustangs and Fast Fords that had the 3550 in it and it was running an insane amount of horsepower and torque. I think it was somewhere near 500+-700+ for both not sure how much. It said the tranny handled it well, but then again it was a weekend warrior car, not too much drag racing. When I go home later, I'll check the magazine again and post the right numbers after school. ------------------ 1993 Mustang GT - March Ram Air & Pullies, K&N, C&L 73mm MAF, Super Competition Hooker Headers, 2 1/2 in. mandrel bent cat back, High Flow H-Pipe, Pro 5.0 Shifter, 16* Timing Advance