T5 repair quote - you're not going to believe this!

[302 LX Eric]

My buddy, Mike and I ripped out my T5 a couple nights ago so that I could install a new King Cobra clutch kit and Fidanza Aluminum flywheel. While we had the tranny out of the car, I thought I might as well have it looked at to see what kind of condition it was in. (Note, I have had no real problems with this factory original T5 other than a few drops of fluid whenever I really beat on it.)

So yesterday, I drop it off at the same place that did my 3.55 gear installation (about 4 years ago). The head guy is still there! Cool, I thought. I proceed to tell him why I've brought it in, how it is driving just fine, but just wanted to know the condition. He said for $60 he would go through it and call me later.

Six hours later, the guy calls me and tells me that the syncros (sp?) are about shot and that I really should put in new ones. (No real shocker to me). He proceeds to tell me that a new set of syncros with install will "run you about $1,000." WHAT!!!??!? So, I tell him that I could buy a whole new T5 for that much, for which he replies: "Son, a new WC T5 would set you back $1,400."

At this point I am both pissed and just upset about the whole thing. I instruct him to button up my T5 and that I will pick it up tomorrow. No way was I going to pay a grand for this syncro rebuild!

Now, what should I do??? I figure I've got the following options:

1) Purchase a T5Z
2) Purchase a 3550HD
3) Purchase a TKO-2

What do you guys think? (BTW, will the TKO work with the 10.5 clutch?)

All replies appreciated!!!
E

------------------
1991 5.0 LX Coupe - 38,000 miles

13.17 @ 106.14 mph w/ 2.138 60'

[Mike Souslin]

Eric, I say that you sell your T-5 and use this money toward a 3550 or TKO. Even if you only get $300 bucks for it you will have the price of a new Tremec down to what a new T-5 would cost you! I mentioned it to my neighbor, Dusty, and he sounded interested if that's what you decide to do. I'll talk to you later!

[Mr 5 0]

In my area, you could get a total T-5 rebuild for about $700., so that one-grand synchro replacement price is a complete rip-off, as you already know.
Screw that shop guy....sell the T-5 (while it's intact) and go for the Tremec.

[blueneonman1]

Is it possible to diagnose a transmission without tearing it apart and avoid the charge of diagnosis? I am about to get my tranny synchros fixed under ext. warranty, but I would like to avoid the diagnosis fee. could the shop just drive the car around and determine what will be needed replacement? Thanks.

------------------
Blueneonman - '95 5.0L Mustang GT Convertible | K&N Custom Cold Air Intake | FMS 9mm Wires | Hollow Cats | Flowmaster 2 Chambers | BBK Subframes | 6-pt Rollcage | King Cobra Clutch | FMS Adjustable Clutch Cable | B&M Short Throw | Coolest Neon Lighting on a Mustang EVER!

Homepage: http://www16.brinkster.com/blueneonman/

[302 LX Eric]

Well, I just spoke to D&D Performance about my options. They recommended a new Tremec 3550HD. The tranny runs $1,199 + 269 for a Steel bellhousing (blow-proof) + I would need a new shifter...and I would have to modify the cross-member spacer thingy to get it to fit.

Not sure what I'm going to do?

How much is a used T5 going for these days? Mine has a little over 38,000 miles on it and shifts just fine - no whinning, grinding or anything. I just it just needs new snycros. Any ideas?

E

[jimberg]

Since that shop guy is so far out on his estimate for the repair or the replacement, why take his word that the synchros are bad? You said it was shifting fine. If the synchros were bad, you definitely wouldn't be shifting fine.

If this is just a rationalization to upgrade, then go for the Tremec 3550. It does come with a shifter, just not a pro 5.0 or anything. As far as the transmission mount goes, you can just grind off the welds and reweld it in the correct position.

------------------
351W 89 Mustang GT Convertible

[Rick 91GT]

Originally posted by jimberg:
Since that shop guy is so far out on his estimate for the repair or the replacement, why take his word that the synchros are bad? You said it was shifting fine. If the synchros were bad, you definitely wouldn't be shifting fine.

If this is just a rationalization to upgrade, then go for the Tremec 3550. It does come with a shifter, just not a pro 5.0 or anything. As far as the transmission mount goes, you can just grind off the welds and reweld it in the correct position.

I agree with Jim on this, if it shifts fine and doesn't grind those syncros are fine. I replaced at 89,000 miles when I did the basic rebuild and they looked worn but were still ok. I just replaced everything except 4th,5th and reverse and the case and spent $550 in parts, rebuilt it myself. I just didn't have the money to do the Tremec swap, with SFI approved bell,CLutch,Flywheel, etc.. but that time will come but so far my T-5 feels better then ever and shifts great, has taking 5500RPM launches and powershifts also.

Make sure he put everything back together correctly!



------------------
Check Out My Site 91GT,Holley SysteMAX II Kit-Heads 2.02" x 1.60" port matched to a 1262,Anderson N-61,24#,76mm C&L,Full MAC exhaust 1-5/8" Long tubes,2-1/2" O.R H-Pipe,2 1/2" cat back, No A/C or PS or emissions, 12" K&N Filter,RNH PERFORMANCE Ram Air,Ron Davis Radiator,Full Suspension,S&W 8pt "X" brace,JAZ seats,3:73's,Welds..etc,4:30's and 31 splines coming very soon! FIRST TIME OUT 12.16@111 WHEELS-UP

[Skyman]

I agree, if it drives and shifts fine, dont replace it. Why trust this guy when he's full of crap.


IF IT AINT BROKE DONT FIX IT.

Skyler

------------------
-1989 Saleen Mustang #406-
TFS TW Heads, E-303, Edelbrock intake, 70mm TB, 73mm MAF, 24lb injectors, 1 5/8 shorties, Off Road H, 3 Chamber flows, Jaz Race seats, Back seat removed, sub-frames, Roll Cage, and a 80 shot of N20.
12.54@107.4 Motor
1.69 60'

[302 LX Eric]

Thanks for the replies!

If I decide to go with the 3550, how hard is it to cut and re-weld the cross member into the new position? I guess I would have to take it to a machine shop to get it done?

BTW - I think this AATCO guy is full of it. A grand to put new syncros in it is just crazy.

Although, Jimberg, also made a good point about rationalization...makes it much easier to explain to the wife when UPS drops off a brand new tranny!

E

[This message has been edited by 302 LX Eric (edited 07-18-2001).]

[vande97]

lololo....the wife

[jimberg]

Eric, my #5 plug kept getting fouled with oil. I immediately assumed I needed a ring job which the shop told me would cost more than buying a brand new short block. As long as I was changing the short block, I may as well get a 351W. I was able to rationalize thousands of dollars of upgrades to my wife. The extra $40k a year I was making didn't hurt, either. I know it well.

I have a new transmission cross member that I could sell you for like $40. Are you interested? All you have to do is get it welded once the transmission is mounted.

------------------
351W 89 Mustang GT Convertible

[andy669]

I thought that the inputs had different splines too, so your new clutch would not work. I say run the t-5 'til she blows! I bought my TKO and scattershield from D&D, its great stuff!! If you've got the money, do it!!
andy