The 1983-1984 Borg Warner T-5 had the same 265lb/ft torque load rating as the 1985-1989; however the first gear ratio was taller. 2.95:1 vs 3.35:1. That will hurt you if you do not have gears. Internally, the 1983-1984 T-5's are NOT world class. As such they have the weaker syncros, gears, and needle bearing input shaft setup. The reason the torqueload rating was the same was strictly from the taller 1st gear ratio. In 1985 the "World Class" T-5 came out. From 1985-1989 it featured the lower 3.35:1 1st gear ratio for improved acceleration with the tall gearing from the factory, and a better set of syncros to take the torqueload. The preferable T-5's are 1990 and later. They had at least 300lb/ft ratings after that point in the 5.0L HO cars when the gears were made of a stonger alloy. They retained the 3.35:1 1st gear. The Cobra T-5 got a tapered roller bearing and phospate coated gears, it was rated at 310 or 315lb/ft. The Z spec is rated at 330lb/ft. It's got the tapered roller bearing, good gears and syncros, and the stronger 2.95:1 1st gear. I hope that helps.
|