1984 T-5. Are they any good???

[Unit 5302]

Originally posted by bosco
unit, what do you think i should do with my transmission? i have and 87 with a 5 speed with the mods listed below, i havent gotten around to taking it to the track yet, so i dont know how it will hold up, all i do in my car is drive to work and school a few times a week, ill admit i do drive it pretty hard sometimes, my transmission whines while driving in 1 2 and a little in 3rd and it grings slightly shifting into 3rd, and i dont know if this is normal, i doubt it, but when i first start it up in the morning, if i try to shift somewhat quick it gringd real bad, but after a mile or so it gets better, so i figured it was time for a rebuild, but now im thinking i should just get a new one, what do you think?

Well, you do have some mods, so Mr 5.0's suggestion of Tremec does, as usual , have merit. I would never have a T-5 rebuilt. It's simply not cost effective, and it's too hard to find a good shop to do it. Most T-5 rebuilds are garbage. The shop messes it up, or they don't replace parts that need it. It's also about the same expense as buying one from D&D Performance in MI.

That being said, I think the T-5 is a lot stronger than what it gets credit for. Some people have really bad luck with them (as do the Tremec 3550 owners), and some have really good luck. Skyman is running 12's with ET's and pulling 1.6's/1.7's with his stock "weak" 1989 T-5. Some people complain about the T-5's 2.95:1 ratio in the Z spec, but having a tall 1st gear ratio allows you to use 1st gear even with lower (higher numerically) gearing, and it keeps the ratios closer between shifts.

A new Z spec T-5 is rated at 330ft/lbs, and it's a very nice tranny. I have one in my car (which is not significantly modded) and I couldn't be more pleased with shift quality. A Z spec will set you back about $1100 to your door. A Tremec will put a bigger dent in your wallet because of bell housing, cross member, and other expenses. If you do get a Tremec it's especially important to get a good aftermarket shifter like the Pro 5.0 if you want to shift with one hand, not two. The stock shifting charachteristics are horrible with the Tremec. I would also recommend a quality shifter on the T-5 as well. Missing gears is hard on your tranny, and hyper extending the shift forks with the stock setup is also damaging.

Just my opinions, though.