Are there any other "strong" factory 5 or 6 speed manual transmissions besides a T5 that will bolt up to my 1965, 289? I'm thinking they didn't put a T5 into trucks and that they used something else but haven't been able to find much.
Trucks used the M5 Mazda-built trans. The small-block version has a co-ax hydraulic TO bearing. They are an integral-bell trans so don't adapt to other engines easily. I have one I'm putting on a 351W.
I guess the T-bird super coupes used the Mazda M5 tranny. I'm not sure if the internals varied much from the pickup, pretty much the same I think. Also the big ZF 5 speed came in a small block pattern too. I have one behind a warmed up 300-6 build in my shop truck and I like it pretty good but wouldn't consider it much for gear slamming. It is basically the same tranny used behind 460s and Power Stroke diesels.
If you want to spend some money, try Keisler Engineering. I just bought a T45 5 speed conversion kit for my '65 Mustang. Its a little more robust than a WC T5 and Keisler converts them from integral bell housing to one that will work with a separate bell housing. It was a little spendy but it has EVERYTHING needed for the Mustang conversion plus it has a waranty that doesn't start until the car is done!
Use an M5R2. It it the mazda trans they put in the 1/2 ton pickups. They have a small block belhousing. I'm putting one in my current project.
The Tremec showed up in mid 2001, but it's not like a stick shift of old. It has a very modern mount up pattern. The bellhousing is not normal looking either.
Adapter from Novak bolts an 87-92 Toyota Supra Turbo R154 to a Ford bellhousing. Very tough transmission. http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/kit_fm3550.htm Greg
Turbo 4 cylinder cars used the T5, the V6 Super Coupes used a variant of the M5OD-R2 with different gear ratios. I think these are the gear ratios. Stronger than the T5 but harder to rebuild. The 89-93 ratios are 5th (0.75) 4th (1.00) 3rd (1.43) 2nd (2.32) 1st (3.75) The 94-95 ratios are 5th (0.75) 4th (1.00) 3rd (1.34) 2nd (2.16) 1st (3.42)<!-- / message -->
The Jalopy Journal
