4 speed toploader clutch and shifter upgrades

[Dirtman]

Took the ole 65 mustang for a ride today... I'm getting old. Shifting this thing has become more chore than fun. It desperately needs a new clutch which isn't a big deal but it's still an old fashion z bar so the clutch pedal travel is about 2 feet, and the original mustang shifter was a sloppy mess even when it was new. It feels more like shifting an old truck than a 300hp car.

While I got it out to do the clutch I wanna shorten up both the pedal travel and shift throw.

I'm far from a manual trans expert and sure I could find pricey aftermarket kits for this thing but anyone familiar with this trans know of any oem stuff I might be able to peice together from junkyard pickings? I know If I want a better pedal feel and less travel I'll need to go with a hydraulic clutch which I'm fine with but dont know where to source parts.

Ideas? Options? Shove a c6 under it?

 

[Snoranger]

T56 and hydraulic clutch.

 

[Dirtman]

No idea what a t56 is. I've heard of a t10 and t5... if I replace the whole transmission I'm going auto. But I'm trying to save the manual because this is my fun car. It's no longer fun though. At this point a ratchet shifter and a manual valve body sound nice. But if I can get a nice short throw and a clutch pedal a midget could use I'd be excited to stay manual.

I loved my z bar... 20 years ago. But now I feel I need a zerk fitting in my knee just to work it.

 

[Snoranger]

It’s a six speed

 

[Dirtman]

That's too many gears. There's no need for more than 4. Actually, 3... I'm good with 3.

I miss rusty.... rusty would make fun of me for this whole thread.

 

[Shran]

C4 and a floor shift lever... or an AOD? Good options if you go with an auto. I don't think you're going to be happy with a C6. They are indestructible but power sucking, heavy bastards.

I don't know what's out there for toploader upgrades. A T-5 would be easy enough to adapt since they have a cable clutch mechanism. There were also some oddball 4 speeds available in the 80's with better shifters too - had one in a '80 F100, think it was called an RTS or something like that... basically 1-2-3 and an OD 4th gear. Very high geared, would be great in a car, supposedly not very durable but compared to the toploader, who knows.

 

[1996xlt]

I haven’t used this myself, but have heard good reviews on it: https://opentrackerracing.com/product/roller-z-bar-clutch-rod-kit-small-block-v8-1965-1966-mustang/

Also, you may want to look into the pedal support bracket as well, roller bearings do well in them. Scott drake sells a kit.

Between the two and a multi-finger clutch you‘ll see a world of difference.

As far as the shifter, a bolt on hurst shifter should cut down on throw length considerably.

 

[minger]

I think you need to find a good car disassembly! However, in addition, you need a good auto repair shop!


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[Blmpkn]

That's too many gears. There's no need for more than 4. Actually, 3... I'm good with 3.

I miss rusty.... rusty would make fun of me for this whole thread.

6 is the proper number for a manual, 3 for an auto.

 

[19Walt93]

A Hurst shifter on a toploader or a T10 should feel like a bolt action rifle, no slush just a solid click. If you don't want to go to the extreme of changing transmission just switching to a diaphram clutch will make the pedal pressure lighter. Watch out when you remove the over center spring from the clutch pedal or you could lose fingers.