v8 5-speed conversion questions

[kegger06]

Ok Ranger v8 go to guys, I have a 95 mazda 5-speed 4cyl. (mechanically the exact same as a ranger) that I am thinking about converting to a v8. I have a W/C Tremec t-5 model#1352-239 transmission out of a 93 cobra that I am thinking about bolting up behind a 302 in my mazda. Basically what I need to know is:
1. Is input shaft length and bellhousing correct for the application?
2. Will shifter end up in stock location?
3. How much beating will it take to get the firewall where it needs to be.
4. Can you really get it as far back as it needs to be with a 3lb sledge?
5. What about clutch assembly parts and external slave cylinder options?

Any help/info/part#s on these issues would be extremely helpful.

 

[baddad457]

There's only one stock bellhousing made for a T-5. They're all the same. The shifter will be about 6 inches or more farther back than the Ranger's. No need to beat on anything in the firewall, unless you just like beating on stuff. The farther you put the engine back, the farther the shifter will be. Put it too far back and you'll need bucket seats if you don't have em already. There are a dozen slave cylinder setups for the Tremec and T-5's. Do your research, you've apparently not done enough yet. Don't mean to sound crass, but this is YOUR swap. We're NOT going to be doing the work, you are. If you're not willing to do the leg work, stop right now.

 

[sniper_101]

There's only one stock bellhousing made for a T-5. They're all the same.

The 94/95' 5.0 uses a 5/8" longer input shaft/bell housing.

 

[kegger06]

I know that im going to be the one doing the work. I just want to make sure that im not getting myself into something that is going to just be problematic the whole way through. I am an experienced mechanic who is just wanting to make an educated decision by finding out as much as I can before jumping into something so complicated. I have searched this and other databases for hours on end each day for the past month 1/2 and still havent found all the info im needing as far as a t-5 swap. I just keep seeing so much about Borg Warner t-5 needing different length input shaft and there wasnt any info on bellhousings for Tremec(I guess I know why now), so it was unclear to me. Im sure that I am looking in some of the wrong places, that is why I am asking other members who have done it already to give me some ideas/advice on what my options are. I also couldnt find any part numbers reguarding the external hydraulic slave cylinder(still havent). Thanks for the info on the bellhousing and firewall clearances, but I still need recommended clutch parts and any info I can get on making the speedometer work. Such as if there is a way to make the VSS in the tremec work with the stock speedometer. Please any info would be helpful.

 

[baddad457]

There's nothing to do in making the speedo work. If you've got a speedo cable, plug it into the T-5's tail. As for the 94-95 having a longer input, that's the first I've heard of that.

 

[Iron Ranger]

If your slave now is hydrolic, keep it hydrolic. Is your truck a 4x4? I've read here about people having snags with a T-5 4x4 swap.

You will have to fab a mounting bracket for a slave cylinder. I found a pic somewhere online that showed the bracket, pretty simple.

C'mon baddy, he's new here and he needs help!

 

[Mac]

Yep, the "94-95" did have a longer input shaft, just another "Got Ya" that Ford throws out every once in awhile. Good site for a lot of info is at Modern Drive Line,
http://www.moderndriveline.com/Technical_Bits/t5_history.htm
Explains a lot of the differences -- Make a sticky?

I've got a lot of the different trans combontions out there. This happens to be a Tremec TKO -3550 but it uses the same bell housing casting as the T-5

Dave

 

[MyV8BII]

Dont know if this will help, but I just finshed my 302, 5spd swap. I just used the tranny out of a 93 F150, little bigger in size, also used the transfer case.

Im not sure the difference between your mazda and my BII, but the shifter ended up to be a little forward then the stock location.

Theres more pics of my build in the Show off forum, also here - http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3055220

 

[Iron Ranger]

Yep, the "94-95" did have a longer input shaft, just another "Got Ya" that Ford throws out every once in awhile. Good site for a lot of info is at Modern Drive Line,
http://www.moderndriveline.com/Technical_Bits/t5_history.htm
Explains a lot of the differences -- Make a sticky?

I've got a lot of the different trans combontions out there. This happens to be a Tremec TKO -3550 but it uses the same bell housing casting as the T-5

Dave

OOO....OOO....OOO.... Can you make those 2 pics larger? Or tell me where you got those pics? I need a up-close view.

 

[v-8power]

I found this in another thread. They were posted by mac also.

 

[baddad457]

Yep, the "94-95" did have a longer input shaft, just another "Got Ya" that Ford throws out every once in awhile. Good site for a lot of info is at Modern Drive Line,
http://www.moderndriveline.com/Technical_Bits/t5_history.htm
Explains a lot of the differences -- Make a sticky?

Dave

Good read,but in lengthening the 94-95 input, is the main (splined portion longer,or did they simply lengthen the front snout that fits into the pilot bearing? If the latter is the case, it'll still work with the earlier bells, but at the same time the earlier transmissions will not work with the 94-95 Tremec/T-5 bell.

 

[kegger06]

Instead of a speedometer cable it has an electronic vehicle speed sensor in the tailshaft of tranny. The truck is a 2wd. Looks just like the slave cylinder setup I need as far as the pics you provided. Do you happen to know what slave cylinder and bracket was used? Im sure I can have the bracket made for me but I wouldnt know first thing about matching up a slave cylinder and armature that would work. Thanks, you guys have been more than helpful. Please keep me up on any more info.

 

[Mac]

OOO....OOO....OOO.... Can you make those 2 pics larger? Or tell me where you got those pics? I need a up-close view.

PM sent!
Mac/Dave

 

[Iron Ranger]

Thanks, buddy!!!