302 and manual transmissions

Miller205

Miller205

Junior Member
I have a 1972-vintage 302 in my 56 Customline. The top-loader 4-speed is starting to act up, so I figured it was time to have it rebuilt. It occurred to me that I might be able to find a good used ****** to replace the existing one, versus paying to overhaul it. Anybody know if I can mate up a Tremec 5-speed to this older engine? Are there limitations based on year manufactured? Any other recommended transmission that would fit?

Thanks, Mike
 
The tremec will fit but is bigger tha the top loader. It comes up higher in the center and on the driver side. Make sure you have plenty of clearance on each side to make it fit. Depending on the input shaft lenght might have to have the short shaft kit installed also. I was going to put a tremec behind my 69 390 in 56 victoria but I think its to close. Amp Preformance in AZ is who i talked with.
 
The Tremec is big. I have a 55 sedan with a Y block that has a 7/8 thick aluminum spacer to bolt the big brute up to the stock bell housing. It still would not fit the hole. I cut out the center cross member between the legs, welded flanges on the cut out piece and bolted it back in. A lot of work, yes. You only have to do it once. My trans is the T3550. It is too much for me to handle. I welded up a bunch of scrap on top of a long cracked socket that slips in the pad hole on the floor jack. It holds the trans in place while it gets rolled under and lifted into place.
 
If it's a mild 302, and you don't hammer it, you might consider a T-5. You need to be careful, as some models were for smaller motors, and sadly lacking in torque capacity. The current model is rated for 300ft-lbs. It has only one shifter location, so that could be a problem.

if you've got a hi-po motor, big tires, and a heavy clutch, you'll break it for sure. If it's a cruiser, it'll be fine. And they are much smaller and lighter than the TKO series. I've got one of each

http://www.tremec.com/menu.php?m=102
 
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Thanks, guys for all the responses. I'm looking for "plug and play", not a solution that requires a lot of additional work

MikeR, I'm just a cruisin' kind of guy, so the T-5 might be just the answer.
 
The World Class(WC) T-5 is a much more robust transmission than the non-World Class like found in an S-10. The WC was used in 5.0 Mustangs and does a commendable job. You might consider that option.
 
I found a re-man WC T-5 for $779 with a 12 month warranty. Sounds good to me, whaddya think - is that a decent price?
 
New ones are $2500 and up at Jegs. Make sure it's the HD version. And check the gear ratios, they run from 2.95 or so to 3.27 in first, and about 3 different O/D ratios. I overlooked that, and ended up changing rear gears. 4:11's and a 3.27 1st means you have to shift in the parking lot. My units took Ford speedo cables, and had back up light switches, but you should ask. And measure the shifter location. As to the price,that depends on the builders reputation.
 
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