cadillac512
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Really torn on T5 transmission conversion…
- Thread starter SoCalCoupe
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Re: Really torn on T5 transmission conversion…
I was really surprised how well my newly built AV8 roadster handled at 100 mph. I've taken it up to triple digits a few times on the highway and it really handled pretty well for what it is.
I was really surprised how well my newly built AV8 roadster handled at 100 mph. I've taken it up to triple digits a few times on the highway and it really handled pretty well for what it is.
cadillac512
Well-known member
Re: Really torn on T5 transmission conversion…
Impressive, Tim. I've wondered if the later cars with more vertical shackles and long springs didn't sacrifice some stability for softer ride. The older setups with 45 degree shackle angles and shorter springs seem to be pretty stable comparatively.
Terry
Impressive, Tim. I've wondered if the later cars with more vertical shackles and long springs didn't sacrifice some stability for softer ride. The older setups with 45 degree shackle angles and shorter springs seem to be pretty stable comparatively.
Terry
tubman
Well-known member
Re: Really torn on T5 transmission conversion…
The stock three speed in my '51 is in good shape and operates smoothly. It is handy having some experience with them so you can "double-clutch" into first when moving once in a while. It's not that hard to learn.
And "Coop", I don't think I have to tell you who I think is the most annoying "late night poster", do I?
The stock three speed in my '51 is in good shape and operates smoothly. It is handy having some experience with them so you can "double-clutch" into first when moving once in a while. It's not that hard to learn.
And "Coop", I don't think I have to tell you who I think is the most annoying "late night poster", do I?
Re: Really torn on T5 transmission conversion…
Not sure if it's impressive or plain reckless, but thank you. It could also be that everything is either new or refurbished and that is helping.
I'm also in the camp of checking out the linkage first and if that's not that, unfortunately a rebuild may be in order. Any slop in that linkage can cause some issues.
Not sure if it's impressive or plain reckless, but thank you. It could also be that everything is either new or refurbished and that is helping.
I'm also in the camp of checking out the linkage first and if that's not that, unfortunately a rebuild may be in order. Any slop in that linkage can cause some issues.
blucar
Well-known member
Re: Really torn on T5 transmission conversion…
I have driven my '36 with a well built 59AB engine, 28 tooth column shift trans and a '46-48 Columbia w/3.78 gears for over 90k miles during the seventy years I have owned the car. Bought "Henry" in early September, 1952 from the original owner.
I drove the '36 for daily transportation, to and from work, and occasional street racing when I was young and crazy. As time progressed i acquired a wife that was quite comfortable driving the '36 to the store, even with the 3 speed left hand column shift.
I read a lot of the articles about T-5 conversions, can't really understand what is the big attraction, it is still a clutch and manual shift transmission, and I would bet a very expensive one at that.
My automotive interests cover a wide range of vehicles, my 37 GMC has a 200R4 trans behind. a '65 Chevy 292 6 cyln, my '39 Plym has a 2002 SBC 5.7 Vortec with a 700R4 trans. My '52 Buick HT has a 428 nail head with a ST400 trans, I won't bore the readers with a few of my other vintage vehicles with their later model engines and automatic transmissions.
I know several guys that have converted their early Ford V8's to C4 transmission, and a couple of my friends have converted their Buick straight eights from a manual trans, and/or Dynaflo to a Ford C-4.
I believe in the "KISS" theory, KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID.
I have driven my '36 with a well built 59AB engine, 28 tooth column shift trans and a '46-48 Columbia w/3.78 gears for over 90k miles during the seventy years I have owned the car. Bought "Henry" in early September, 1952 from the original owner.
I drove the '36 for daily transportation, to and from work, and occasional street racing when I was young and crazy. As time progressed i acquired a wife that was quite comfortable driving the '36 to the store, even with the 3 speed left hand column shift.
I read a lot of the articles about T-5 conversions, can't really understand what is the big attraction, it is still a clutch and manual shift transmission, and I would bet a very expensive one at that.
My automotive interests cover a wide range of vehicles, my 37 GMC has a 200R4 trans behind. a '65 Chevy 292 6 cyln, my '39 Plym has a 2002 SBC 5.7 Vortec with a 700R4 trans. My '52 Buick HT has a 428 nail head with a ST400 trans, I won't bore the readers with a few of my other vintage vehicles with their later model engines and automatic transmissions.
I know several guys that have converted their early Ford V8's to C4 transmission, and a couple of my friends have converted their Buick straight eights from a manual trans, and/or Dynaflo to a Ford C-4.
I believe in the "KISS" theory, KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID.
Tinker
Well-known member
Re: Really torn on T5 transmission conversion…
Lighten up francis. It was a joke. As I said this is right up your alley. Nice looking t5 conversion.
Be well.
Lighten up francis. It was a joke. As I said this is right up your alley. Nice looking t5 conversion.
Be well.
TomT/Williamsburg
Well-known member
Re: Really torn on T5 transmission conversion…
Wooo hooo! Pedal to the metal time! You are lucky to get to 100 mph! I can’t get mine too get over 85 - must be all the spare parts and the tools to install them in the trunk! lol! See you at Carlershey (Carlisle and Hershey being back-to-back now) and you will have to tell me all about it!
Wooo hooo! Pedal to the metal time! You are lucky to get to 100 mph! I can’t get mine too get over 85 - must be all the spare parts and the tools to install them in the trunk! lol! See you at Carlershey (Carlisle and Hershey being back-to-back now) and you will have to tell me all about it!
corvette8n
Well-known member
Re: Really torn on T5 transmission conversion…
Sure thing, buddy! See you there.
Sure thing, buddy! See you there.
Bored&Stroked
Well-known member
Re: Really torn on T5 transmission conversion…
The challenge with our older cars is that unless you have a Columbia, then you don't really have many good options as far as overdrives go. Also, Columbia rear ends are somewhat fragile/weak and they are not cheap. Purchasing a Columbia, getting it correctly rebuilt, finding all the controls, etc. -- is usually North of $5,000 these days.
There are other "options" - but almost all of them require modifications to the frame (T5 trans), to the torque-tube and driveshaft (T5 trans and Mitchell) and sometimes modifications to the floor pan (Mitchell).
Choice, choice, choices . . . none of them great . . . all of them expensive.
But the end result can justify the substantial means!
The challenge with our older cars is that unless you have a Columbia, then you don't really have many good options as far as overdrives go. Also, Columbia rear ends are somewhat fragile/weak and they are not cheap. Purchasing a Columbia, getting it correctly rebuilt, finding all the controls, etc. -- is usually North of $5,000 these days.
There are other "options" - but almost all of them require modifications to the frame (T5 trans), to the torque-tube and driveshaft (T5 trans and Mitchell) and sometimes modifications to the floor pan (Mitchell).
Choice, choice, choices . . . none of them great . . . all of them expensive.
But the end result can justify the substantial means!
RKS.PA
Well-known member
Re: Really torn on T5 transmission conversion…
Brad, as Denny says above, seems like the first step would be to rebuild yours.
I remember corresponding with you on your voltage regulator project and you are a hands on guy. Mac Van Pelt has published The Ins and Outs of Early Ford Transmissions. I used it to rebuild the trans. in my '47 and got the parts I needed from Mac. It was a very rewarding experience for me because I'd never done it before.
His book would be a great addition to your library and help you sort out your current situation.
Regards....Dick.
Brad, as Denny says above, seems like the first step would be to rebuild yours.
I remember corresponding with you on your voltage regulator project and you are a hands on guy. Mac Van Pelt has published The Ins and Outs of Early Ford Transmissions. I used it to rebuild the trans. in my '47 and got the parts I needed from Mac. It was a very rewarding experience for me because I'd never done it before.
His book would be a great addition to your library and help you sort out your current situation.
Regards....Dick.
SoCalCoupe
Well-known member
Re: Really torn on T5 transmission conversion…
All things considered, I probably will start with a 3-speed rebuild. If I do it myself, it's super low-budget although time consuming (but rewarding as you say.) If it then shifts well I might just leave it and possibly add an overdrive, Columbia or Mitchell.
What it comes down too is whether or not I'll want to take it on a several hundred mile road trip on the interstate at 65-70 mph. Of course, I could just drive slower.
I remember very clearly the first time I took my 50 year old Chevy on a road trip thinking, OMG, what am I doing driving hundreds of miles from home in a fragile antique that was designed to go to the junk yard in 10 years?
Right now I'm driving close to home and have been smart enough to avoid significant issues. I did get towed home once though; my generator pulley came off and I didn't have enough tools with me to put it back on. The circ-clip that was supposed to be there to hold it on wasn't on the car when I bought it and I didn't know any better.
I suspect there are other surprises patiently waiting to make their appearance as soon as I get too confident.
Brad
Dick, thanks for the post. That's real encouraging that a first timer did it successfully. Excellent input, exactly what I needed to know. That was actually the next step in my thought process; could I do it myself?
All things considered, I probably will start with a 3-speed rebuild. If I do it myself, it's super low-budget although time consuming (but rewarding as you say.) If it then shifts well I might just leave it and possibly add an overdrive, Columbia or Mitchell.
What it comes down too is whether or not I'll want to take it on a several hundred mile road trip on the interstate at 65-70 mph. Of course, I could just drive slower.
I remember very clearly the first time I took my 50 year old Chevy on a road trip thinking, OMG, what am I doing driving hundreds of miles from home in a fragile antique that was designed to go to the junk yard in 10 years?
Right now I'm driving close to home and have been smart enough to avoid significant issues. I did get towed home once though; my generator pulley came off and I didn't have enough tools with me to put it back on. The circ-clip that was supposed to be there to hold it on wasn't on the car when I bought it and I didn't know any better.
I suspect there are other surprises patiently waiting to make their appearance as soon as I get too confident.
Brad
Re: Really torn on T5 transmission conversion…
I agree with Tubman and others. Get Mac VP's book, find a clean & clear work surface and have a go at it. Mac's book is great and really walks you through the process. Pay attention to the tolerances and you should be good to go.
One thing to note, you need to install the rear bearing retainer/mount in order to check the end play. It may mean taking it apart a few times to get it right, but do what you can to get it right.
Mac makes shims of various thicknesses to help get the specs where they need to be.
I agree with Tubman and others. Get Mac VP's book, find a clean & clear work surface and have a go at it. Mac's book is great and really walks you through the process. Pay attention to the tolerances and you should be good to go.
One thing to note, you need to install the rear bearing retainer/mount in order to check the end play. It may mean taking it apart a few times to get it right, but do what you can to get it right.
Mac makes shims of various thicknesses to help get the specs where they need to be.
Ol' Ron
Well-known member
Re: Really torn on T5 transmission conversion…
Rather than spending the money on conveting the T-5 to a torque tube. The money could be spent on replacing the rear axle to open drive and replace another source of trouble. The Banjo rear axle has seen it's better days and a Spicer 35 or Ford 8" could be for the T-5, giving an all around useful street machine.
Gramps
Rather than spending the money on conveting the T-5 to a torque tube. The money could be spent on replacing the rear axle to open drive and replace another source of trouble. The Banjo rear axle has seen it's better days and a Spicer 35 or Ford 8" could be for the T-5, giving an all around useful street machine.
Gramps
Re: Really torn on T5 transmission conversion…
Listen to Ol'Ron, He's done most everything FH related. I've lost count of how many T5 to FH conversion kits I've sold but it's been a lot over the last 25+ years and you can count on one hand the number of people who have not been satisfied with the results. The 5th gear OD lets the FH motor relax at 70 mph.
Listen to Ol'Ron, He's done most everything FH related. I've lost count of how many T5 to FH conversion kits I've sold but it's been a lot over the last 25+ years and you can count on one hand the number of people who have not been satisfied with the results. The 5th gear OD lets the FH motor relax at 70 mph.
blucar
Well-known member
Re: Really torn on T5 transmission conversion…
I don't quite understand all the comments about a Columbia being fragile, My '36 had a '36 Columbia under it when I bought the the car, as I have commented many times in the past, I removed the '36 Columbia in '54, replacing it with a '47-48 utilizing the '46-48 electric over vacuum controls.
The engine in my '36 is a well built 59AB that is very quick. I use to street race the car on a regular basis, the only problem I every had with the Columbia is a thrust washer on the left axle that seized . Transmissions was another story, I went through a bunch of them, the result of missed shifts.
The last trans I blew up was August 1960 when my first daughter was born. Leaving the hospital in Burbank I was very proud of myself so I got into a street race on Ventura Blvd going through Sherman Oaks. Being a smart *** can get one in lots of trouble.
I don't quite understand all the comments about a Columbia being fragile, My '36 had a '36 Columbia under it when I bought the the car, as I have commented many times in the past, I removed the '36 Columbia in '54, replacing it with a '47-48 utilizing the '46-48 electric over vacuum controls.
The engine in my '36 is a well built 59AB that is very quick. I use to street race the car on a regular basis, the only problem I every had with the Columbia is a thrust washer on the left axle that seized . Transmissions was another story, I went through a bunch of them, the result of missed shifts.
The last trans I blew up was August 1960 when my first daughter was born. Leaving the hospital in Burbank I was very proud of myself so I got into a street race on Ventura Blvd going through Sherman Oaks. Being a smart *** can get one in lots of trouble.
Ol' Ron
Well-known member
Re: Really torn on T5 transmission conversion…
The Columbia is a fine rear axle providing am overdrive ratio, and as lomg as it working it's a very usable unit. However, when it quits working $$$$$$$ later it's usable again. Paul Garagain had one in is 34 roadster. He and I spent a month driving through Colorado, driving on roads wher the only other vehicles were Mountains goats. Had a picture here on the Barn back then on top of independence pass at over 12,000 ft. I commented on how well it worked. He said " I've had to have it repried twice, when it goes agai I'll replace it" I think he was interested in the T170.
Gramps
The Columbia is a fine rear axle providing am overdrive ratio, and as lomg as it working it's a very usable unit. However, when it quits working $$$$$$$ later it's usable again. Paul Garagain had one in is 34 roadster. He and I spent a month driving through Colorado, driving on roads wher the only other vehicles were Mountains goats. Had a picture here on the Barn back then on top of independence pass at over 12,000 ft. I commented on how well it worked. He said " I've had to have it repried twice, when it goes agai I'll replace it" I think he was interested in the T170.
Gramps