Transmission
 

I have a 38' 3 spd top loader. Engine=59A flathead. Go with the 3 spd or go T5 5 spd? If I go with the T5 should I upgrade the 38" stock rear end to a 9"?:confused:

Re: Transmission
 

I'd go with the T-5 and use the stock 38 rear with 3:78 gears, use an adapter on the rear end to fit an open drive shaft, and make up some traction bars. The 9in. is good but heavy. Walt

Re: Transmission
 

if you use the t 5 it would be a lot easier to use the 9", if you dont your going to have to adpt the 38 rear end to open drive line for the t 5 trans or vice versa, you can use a ford 8". lighter it will hold over 300 horses, the nine inch 32 spline can be shortened to go in narrow frames

Re: Transmission
 

Tell us why you are unhappy with what you have? Bad trans or rear end? Want better economy? If you change over to T-5 and open drive, It can get expensive, especially if you hire it done.

Re: Transmission
 

Look into a Mitchell overdrive, bolts right in.
I run a 26% Mitchell using 3:54s in the rear end.

Re: Transmission
 

I have the car dismantled. Down to the frame. Seems like a good point to assess. Some say the 3spd is fine and some say go T5. The car will be a driver.

Re: Transmission
 

Go drive any car or truck with a T5. Even originals. You will never go back to a 3 speed.
The cheapest way on the rear end is convert the original to open drive with STOUT radius rods anchored in the center to a bellyband. It won't take a lot of abuse though.
Next would be an 8 inch. Plenty stout for 300 to 400 hp if you don't side step the clutch.
Forget the 9 inch for your car unless you have really big hp. They are 90 lb heavier than the 8 inch.

Re: Transmission
 

I have the T5 behind my flathead. Cruise 80 all day long under 2500 rpm and if I am nice average 19 mpg

Re: Transmission
 

Ok. I'm thinking T5 and an 8". Thanks for the advice.

Re: Transmission
 

The T-5 transmission was used for several years and aplications. Is there a more desirable year to use? Which one better to use?
Thanks

Re: Transmission
 

It all depends on how you intend to use it.
Here is a list of almost all the ones that were made.
Keep in mind that a lot of the parts will interchange so you can tailor one to your car and use.

http://www.britishv8.org/Articles/Bo...T5-ID-Tags.htm