1965 Mustang - help me decide which 5 spd

[Dieselman]

Hi all.
I in the process of trying to decide which 5 speed transmission to put in my car.

I will be using the car just for fun. Some autocross, maybe some drag racing (very little). No slicks. The engine will have somewhere around 350 - 450 HP (Small block Ford).

A little about the car (currently just a shell being restored).
- TCI torque arm rear suspension with 9", 3:50 gears, torque lock, subframe connectors
- CPP mini subframe & upper control arms w/CPP power steering, RideTech coil overs
- jacking rail and strut brace added.
- Wilwood disks all around
- Rims/tires: 17x8 front w/235 45 17 17x9 rear w/275 40 17

So, I've been researching 5 speeds. Sounds t=like the T5 is a time bomb. I've read a lot that the TKO 600 is very notchy. The T56 is just WAY overkill for my needs (or so I'm thinking).

I'm not looking for the cheapest transmission. Nor, am I wealthy. I'm purchasing my parts in stages. Now, I have around $3500 for transmission and related.

The specific questions:
- which transmission would you suggest
- which supplier
- do I need a scattershield
- I would like a hydraulic setup
- what is a good shifter

Thank you in advance for helping me out!!
g

[Lowfast]

A built T5 will be the best shifting and most likely lightest weight of the choices. The TKO will have the notchy issue. You could to a 3650 but again not the strongest. Short of the 6 speed it looks like most 5spd choices are a compromise in one way or another. But I do agree a 6 speed is overkill and just added weight and cost.

[gnx7]

The T56 Magnum and TKO500/600 are worlds apart with shifting smoothness. The Magnum has a nice .80 5th gear which still pulls strong and .62 6th. TKO has a big drop off from 4th to 5th if you care when selecting the .63 ratio.

In the end the difference is about $800 and 40-50lbs in weight when going T56 Magnum. I run one in my car (RX-7) and the Chevelle is getting one as well. I've driven T5's (standard and World Class.... both are fragile), TKO's (strong but notchy), standard and rebuilt T56's, and the new Magnum. If you splurge the Magnum is without a doubt a clean sheet revision from older style transmissions and you will have no complaints if you go that path (aside from your wallet).

An '03-04 Cobra T56 could be swapped in... but in the end it still won't shift like a Magnum and it'll be a hassle doing the parts collection/calling/shipping etc assuming it is a good working trans. They have a 10 spline input shaft and it is not uncommon to shear them off in high HP setups (Supercharged Cobras).

TKO is 10 spline input shaft. T56 Magnum is 26 spline. That means your clutch needs to match up to the spline count.

[Dieselman]

Than you for the replies.
Any thoughts on a Liberty prepped TKO 600? Although, for the extra coin, why don't I just for with a T56.....

So, if I decide for the T56.... which is better, the close or wide ratio? And why?
Thank you in advance

[71RS/SS396]

Than you for the replies.
Any thoughts on a Liberty prepped TKO 600? Although, for the extra coin, why don't I just for with a T56.....

So, if I decide for the T56.... which is better, the close or wide ratio? And why?
Thank you in advance

Try Bowler, they are taking over the distribution of the Legend LGT-700 5 spd. http://bowlertransmissions.com/p/522/legend-lgt-700-5-speed-transmission-custom

[Dieselman]

Thank you to all that have given their opinion!

I bought a T56 from CJ Pony parts! I should have it this week.

FWIW..... I asked questions of 3 other 'vendors'. It has been almost 2 weeks for two of them (American Powertrain & Modern Driveline), and 1-1/2 weeks for the last one(Liberty Gears). I have YET to hear back from ANY of these. Needless to say, none of them got my business.

I understand that these companies can be busy. However, they apparently do not want new business if they can't respond within 3 or 4 days.

CJ Pony parts responded to me in 2 HOURS!!! I know this is very quick and I would have been very pleased if I received a response within 2 days.