Graham-
Let me preface this by saying that I'm not an expert in this, as I paid
a mechanic to do the upgrade for me. The main modifications that had to be
made was the hole in the trans tunnel for the shifter. The T-5 does not
have a linkage like the factory toploader. The T-5 shifter comes right out
of the top of the transmission. So, since it doesn't have any linkage, I
don't believe it can be modified to come through where the factory shifter
sits. My shifter now comes through the floor directly in the center of the
trans tunnel, just in front of the center console ashtray. I don't have my
ashtray mounted right now, as it would interfere with shifts. My car also
requires a new carpet kit and a little metal work to cover the factory
shifter hole. I'll relocate the center console slightly to the rear when I
finish up the interior.
The second modification requires incorporating a hydraulic clutch system
to the T-5 which uses a cable and pulley system in the Mustang. We first
tried using a McCloud hydraulic internal throwout bearing, but could not get
it to quit leaking. I believe we tried 3 separate units with no success.
We ended up swapping out the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder and
mounting the slave on the side of the T-5. I believe Ford actually makes a
hydraulic internal throwout bearing that is of higher quality and more
dependable than the McCloud, so you might try to go that route, that way you
wouldn't have to swap the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder.
The driveline slid right in without any modifications. If anything, the
driveline could use maybe 1" longer length, as it doesn't slide into the
tail of the T-5 quite as far as it did the toploader. It mates up well
enough at stock length to do the job though.
Another bonus of the T-5 is that the case is made of Aluminum instead of
the steel that the toploader is built out of. If you add up weight savings
from an aluminum transmission, aluminum heads, and an aluminum intake
manifold, you have a Tiger on a serious diet. Good luck!
Kris Waters
B382000910 LRXFE
|