[Tigers] Engine and Transmission Info

[A. C. Tynes]

Joe Brown asked?

I'm trying to find some info about the best combo of 302 (5.0L) engine and
5-speed transmission.  I know this has all been discussed before and I tried
going to the list archives but I can't find them.  Could someone point me in
the right direction?

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I'll try to help a little.

The 302's switched from flat tappets to rollers in 1985, so I would use that
as the earliest blocks to consider. If you want to keep the fuel injection,
use the "mass air" type rather than the "speed density" type. That change
was made in the late 80's. 

T-5 transmissions have changed over the years and you choice will depend on
your needs. Pre-1985 T-5's had a 2.95 first gear and used gear oil. Later
ones, also called "World Class" T-5's, generally used a 3.35 first gear and
ATF. Initially both were rated for a little over 250 ft/lbs of torque as I
recall. The torque rating increased to around 300 in about 1990.

The 1994 and 1995 302's use a different bell housing and a T-5 with a longer
input shaft to move the shifter further back in the car. That may or may not
be useful with the Tiger, but it usually means the '94 & '95 T-5's are
cheaper at the junk yards.

The manufacturer of the T-5's has changed a couple of times over the years
and now you can get aftermarket versions rated as high as 600 ft/lbs of
torque with some options as to the placement of the shift lever. One source
you might try is D&D Performance in Michigan. www.ddperformance.com I have
no interest in the company.

Hope this helps,
A.C. Tynes 
New Orleans