I am planning out swapping my AOD for a T5. Just wondering pros and cons of cable versus Zbar clutch linkage. Does the Zbar clear headers, and does it reach the clutch fork on the T5? My experience with Mustang 5.0s makes me want a Zbar instead of cable. No stretching, binding or melting cables to worry about. I like the simplicity of the Zbar with only thing to wear out are the bushings. I know Zbars are pricey but not much more than buying a cable and whatever kits are out there to adapt it to the pedal, and I really dont have the time or skills to fab up my own cable mount.
The T-5 bell/clutch fork is set up to be pulled(by a cable) as opposed to pushed like a linkage set up. That said, you will have to change the pivot point on a T-5 bell to work with the linkage set up. Headers do create clearance issues with the Z bar set up,depending upon header choice. my understanding is that the hooker 6901 present very little problem with the Z bar set up. Good luck!!!
I was wondering about the push/pull thing last night. Forgot to put that in my question. How would you change the pivot on the bell to work with a linkage? Anybody done it?
If I get my car down from Ashfork next month I will send you a pm and you can come look at mine. I run a Z-bar setup but its honestly been so long since I looked at it I don't remember how its together. It wasn't difficult to setup though pretty easy. My brother in law built it all on his old maverick with a t-5 setup prob 10 years ago, he wrecked his car I inhereted his t-5 swap. LOL
if you're dead set on using an old Z-bar setup, your best bet is to use all of the old bellhousing parts as well (ie. bellhousing, shield, clutch fork) that match the old linkage stuff. for this setup, you'll have to purchase an adapter plate to mate your T5 to the old bell. so with all of that said, it's not really a cost effective route but it's an option. and as mentioned, the z-bar setup will cause some minor to moderate interference issues with headers depending on brand and such. in my car, i just stuck with the newer setup and went cable.... and haven't looked back since
Pretty sure I will go cable now. I found this clutch kit that comes with the cable, quadrant, and firewall adjuster. Only $190 from O'reilly before my employee discount . http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/search.oap?keyword=k004801dfc
YEah m ine is setup like mean maverick posted up, old bell housing and adapter for t-5 to bell. Ryan I would go with this one instead, these are trusted in the mustang community over the auto parts store stuff and people are not having nearly as many problems with breakage, or stretching. Do a search over on corral if you want to read how people like these setups. http://www.maximummotorsports.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=50_75 Side note ............... Oreillys discount huh Which one you work at?
Ive worked all over the valley but in the corporate office now. Or whats left of it since Oreilly moved most the jobs to Springfield Mo. Im going to try that Sachs clutch cable. its pretty much free considering the price of the clutch kit. Best cable ive used was the Motorsport cable back when I had 5.0 Mustangs.
Ok I have done this swap and recommend skipping both and getting a hydraulic clutch. I had a cable set up before it and it had header clearance issues. That's not to say all cable set ups all will have problems but there is no going back after experiencing a hydraulic set up believe me.
I like the feel of the z-bar with the helper spring above the pedal. But then I use a long style clutch and not a diaphram. It's just personal preference. If you want to see how it all goes together drop me a line, it looks like I'm not that far from you. If I ever get this thing done we need to have a mini-meet out here in AZ. Actually, now that I think of it...I've given myself a deadline to get this thing road worthy before the cruise on central in October! Maybe we could all get together there?
Seems like all three of us are in the same area. See the post in the meet section, I have the SAME deadline as you for having my car ready. Cruise on central AZ meet :bananaman
i think, cant quite rember, that the lakewood blowproof bell housing has two mounting points for the clutch fork. one for a pull and one for a push. i know they are a little pricey but still a very good purchace. expecially if you drive the car hard. you may find a used one that has an expired sfi sticker for cheap.
