ive driven both t5s and tremic 3550 and tkos. the t5 shifts allot smoother and easier than the tremics. im geting ready to build a new t5 for my new project. it will have the gforce gear set, the billet syncro dogs, billet steel input bearing retainer and billet idler shaft retainer. with these mods the trans should be as strong as the tremics.
You know I heard that allot, well more specifically I heard that the tremecs were "notchy" this is usually stated this feels that way because of the three universal shift rails on top of the transmission all having detent balls. I have driven both WC T5's and non WC T5's, and honestly I really dont notice any difference as far as the "Notchy" shifting between those and my TKO. I think allot of it deals with the shifter, allot of people that I have seen that usually complain about it havent ponied up and gotten a decent shifter yet. But I dont know about the difference between the two, I have never tried a stock tremec shifter. I do know the older stock shifters are generally considered as something to tide you over untill you got a Pro 5.0, steeda, or other decent shifter. I do have a Pro 5.0 shifter on my transmission and really the only thing I feel when I am shifting slowly is the high center alignment Bias on the shifter between the first and second gear shift. But on the other hand because of that I dont miss 3rd at all when I am shifting hard...That shifter definitely took a little to get use too, it is kind of funny watching everyone else that drives it for the first time and hit the shift gate between 3rd and 5th now hunting for gear.
i had pro 5.0 shifters on the t5 and tremic that i had in my mustang. what it really comes down to is what your using your car for.