C4 to a 5 speed - what's needed?

Discussion in 'Transmissions' started by MsMegen73, Oct 13, 2014.

  1. MsMegen73

    MsMegen73 Member

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    Hey all! Quick set of questions!

    In my 73' maverick (302) I currently have a c4 trans. I want to switch over to a 5 speed - what all is entailed? I'm looking at possibly a t5, but afraid it won't hold the power of possibly a 351w, or 347 stroker (still researching what power plant I want) - going from the automatic to manual, aside from cutting out my trans hump :( what other modifications will need to be made? Again this is all a learning process for me, so any info or leads would be super helpful!! Thanks again!
     
  2. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    " cutting out my trans hump"...not needed.
     
  3. Moneymaker 1

    Moneymaker 1 Green Street Beasts

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    Frank, did you ever get a crossmember/mount made for the Tremec TKO or 3550 transmissions to go into a 71' and up Maverick?
     
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  4. Bryant

    Bryant forgot more than learned

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    plate between engine and transmission
    flywheel
    bellhousing
    t5 transmission
    crossmember
    shift lever
    clutch pedal
    either a hydraulic or clutch cable kit.
    atf.
     
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  5. MsMegen73

    MsMegen73 Member

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    Oh? The transmission won't sit that high?
     
  6. rthomas771

    rthomas771 Member

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    You only need to cut a hole in the floor pan for the shifter.

    [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
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  7. Moneymaker 1

    Moneymaker 1 Green Street Beasts

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    It may also depend on the transmission you get as to what may need to be done, as I understand it some Ford 5 speeds are taller/larger than others.
     
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  8. MsMegen73

    MsMegen73 Member

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    That's where my thoughts were. My fiancé and I installed a TKO600 into his Chevelle recently, ended up being taller than expected, which is why I assumed I'd need to cut my trans hump if I go with the TKO500. It would be so nice if all I have to do us cut room for the shifter, rthomas! :) thankyou for your feedback boys! I really appreciate it. As a side note, I ordered my grabber good and spoiler today :) I'll be sure to posts done pictures as soon as I get them in!!
     
  9. stargazer318

    stargazer318 Member

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    Hi All. in the middle of my restore. I got the drive train from a 89 5.0 installing in my comet. the tranny is tight to the floor boards. Anyone know which year or production run 0f the T5 are the lower profile ( would put in question mark, but stupid key doing É lol, don't know how to shut that down!)
     
  10. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    AFAIK all T5 are same height(I know '80s &'90s 4cyl & 5.0 are), shifter location on tail shaft can vary, but that's mostly a GM thing... Starting with the '94 V6 & 5.0, T5 trans have a slightly longer input shaft but no change in height...
     
  11. jt351

    jt351 Member

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    I am in the process of swapping my 4speed toploader to a t5. I am gonna use one of those adapter plates and keep the rod style clutch. The part I am not sure is the crossmember, the conversion cross member out there for t5 swaps are for 65+ mustangs and not sure if they will fit a comet.
     
  12. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    I had to split open the trans tunnel and add metal in my 70 to make room for the T5s shift rod tube, but 70s have a smaller tunnel than your 73 so you might not have that issue. I have a T5Z, ran mine behind a nitroused 347 without problem. The tires would spin before the tranny got hurt. Of course if you're running slicks and dumping the clutch at 4,000 rpm your results may vary.
     
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  13. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    That's what I did and just modified the stock double-hump crossmember.
     
  14. junrai

    junrai Member

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    my son just used the correct flywheel (flexplate) and a hydrolic clutch setup cut the square for the shifter and used the c4 trans bracket with just some scrap pieces of steel used as brackets to lower the frame to the bracket or to bridge the gap if that makes more sense to you. hes been driving that car all over for months now with no problems we take it out every weekend for some fun with some rice rockets and unsuspecting others
     
  15. GRABBER70

    GRABBER70 Member

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    I'm doing a swap in my car also. I recently pulled my I6 out and sold that with the C4.I'm putting in a 302 with I what I belive is a late 80's T5 out of a mustang. I have maverick v8 mounts, Mav double hump crossmember, Mav clutch pedal Assembly, etc. my question is what do I have to modifie On the original crossmember for the newer T5 to bolt Up and fit nice?? Spending $200 on and aftermarket and not sure if a mustang one will work for a Mav is a bit crazy. I d rather fabricate. Also what about a drive shaft? Could I use a newer foxbody one to fit trans and change out rear u-joint to fit my rear end??
     

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