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Anyone running a T5 behind their LS1????

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Old 06-07-2007, 09:01 AM
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Default Anyone running a T5 behind their LS1????

Hi all. Im putting a Ls1 in my 77 vette and was wondering about the T5 trans. It is a WC unit from an 88 Camaro. Problem is that they are made to bolt to a bellhousing that is tilted 17* but the 17* bellhousing will only fit a 10 1/2" clutch. No way a ls7 clutch is going to fit in there. Just curious if anyone has done it with one of these motors. Ive got it mounted in the frame and everything works except the mount. I could modify my crossmember to fit the angle but Im not sure if there is an easier way to do it. Maybe swapping out the tail section for a mustang one? Its hard to see in the pic but this is the angle that the trans actually sits at. Im open to opinions.
Old 06-07-2007, 09:18 AM
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The T5 is not rated high enough to handle the TQ rating of a LS1 engine. It is possible to bolt it up with the correct adapter, bushing, bellhousing and all. You can look into the McLeod Modular Bell Housing.

IMO, I wouldn't exepect it to last too long behind the LS1, depending on how you drive it. I would not spend the time on a OEM T5. But if your want a T5.. get one of the TKO's.

I have blown up two of them with my 84' Z28, and it only has a mild 350 and 3.73 rear.
Old 06-07-2007, 09:24 AM
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World class units are rated at about 300ft-lbs but can be made to hold more with a few mods. 3rd gear is the weak spot on these. No power shifting and they will hold tons of power. On the corvette forum there is a guy running a blown 540 big block with one. Thanks for the tip on the bellhousing
Old 06-08-2007, 06:02 AM
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Here is a silly question for ya... Its out of pure curiousity... But why go through the trouble of building a T-5 to handle the LS1 power and adapt the bellhousing to fit and all that. Why not just run a T-56 which was designed to handle the power and will bolt right up? You get that nice low 1st gear, and the nice high 6th gear for cruising. Not to mention the support and aftermarket for the T-56 is booming right now.

You could build the T-5, and it would handle as much as a stock T-56. Or build the T-56 and be good for any future power level increases as well.

Just curious...like I said.

Justin
Old 06-08-2007, 06:53 AM
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WELL... T5s are cheap and light. They weigh almost a 3rd of a T56. I dont need a 6th gear and all the extra rotational weight is going to kill my rwhp by at least 10hp. HOWEVER... I am thinking about doing something more on the lines of a richmond 5 speed. They hold tons of power and are geared close ratio with will be great if I decide to go road racing one day. And they cost about the same as a modified t5 used. If only I could find a used one.......
Old 06-08-2007, 01:12 PM
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Fair enough. Whats the T-56...140lbs? and the T-5 is 108 or something? I didnt think the weight difference was that much.

As long as you get a reputable T5, you should be good to go. Ive seen them hold lots of power and take lots of abuse. But they were usually heavily built.

J.
Old 06-08-2007, 05:01 PM
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T5 is about 60 lbs
Old 06-09-2007, 01:20 PM
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Originally Posted by hosspowerinc
T5 is about 60 lbs
Are you sure? That seems too good to be true.
Old 06-09-2007, 01:22 PM
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i just did a search, and found 75 lbs... damn, that's still very light.
Old 06-09-2007, 02:03 PM
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Yup.. about 75lbs.. just weighted one mines.
Old 06-09-2007, 04:09 PM
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They are light. If you've ever had one apart you'ld understand why they're light. They're like a little toy transmission.
Old 06-09-2007, 07:18 PM
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Yeah mine came in at 65 dry without bellhousing and shifter. Maybe I got the "ultra light" version
Old 06-11-2007, 11:12 AM
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depends on which t5. I am going to run a tko600. they are around 100lbs I think. They are pretty beefy compared to the wc. I had no idea the wc was that light though. nice way to save some weight if it can hold the power.
Old 06-12-2007, 09:57 AM
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TKO's kick ***. T5's suck ***


Complete waste of time and money to bother with a t5 anymore. Not trying to be rude but thats the truth
Old 06-12-2007, 10:01 AM
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Yeah I have pretty much changed my mind and am going with a richmond 5 speed as soon as I can find a cheap one. TKOs are nice but too pricey and I dont care for the gear spacing. Anyone want to buy a good used T5???
Old 06-12-2007, 10:21 AM
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Sorry.. I already have a few spares for my 84' Z28...

But good thinking on the T5... what are you willing to pay for a Richmond.. I have a buddy that has one, but is not using it. I can ask...
Old 06-12-2007, 11:23 AM
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Prolly around 1k max. I was hoping to find one that needed syncros and get a deal.



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