[sleeton]

I am contemplating buying a 67 convertible that was originally a 6 cylinder but now has a 289 in it with a 3-speed and has been converted from 4-lug to 5-lug. If I buy the car I am contemplating pulling out the 3-speed and going with a 5-speed. A few questions, how much will this cost to do and how hard is the conversion, is it something I can do myself? Also what parts are going to be needed to make this happen.

Thanks

 

[2nd 66]

I did a very similar swap on my 66 a few years ago by my self with the car on ramps up front and stands under the rear axle. T-5 prices seem to fluctuate but I'd plan 1500- 2000ish for the trans and 500ish for the swap kit 150-200 for a stock clutch kit.

 

[67Modcoupe]

Cost depends on if you buy parts new or used. To complete the swap, the big parts you will need:

T5 - 87 to 93 Mustang is what I'd look for (world class T5)
Bell Housing - Fox body mustang
Clutch kit
Flywheel
Clutch fork
T5 Driveshaft yoke
Hardware for mounting Flywheel and bellhousing
Transmission cross member and mount
Clutch Cable conversion kit - I used Mustang Steve's kit

You may need a different starter to clear. You may need different headers to clear.

Hope this helps!

-- Mike

 

[GypsyR]

There are different ways to go with a T5 swap but if it were me I'd buy that adapter plate they sell so that a T5 can bolt right up to your existing clutch, flywheel, and bellhousing assembly. Plus you don't have to mess with the clutch linkage. Makes the swap easier by an order of magnitude. Seriously. If at some point you decide you don't like the stock clutch action you can certainly change it up later. Doing it that way should make it a matter of just unbolting and rebolting parts. It may be that your driveshaft will need to be shortened. Nothing you can do there but hand it off to a driveshaft shop to do that for you. On average that seems to cost around $100. So that, a T5, a T5 swap crossmember, the adapter plate, some kind of shifter and boot and you should have all you need. OK, some transmission fluid too.

 

[2nd 66]

FWIW I used an adapter plate for my original v8 bell.if your v8 clutch/flywheel is still good you can reuse it. I also used the Original Z rod linkage

 

[1967RedVert]

Make sure you really want the 5 spd. I had at different times a WC T-5 and a 3550 in my Fox and I hated the notchy feel. My 67 has a top loader and it shifts like a dream :--)

 

[awhtx]

There are different ways to go with a T5 swap but if it were me I'd buy that adapter plate they sell so that a T5 can bolt right up to your existing clutch, flywheel, and bellhousing assembly. Plus you don't have to mess with the clutch linkage. Makes the swap easier by an order of magnitude.

FWIW I used an adapter plate for my original v8 bell.if your v8 clutch/flywheel is still good you can reuse it. I also used the Original Z rod linkage

This is the adapter plate that is used to install a T5 using your original flywheel, clutch, bellhousing and Z-bar clutch linkage:
1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 Mustang T-5 Adapter Plate for 6-Bolt Bell Housing LOOK! | eBay

You will also need this transmission crossmember:
1964,64, 1965,65,1966,66 Mustang T5 Conversion Crossmember, with Mount & bolts | eBay

You can buy a used T5 for $250, a rebuilt one for about $750 or a new one for $1500. So if you're good at scrounging around for deals you may be able to do the swap for $500.

 

[FrankieThe69Kid]

I found a used T5 on Craigslist. Asking $300. Got it for $250. The bell housing came with it. It's a '94 and everything bolted up nicely in my '69. As Gypsy mentioned, you might have to shorten the drive shaft. I was told the same, but I didn't have to. I did everything by myself. Lucky for you, you've already got the manual tranny.
Nice winter project. Keep us posted on progress.

 

[22GT]

You'll need a T5 transmission
Bell Housing adapter plate
T5 crossmember

There's a slight chance you'll need to have the driveshaft shortened, but probably not.

You'll probably need to replace the speedometer cable gear, to make it accurate. But you'll have to work out what you need.

 

[22GT]

Cost depends on if you buy parts new or used. To complete the swap, the big parts you will need:

T5 - 87 to 93 Mustang is what I'd look for (world class T5)
Bell Housing - Fox body mustang
Clutch kit
Flywheel
Clutch fork
T5 Driveshaft yoke
Hardware for mounting Flywheel and bellhousing
Transmission cross member and mount
Clutch Cable conversion kit - I used Mustang Steve's kit

You may need a different starter to clear. You may need different headers to clear.

Hope this helps!

-- Mike

He already owns a bellhousing, clutch, clutch linkage, and slip yoke. Why should he replace them?

 

[rickl]

I'm using a factory 3 speed shifter with my t5. I don't remember the details but I drilled two holes to fit the t5 shifter stub.

Seems like the OP has a lot of parts needed.

 

[22GT]

Yeah, if he's not interested in reworking the 3-speeed lever, bolt-on levers are available.

 

[67Modcoupe]

He already owns a bellhousing, clutch, clutch linkage, and slip yoke. Why should he replace them?

Good point, you can use an adapter plate on the existing 3 spd. bell housing, but the adapter plates are almost $200.00...a T5 bell housing in my parts search was less expensive. You can re-use the 3 spd 3 finger style 10" clutch and clutch linkage, but if you're buying a used car (as the OP stated he was looking to do) and don't have any history on the clutch, not sure I'd do all the work and not swap the clutch. You should also swap out the pilot bearing...which means the whole set-up has to come apart anyway. I also assume that if you do this swap, you're modifying for performance, and re-using those parts may or may not give you the desired results, especially using the original linkage. And if you are going for more performance, you probably want more clutch, so if you use a T5 housing you can go to a 10.5" clutch as well.

I bought my T5 set-up used, and if you search Craigslist, you can buy the whole package for a pretty reasonable price point. This could be a nice deal here, for example, as it also includes the classic mustang cross member, in addition to the bell housing, flywheel and clutch:

https://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/pts/d/world-class-t5-trans-plus/6329147104.html

The flywheel in the above ad is probably a 50 oz, so you'd need to buy a 28 oz. for a 10.5" from Modern Driveline or similar source if sticking with the original 289. Do that and a cable clutch set-up and you've got a full conversion that gives you two extra cogs and better clutch feel, easier adjustment over time, etc.

Side note: I was surprised that my original 3 spd transmission, clutch and bell housing was actually in demand - it sold easily on craigslist as a package, and partially off-set the cost of the T5 conversion.

-- Mike

 

[deltadude]

We are going to do the exact same swap on the 66 coupe I'm working on with the grandson. I've been gathering parts, not near ready. I'm lucky, I have a two post lift that makes life much easier. Just finished rebuilding the suspension and will be ordering a disc brake kit (csrp) next. Found out my skill aren't the same as when I was younger. I find myself sometimes doing the same job more than once.

 

[j persons]

If the car still has the original 7.5 rear axle, it would be a good idea to swap to a 8" or 9". If the engine remains mostly stock, the 8" would be adequate. And if the T5 is a Z spec, change the rear end ratio to 3.25 or 3.5

 

[Rebel Racing]

Just finishing an AOD to T5Z swap in our '68 'Vert. I waited and saved a bit more and went with MDL. I bought everything except the trans from them. You can request a quote from their site and they will only sell you what you need........it might be less than you think. I had a few questions during the install and the owner Bruce called me back within a few minutes and explained everything to me--excellent customer service.

 

[sleeton]

Went and looked at the car today, if is a bit rougher than I would like for it to be, but will see what happens. If I get the car I will let ya'll know about the conversion.

Quick question, what are ya'lls thoughts, is a 3-speed less desirable, the same or more desirable than a C4

 

[Paul1958]

Just finishing an AOD to T5Z swap in our '68 'Vert. I waited and saved a bit more and went with MDL. I bought everything except the trans from them. You can request a quote from their site and they will only sell you what you need........it might be less than you think. I had a few questions during the install and the owner Bruce called me back within a few minutes and explained everything to me--excellent customer service.

How do you like the hydraulic clutch setup as far as installation and usage?

Thanks
Paul

 

[22GT]

Quick question, what are ya'lls thoughts, is a 3-speed less desirable, the same or more desirable than a C4

Depends on personal preference, for manual or auto. The C4 was a good trans, very efficient, and loads of stuff available for upgrades. The 3.03 3-speed was excellent, and in fact shared some parts with the Ford Design 4-speed.

 

[2nd 66]

Went and looked at the car today, if is a bit rougher than I would like for it to be, but will see what happens. If I get the car I will let ya'll know about the conversion.

Quick question, what are ya'lls thoughts, is a 3-speed less desirable, the same or more desirable than a C4

5 speed and never look back