[Mr_Siv]

Hello,
I am trying to find an old mustang to restore as a project for my dad and myself. i have come across a couple that look like good canadates, however they all have automatic transmissions. i really would like to have a manual trans in the car, i dont really care if it is a 4 or 5 speed.

how much should i be expecting to spend on this, and is it really worth it (in the oppinion of the people that have done it...) thanks alot in advance, this forum has been a great source of information for me.

- Jason

 

[TheShagg]

well, if your not going for a lot of horsepower you can go for a t5 tranny... and do it for less thna $1k (a lot less if your really thrifty)

 

[66coupe289]

Here is a LOW budget for you:
Flywheel, used & resurfaced $75
Clutch & Pressure Plate $160
Used transmission and bellhousing $350 (good luck, you will need it)
Clutch Pedal $100+ (Getting harder to find)
Clutch Cable & Parts for conversion $75 (You will have to weld and engineer some things)
Crossmember $10 (Engineer & weld one up yourself)
Shifter $100 (from online auction)
Shifter ball & boot $50
Total: $920

I spent closer to 2k as I bought an aluminum flywheel, a new T5z transmission and a Pro 5.0 shifter. If you go with a "kit" you can expect to pay $2,500 or so.

 

[Shaun]

It's certainly worth it! There's nothing like having more control over the car!

I swapped from a C4 to a 4 speed toploader this past February. The first thing you need to know is it's really pretty easy. Most things bolt straight up, unless your trying to put a weird engine\tranny combo in. My 66 289 was a breeze. It took me and a friend about 2-3 hours to yank out the old C4 and a day to install the 4 speed. Bellhousing bolts straight up, drive shaft is the same length, cross member was the same (these are all different on other transmissions though).

My friend was kind enough to give me his 4 speed and bell housing along with his old flywheel. It was a gift for helping him paint his car all Summer before!

Parts list included:

Clutch and Pedal assembly - $90 on fully restored
Pedal pads - $35 new from Mustangs Unlimited
Clutch set - $150 new from Mustangs Unlimited
Resurfaced the flywheel - $60
New Hurst shifter - $175 from Mustangs Unlimited
Enjoyment factor - $Priceless!

Your most costly item will be the transmission. Expect to pay around $1000 for a new item. If I was doing the swap and having to pay for the entire thing, I'd put a 5 speed in. That extra gear is nice on the highway.