Dead Pilot's T5 swap. (Questions?)

Topic: Dead Pilot's T5 swap. (Questions?) (Read 2196 times) previous topic - next topic

Dead Pilot's T5 swap. (Questions?)

February 28, 2009, 03:03:00 AM

I'm considering doing a T5 swap for my 5.0L 88 cougar with a column shifter. I'm young and inexperienced. I have done research online and have some sort of idea what is involved. The first thing I found was the article on coolcats.net.

coolcats.net/tech/advanced/t5_conversion.html
(can't post links lol:rollin:)
Most helpful. I'm sure if I can get all of the correct parts I'll know what to do.

Right now I'm having trouble finding a transmission. 1WLD BRD says i could get the pedals, clutch CABLE tranny bellhousing, fork, flywheel, starter, and pilot bearing for about $500. Which seems right about what I want to pay. I've called a huge list of junk yards and found only one. They guy wanted $500 for just trannny alone. it seems that Ebay is the best place to look. Vinnietbird recommended the Corral forum classifieds which is an interesting resource I probably would not have found. If anyone could recommend any other places to look that would greatly help me out.

I've passed up on some transmissions that said that they grind into gear. I assume that means they need to be rebuilt. I've seen some expensive packages to rebuild these things. People still buy these busted transmissions. Is it worth rebuilding? I don't think it is worth rebuilding especially since I don't know what is involved. Can someone please advise?

The other question is about the pedals. Is my understanding correct, the clutch peddle and the break peddle come in one assembly? What kind of fabrication needs to be done on an 88? I see the fuse box is where i think the clutch needs to be. The wheel well looks like it may get in the way of the clutch.

This is a great community. Thanks for the help. :D

Dead Pilot's T5 swap. (Questions?)

Reply #1 – February 28, 2009, 04:56:30 AM

The pedals replace whats there now, you don't have to modify anything.It's a tight fit getting in and out but in can be done.
If you want to use an adjustable clutch cable you would have to replace the brake booster, the stock cable will fit though. I've seen tranny's run for $75 on up for used as with any used part you take a chance unless you find a honest person. try posting in the want adds on here or check your local craigs list. corral's a good spot to. putting the pedals in is probably the hardest part of doing the swap.

Dead Pilot's T5 swap. (Questions?)

Reply #2 – February 28, 2009, 07:43:13 AM

Agreed,the pedals were the hardest part,and that really wasn't THAT bad.Start watching Ebay,the Corral,etc.The tranny is the most expensive part you're going to get.When you see a cheap piece of the puzzle,buy it and set it aside until you collect everything.There was zero mods done to my car for the tranny swap,100% bolt on.The ONLY mod I can think of is cutting the hole in the floor for a column shift car.Block plates can be had on Ebay for less than $30.00 brand new.Quadrants and cables can be had for a decent price as well.As I said,one piece at a time.It's an easy swap.I was a little nervous going into it,but after I asked a hundred questions,and finally dug in,it was simple.All bolt ons.We're here if you need us,and don't be afraid to ask questions,no matter how simple they may seem.

Dead Pilot's T5 swap. (Questions?)

Reply #3 – February 28, 2009, 09:00:21 AM

yeah the pedals are one unit that bolts right in place of the stock Auto. pedals. It is a pain in the arse, but is really fast and easy with access to Air tools Like I have. Dont waste your money on a tranny that grinds, with your lack of experience it could get costly. I would buy it and rebuild it, but I have been playing with cars for over 20years now, lol. and I am only 29. Gotta love having a Class A mechanic for a father. as vinnie said, just collect what you can find, if you cant find a whole package.
There is a full package up here on one of my local message boards, including EVERYTHING (even a clutch and flywheel) for the swap for $300!!!

Dead Pilot's T5 swap. (Questions?)

Reply #4 – February 28, 2009, 09:05:53 AM

My suggestion is to use the national junkyard search site www.car-parts.com With this site you put in your year of vehice you want your parts from, where you want to search (State/states) and select your part. It will list the price, mileage, condition. I use this site all the time. Saves me alot of work of going to the JY all day long.

Dead Pilot's T5 swap. (Questions?)

Reply #5 – February 28, 2009, 10:28:52 AM

personally i would pay a little more for a KNOWN good trans, bonus if you get it from a source that will guarantee it. Really, thats the most difficult part. Dont kill yourself trying to find a trans for nothing. The rest can be had cheep. DO try to use a factory ford cable. Pricey new but a decent used one would be fine. As specially with the older cars and also considering you will have the clutch pedal assembly out, Id also consider an aftermarket quadrant and adjuster. No time will it be easier to install. The only other gross part about dealing with the swap is dealing with the old exhaust. i would probably get some mustang headers and some sort of h or x pipe. Everything is pretty self explanitory. Take the drivers seat right out for the pedal swap. its alot easier and faster to do that then to work around it.

Dead Pilot's T5 swap. (Questions?)

Reply #6 – February 28, 2009, 04:18:19 PM

there was one around here for $300 for the full swap. I am kicking myself for not having any money right now. If it would still be there when I get paid i would have jumped on it.

Also check out craigslist.

Dead Pilot's T5 swap. (Questions?)

Reply #7 – February 28, 2009, 08:14:27 PM

Call them down at Mustang parts specialties they offer a full auto to 5spd kit for stangs bet they can hook you up with what you need. I remember reading about there swap kit in MMFF once and it came with everything didn't have to leave the shop until the swap is done kit! Not sure what all will work for the bird's but I bet they can get you most of what you need.

Dead Pilot's T5 swap. (Questions?)

Reply #8 – March 01, 2009, 12:34:12 AM

they have everything you would need for sure but they are pricey....

Dead Pilot's T5 swap. (Questions?)

Reply #9 – March 01, 2009, 12:57:55 AM

the cool cats swap artice is fairly accurate as far as I can tell. I am working on getting parts for it.

Dead Pilot's T5 swap. (Questions?)

Reply #10 – March 01, 2009, 08:44:10 AM

I think the only part that was different between the Stang and Thunderbird was the floor seal that goes around the shifter.Everything else was the same.I was going to use the firewall adjuster,but it wouldn't fit behind my brake booster.Mustang boosters are smaller.I did get an adjustable clutch cable though.

Dead Pilot's T5 swap. (Questions?)

Reply #11 – March 01, 2009, 09:35:07 AM

I got the V8 T5, bell, flywheel, block plate, a new clutch & PP, and a 5.0 engine (that was thought to be a HO but turned out to be a NON-HO with an HO intake on it) for $600. I spent another $100 for some pedals, a new cable, and a DA1 speed density computer (the computer isn't necessary for the swap, I got it for an HO upgrade). The small bits (shifter, shifter bezel w/ leather boot, rubber floor boot plate, etc) came from my parts TC. I can't seem to get the clutch working right with the stock quadrant and cable (I get it working, then the next time I try to move the car the clutch won't fully disengage) so I'll be spending another $75 on an aluminum quadrant and adjustable cable to cure that problem.

The physically hardest part of the job is the pedals. Everything else is just straightforward mechanical work, but the pedals are a bitch. Take the driver's seat out, and also take the steering column completely out. It makes it much, much easier than trying to work around the column. While the column is out you can strip the old shifter mechanism off it as well. There's a bracket that goes between the door hinge post and the pedal support that is an absolute w to get at, too. If you carefully bend the side of the dash panel just right you can just barely get a socket on the bolt that holds the bracket in place. It doesn't have to come all the way out, it just has to be loosened enough that the end on the pedal support can drop down over the stud.

Dead Pilot's T5 swap. (Questions?)

Reply #12 – March 01, 2009, 09:42:00 AM

I got my quadrant for cheap on Ebay,and,my adjustable cable came from Ebay (UPR company) with a lifetime warranty.I asked them if they would take $30.00 shipped,they said yes,and it's been great,no hassles at all.

As Thunderchicken said,the pedals were a pain,but not THAT bad.If you just take your time,it's fairly straight forward.I did mine in an hour and half or so.That included pulling the column (not hard to do),and removing the seat (also easy).For what you get out of the swap,it's time well spent.

Dead Pilot's T5 swap. (Questions?)

Reply #13 – March 02, 2009, 09:04:29 PM

Hey, Thanks guys! That's a lot of helpful information. If i can find the right transmission for the right price I'll definitely do the swap.

Dead Pilot's T5 swap. (Questions?)

Reply #14 – May 21, 2009, 09:51:36 PM

I ended up taking the an AOD Tranny out of the 87 crown vic i bought for $300. It's a shame because that's the car I wanted. The engine and trans are in great shape, however the interior and body are beat to shiznit.

I'll probably be needing the engine soon. The Cougar runs good for having 200,000 miles. It passes emissions. You can tell it's not tight. Something is clanking, think it's the timing Chane. I'm just waiting for my oil pan to rust through.

In conclusion the I'm happy with my work. Although a clutch would be sweet. A 100,000 mile rebuilt AOD is much better than a 200,000 tyranny that was never rebuilt.