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Thread: My T5 is crooked

  1. #1
    Senior Member NA5KAR's Avatar
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    My T5 is crooked

    Hi guys. I'm really just looking for corroboration here. I received my Blueprint engine / transmission this morning. I'm a couple weeks away from being ready to put it in the car. I went with the 302 with a Holly Sniper and a T5 transmission. Within minutes of its arrival, I had the crate walls removed. Blueprint does a nice job of protecting and packaging the drivetrain. So, as I inspected everything about my new toy, I noticed that the T5 is about 8 degrees rotated towards the drivers side. Meaning that the shift bracket does not sit perfectly vertical. Where it mounts to the bell housing, the passenger side is much higher than the drivers side. I'm an OCD guy, so I noticed it right away. I spoke to Johnny from Blueprint and he asked me to email him pictures. He got back to me quickly and said that it's normal. I do trust him, but I guess I'm looking for anybody who has experienced this or has first hand knowledge. Thanks in advance for any comments. FYI, the yellow line in the picture is my addition with photoshop.
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  2. #2
    Senior Member Gordon Levy's Avatar
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    normal
    99/2000 NASA PSO Champion-2005 west coast FFR challenge series Champions
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    Senior Member egchewy79's Avatar
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    Ha! I'm dealing with the exact same thing. I assumed it was because I hadn't trimmed the mounting tab on the PS just in front of the shifter (in your pic, the zip tie is through it). This tab might cause clearance issues with your e brake mount. I'm in the process of trying to trim this off with the trans already installed. I'll let you know if this fixes my tilt to the DS and also check my own bellhousing.

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    Senior Member edwardb's Avatar
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    As Gordon said, totally normal. Had a T5 in my #5125 build. These pictures show (1) it's rotated off to the LH side as you're finding, (2) if you zoom in on the second picture where the T5 mounts to the bell housing, shows the same as yours. I didn't remember exactly, but in the second picture you can also see I apparently trimmed back the tab on the side of the transmission to clear the e-brake. Other than that, the T5 fits easily. It's small compared to its TKO big brother which also fits.



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    Senior Member egchewy79's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by NA5KAR View Post
    Hi guys. I'm really just looking for corroboration here. I received my Blueprint engine / transmission this morning. I'm a couple weeks away from being ready to put it in the car. I went with the 302 with a Holly Sniper and a T5 transmission. Within minutes of its arrival, I had the crate walls removed. Blueprint does a nice job of protecting and packaging the drivetrain. So, as I inspected everything about my new toy, I noticed that the T5 is about 8 degrees rotated towards the drivers side. Meaning that the shift bracket does not sit perfectly vertical. Where it mounts to the bell housing, the passenger side is much higher than the drivers side. I'm an OCD guy, so I noticed it right away. I spoke to Johnny from Blueprint and he asked me to email him pictures. He got back to me quickly and said that it's normal. I do trust him, but I guess I'm looking for anybody who has experienced this or has first hand knowledge. Thanks in advance for any comments. FYI, the yellow line in the picture is my addition with photoshop.
    just checked my T5, and this is the exact issue i'm experiencing. at first, i assumed it was the tab interefering w/ the ebrake mount. after closer inspection, there doesn't appear to be any contact between the tab and the mount. my trans to bellhousing is also a bit angled, leaving the top of my shifter plate to lean a few degrees to my DS. I was worried i'd need to pull the trans out to cut off this stupid tab. thanks for posting. very timely!

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  9. #6

    Steve >> aka: GoDadGo
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    The angle is even worse on T-5's used in the 3rd generation Camaros from 1982-1991.

    Check out this jewel of a bellhousing to see it leaned even further to the left:

    https://www.ebay.com/p/659547843

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  11. #7
    Senior Member walt mckenna's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gordon Levy View Post
    normal
    Why is the T5 rotated from level? Does the mount to the chassis need to be shimmed to compensate? Is the lube level affected? Being a plumb, level, and squared away kind of guy, that would drive me nuts.
    Mark IV -- 04 Mach1 Donor -- 4.6 DOHC -- TKO 600 -- 3:55 Gears -- 3 Link - Hydroboost PS & PB -- 13" PBR's Front & 11.65's Rear -- Cuesta Wiring -- Thompson Signals -- FFR Radiator, heater, wipers, and catalytic converters -- Metco DS safety loop -- Forte 7/8" front bar -- VPM 3/4" rear bar -- Champ road race pan -- Corbeau A4 Seats -- Nitto NT-05's on 17 x 9's.

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    NA5KAR, this would probably be the right time to notify you (If you weren't aware) that when you install the engine transmission combo, it's also normal that they'll be off center a little toward the passenger side of the car. Designed to be like that to offset the weight of the driver (I had asked the question when installing mine a few years ago).

    You're doing great and congrats on the combo from Blue Print
    Dave

    (Since you're in Coral Springs; did you see Nascar is allowing spectators for the Homestead Race?)
    Last edited by DadofThree; 06-10-2020 at 07:45 AM.
    Dave
    Mk 3.1 - #6882 - 5.0L 302 - FiTech EFI - 3-Link - 3.08 Ratio - 15" Wheels
    Greenhorn and doing the best I can
    My photos are at: My Flickr acct
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  14. #9
    Senior Member NA5KAR's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by DadofThree View Post
    NA5KAR, this would probably be the right time to notify you (If you weren't aware) that when you install the engine transmission combo, it's also normal that they'll be off center a little toward the passenger side of the car. Designed to be like that to offset the weight of the driver (I had asked the question when installing mine a few years ago).

    You're doing great and congrats on the combo from Blue Print
    Dave

    (Since you're in Coral Springs; did you see Nascar is allowing spectators for the Homestead Race?)
    Thanks Dave. I was aware of the PS offset. My OCD will allow that. I haven't been to a Nascar race in years. Would enjoy going, but lost interest years ago when I realized that the drivers were a bunch of rich cry babies. Thanks for the heads up.

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    Senior Member NA5KAR's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by egchewy79 View Post
    just checked my T5, and this is the exact issue i'm experiencing. at first, i assumed it was the tab interefering w/ the ebrake mount. after closer inspection, there doesn't appear to be any contact between the tab and the mount. my trans to bellhousing is also a bit angled, leaving the top of my shifter plate to lean a few degrees to my DS. I was worried i'd need to pull the trans out to cut off this stupid tab. thanks for posting. very timely!
    Thanks for the comments. I don't know what the effect will be on the e-brake, but I imagine it will be fine. I've received several confirmations that the tilt is normal. I'll consider it normal. Thanks

  17. #11
    Senior Member NA5KAR's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by edwardb View Post
    As Gordon said, totally normal. Had a T5 in my #5125 build. These pictures show (1) it's rotated off to the LH side as you're finding, (2) if you zoom in on the second picture where the T5 mounts to the bell housing, shows the same as yours. I didn't remember exactly, but in the second picture you can also see I apparently trimmed back the tab on the side of the transmission to clear the e-brake. Other than that, the T5 fits easily. It's small compared to its TKO big brother which also fits.



    Thanks so much for the confirmation. It caught my eye immediately when I unpacked the crate. I feel much better that it happened to others. On another note, I love your threads. They have been like a bible for me as I slowly move forward. Thanks for the help.

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  19. #12
    Senior Member NA5KAR's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by egchewy79 View Post
    Ha! I'm dealing with the exact same thing. I assumed it was because I hadn't trimmed the mounting tab on the PS just in front of the shifter (in your pic, the zip tie is through it). This tab might cause clearance issues with your e brake mount. I'm in the process of trying to trim this off with the trans already installed. I'll let you know if this fixes my tilt to the DS and also check my own bellhousing.
    Glad I'm not alone in this issue. From the responses I've received, and the Google stuff I've read, this is normal. I'm interested in the results of your fitment issue. Thanks again.

  20. #13
    BluePrintEngines's Avatar
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    Glad everything is confirmed and we're all set.
    Check out our crate engine offerings at www.factoryfiveengines.com
    Give us a call at 1.800.483.4263

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  22. #14
    Not a waxer Jeff Kleiner's Avatar
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    Ford made it that way on purpose. And in case you didn’t already know, don’t be alarmed when you notice that the engine is not centered in the chassis...Factory Five did that on purpose too

    Jeff

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    Senior Member NA5KAR's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jeff Kleiner View Post
    Ford made it that way on purpose. And in case you didn’t already know, don’t be alarmed when you notice that the engine is not centered in the chassis...Factory Five did that on purpose too

    Jeff
    Thanks Jeff. I'm good with the offset.

  25. #16
    Senior Member egchewy79's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by NA5KAR View Post
    Glad I'm not alone in this issue. From the responses I've received, and the Google stuff I've read, this is normal. I'm interested in the results of your fitment issue. Thanks again.
    to make it easier, trim that tab off anyway. mine is clear of the ebrake mount, but it might make it easier to insert the drivetrain. I did the pulley modification of the ebrake as described by edwardb and was worried about the PS bias of the transmission getting in the way. there's room, but it's tight once the trans is in. if you plan on doing this mod, do it before you insert the drivetrain.

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  27. #17
    Senior Member Avalanche325's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by NA5KAR View Post
    I'm an OCD guy, so I noticed it right away.
    Wait until you put the engine in and find it doesn't sit level. Cobras and rulers are not a good combination.

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    right wait until you see the body the right and left are not the same.
    David W
    Mkll 4874 built in 2004
    Gen 3 coupe #16 registered 2018 painted 2019

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  31. #19
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    But in all of this imperfection, don't sweat it! Nobody will notice but you. They're stunning and a ton of fun, even with their flaws! (pic CSX 3102)

    Dave
    Mk 3.1 - #6882 - 5.0L 302 - FiTech EFI - 3-Link - 3.08 Ratio - 15" Wheels
    Greenhorn and doing the best I can
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  32. #20
    Senior Member GTBradley's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by David Williamson View Post
    right wait until you see the body the right and left are not the same.
    David W
    What a relief! I thought I was the only one.
    Bradley

    Build thread - Mk4, Coyote, IRS, Wilwood brakes, old-style soft top and accessories.

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  33. #21
    Senior Member NA5KAR's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by DadofThree View Post
    But in all of this imperfection, don't sweat it! Nobody will notice but you. They're stunning and a ton of fun, even with their flaws! (pic CSX 3102)

    Love that pic! You're right ... I'm the only one who will see it. I'm 100% ok with it. Just wanted to see if anyone else noticed this. Thanks

  34. #22
    Senior Member NA5KAR's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by GTBradley View Post
    What a relief! I thought I was the only one.
    that's the reason I started the post. Johnny from Blueprint was awesome when I asked him about it. He got verification from his techs and from FFR. I was satisfied with his answer. I only wanted to see if others had the same experience.

  35. #23
    Senior Member rich grsc's Avatar
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    What did you expect, that is how it was designed?
    Mrk III, 331 stroker, Borla stack injection, T5, 3:55 IRS, Power steering and brakes. Kleiner body & paint

  36. #24
    Senior Member Avalanche325's Avatar
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    I remember freaking out when I saw how crooked the hood opening was. The forum set me straight......well, set me crooked.

  37. #25
    Administrator David Hodgkins's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by walt mckenna View Post
    Why is the T5 rotated from level? Does the mount to the chassis need to be shimmed to compensate? Is the lube level affected? Being a plumb, level, and squared away kind of guy, that would drive me nuts.
    The Mounts line up vertically. When I was building ol' 5369 and saw how it went together I figured, "Huh. Leaning toward the driver... cool". The trans mount fit so I really didn't think about it again until this thread.


    FFR 5369 Pin Drive, IRS, Trigos, Torsen, Wilwoods, FMS BOSS 302 "B" cam , Mass-flo. CA SB100 (SPCN) Registered
    Delivered 4/23/06. "Finished" 4/2012 (still not done!)


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    Is the TKO 600 rotated the same way?

  39. #27

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    Quote Originally Posted by Joe D View Post
    Is the TKO 600 rotated the same way?
    No, it sits level
    James

    FFR33 #997 (Gen1 chassis, Gen2 body), license plate DRIVE IT says it all! build thread
    My build: 350SBC, TKO600, hardtop, no fenders/hood, 32 grill, 3 link, sway bars, 355/30r19
    Previous cars: GTD40, Cobra, tubeframe 55 Chevy, 66 Nova, 56 F100

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