Transmission Suggestions for Factory Five Roadsters, Coupes, and '33 Hot Rods

[Mad Dog]

NOTE: The information contained in this document is a collection of information from a number of sources. It serves as a starting point towards choosing a transmission for your Factory Five. For information that may be beneficial to add or correct in regards to this document, please email [email protected].

For Factory Five Racing kits it is suggested that if the engine being installed is below 300 horsepower (at the engine) then a T-5 would be the best choice due to durability and weight considerations. If installing an engine with more than 300 horsepower (at the motor), than it is recommended to install a Tremec TKO 500 or 600 transmission. Keep in mind that the transmissions are being installed in 2200lb-2400lb. finished cars, unlike their often compared counter part, the Ford Mustang, which is approximately 1000lbs heavier.

Transmissions used in Mustangs



T-5
-A 5 speed manual transmission that came in 1983 ½ to 1993 5.0 Mustangs.
-Also came in 1994-1995 V8 Mustangs though the input shaft is approximately ¾ inches longer than the earlier versions. This causes the need for a longer bell-housing. The driveshaft needs to be shortened ¾ of an inch to the specifications in the build manual.
-Easily attainable in the aftermarket for $900-$1100.
-Very light (70-80lbs), reliable, and strong for its weight.
-Manufactured by Borg Warner until the mid 90’s, then began to be produced by
Tremec.
-Fits Factory Five Roadsters, Spec Racers, Hot Rod, and Coupes as a direct bolt in.

T-5Z -Same as T-5 but has a 2.95:1 ratio first gear that makes it slightly stronger
-Only available from Ford Racing #M-7003-Z

T-45
-A 5 speed manual transmission that came in 1996-98 4.6L V8 Mustangs.
-Similar to the T-5 though its mount interferes with the chassis cross member in MKI, and MKII kits. The MKIII will allow the T-45 to bolt right in with a 4.6L Motor.
-Production bell-housings were designed to mate up to the 4.6L engines.

Tremec 3550
-An aftermarket 5 speed manual transmission that also came in 1995 Cobra R Mustangs.
-Stronger than the T-5.
-The old version of the TKO 500
-Uses the same clutch and yokes as the T-5. 10 tooth splined input shaft
-Shifter mechanism is different than the T-5, but this transmission has the ability
to install a mid mounted shifter.
-Fits Factory Five Roadsters, Spec Racers, Hot Rod, and Coupes as
a direct bolt in with ¾ inch tall spacers underneath the rear mount.

Tremec TKO
-A 5 speed manual transmission is only available in the aftermarket.
-Same case as the Tremec 3550, so all mounts are the same.
-Uses a different clutch than the 3550, and a different driveshaft yoke. 26 spline input shaft, 31 spline output shaft
-Mid mounted shifters are an available option.
-Fits Factory Five Roadsters, Spec Racers, Hot Rods, and Coupes as a direct bolt in with ¾ inch tall spacers underneath the rear mount.

TKO 500 can take 500lbs-ft of torque
TKO 600 can take 600lbs-ft of torque

Tremec TKO roadrace or close ratio
-Same as the TKO except that it has a 0.82:1 ratio 5th gear rather than a 0.68:1
ratio that the 3550 and standard TKO has.

T-56
-A 6 speed manual transmission that came in 2000 Cobra R Mustangs, and 2003/2004 Cobra Mustangs, as well as Dodge Vipers, Chevy Camaros and Corvettes. This transmission is basically a very strong TKO with a 6th gear.
-Does not fit solid axle Roadsters with SBF/BBF because it is too long, which will cause driveshaft bind. IRS cars avoid this problem because the driveshaft does not travel vertically. The longer wheelbase Coupes and Hot Rods also avoid the problem because the driveshaft is longer. 4.6 powered cars will work with a T-56, due to a overall shorter drivetrain length.
-Rear mount interferes with the rear chassis cross-member in MKI and MKII Roadsters, Coupes, and Spec Racers.

AOD
-A modern automatic transmission that began to be installed in Ford production vehicles after 1983.
-Same length and mounts as the T-5 transmission.
-Strength is moderate.
-Customers have installed this transmission. They have had to find a way to attach the gear selector to the FFR kit.
-Ford began to use an electronic version in the early 90’s called the AODE.
-There is a large quantity of aftermarket versions and parts available.

C4
-A 3 speed automatic transmission that came in Ford cars such as Galaxies, Mustangs, Torinos, Falcons, and others in the 1960’s and 70’s.
-Strength is moderate, though can be built to be very strong.
-Customers have used this transmission, installing it on their own. Possibly needs
transmission mount modifications and gear selector mounting to be determined.

C6
-A 3 speed automatic transmission that came in Ford cars such as Galaxies, Mustangs, Torinos, and others in the 1960’s and 70’s.
-Extremely Strong transmission.
-A very large transmission. Significant modifications would be necessary to
allow its fitment into any Factory Five kits.
-Not recommended for a Factory Five kit.

Toploader
-A 4 speed manual transmission manufactured by Ford that 1965 427 Ford Cobra’s, Mustangs, T-birds, Fairlanes, and other cars of the 60’s and 70’s used.
-Will bolt right on to the stock mount in all Factory Five kits by drilling a hole in the center of the chassis mount. The shifter mechanism and handle installation would need to be custom made. Some custom modifications would also need to be made to work with a cable clutch linkage.
-Shifter linkage is externally mounted on the transmission.
-A small transmission, though very strong.
-Came with short and long tail shafts

Richmond 6 speed
-A 6 speed manual transmission sold in the aftermarket
-Customers have installed on their own.
- May need modifications to mount for installation into a Factory Five kit.

SROD
-A 3 speed automatic transmission with overdrive that came in 1979-1983 Mustangs.
-Very weak transmission.
-Not recommended for a Factory Five kit.

T10
-A Borg Warner 4 speed manual transmission that came in some 1960’s Mustangs
-Similar to a Top-loader.

T56 Magnum
- An upgraded version of the stock T56
- Fitment in Factory Five cars is unknown

[Woody C]

Recommend this be reviewed and updated to reflect the applications regarding the MK-IV. It currently notes the application differences/issues for the MK-I/II vs MK-III's

[Gumball]

Dave,

Does "not recommended due to the possibilities of driveshaft bind" mean that FFR has seen problems with the use of the '94/95 T5 in solid axle Roadsters? Or, is this more of a cautionary concern due the the 3/4" shorter driveshaft? I'm sourced my engine, trans, and rear end out of a '94 SVT Cobra Mustang and this is the first time I've seen FFR take a "not recommended" stance on this combination. Before I dump my trans and go with a new one (including bellhousing and driveshaft), I want to make sure this is a real problem. Please let me know if this is just a precautionary heads-up or if it represents a real concern.

Thanks,

[snakeboost]

Dave, can you also add a small note about Magnum 6 speeds - Newer version of the T56 based off of the transmission found in the newer camaro/mustang/charger/challenger Designation is TR6060. These fit about the same as a t56 with a few differences. The take out sn197 chassis tr6060 mustang tranny will not fit due to a longer tail housing.

Steve

[Mad Dog]

Guys,

The info has been updated.

[tenncobra]

It is noted that the T-56 transmission will work with the 4.6 liter engines. Does that mean it will also work with the Coyote?

[rick8928]

Dave,
I'm using an '04 Mach 1 donor (DOHC 4.6), which according to all info uses a Tremec 3650. If correct, could you update the matrix and perhaps add a paragraph on the 3650 (or perhaps add it to the 3550 discussion if differences are minor). Thanks.
Rick

[snakeboost]

It is noted that the T-56 transmission will work with the 4.6 liter engines. Does that mean it will also work with the Coyote?

Yes we have sold a few. Uses a Quicktime scattershield

Steve

[CHOTIS BILL]

Has anyone tried using a Keisler RS500 or RS600 transmission?

Bill Lomenick

[chrisarella]

I'm looking for a tranny to mate up to a Coyote in a roadster with IRS and wondering:
1. Can I purchase any tr6060 and drop it right in?
2. Are there variations of tr6060 trannies?
3. Are there any differences between the tr6060 found in the new gen Camaro, Viper, Challenger and GT500?
4. What additional mods will I need to make?
5. Should I be considering the T56 magnum instead?
6. Anyone running a T56 magnum or tr6060 with a mod motor in their roadster?
7. If any of these questions can be answered or more info available can we get the first post updated so us noobs can get a parts list together and plan accordingly? I'm guessing the statement "Fitment unknown" is out of date at this point.

Much appreciated for any and all help.