buoymaker did add an element I glossed over. Cost of conversion to a T5. I'll ballpark a few numbers which are open for debate. A T5, I've bought 4 over the past 6 years. Prices ran from $100 to $300. Two I pulled from wrecked trucks. From what I read, 400 to 500 "might" be an entry point today. My new driveshaft to replace the torque tube was $150.00. A new clutch disk (you can use the original pressure plate if it's good) and input shaft....$100.00.
So, if a transmission can be had for $500 then drive shaft $150 and clutch and input shaft for $100. You're looking at $750.00. Depending on how skilled/lucky one was at finding bargains
and doing all their own work, it's possible to make the upgrade for half that amount. Or it could be twice the guesstimate above.
Goodluck,
RonR
