I have a 1952 5 window 1/2 ton chevy with a full pressure 235-6. I would like to find a T5 5 speed tranny that is ready to go. I would like to save some time junkyard shoping. If you have one or know of a someone, I would like to hear from you. Thank You --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Search the forums for T5 and T-5, you will get more information than you can digest while eating your cherrios.
If you get a T-5, the ones from behind the 4.3 have the longer splines already with the shorter bearing retainer. if you get one from behind the 2.5 or 2.8, you will need to extend the splines and cut down the bearing retainer. Or build a hybrid.
Transmissions from 88 on have electronic speedos. Transmissions from 82-84 have less ribbing on the tail shaft. Hope this helps.
Scott
The problems we face today can not be addressed at the same level of intelligence we were at when we created them - Albert Einstein Or with the same level of $ - Me
Yes it helps, I think I should just start shopping for a camaro t-5. It maybe cheaper than going with different rear gears and changing to a saginaw. Thanks jj
The Camaro T-5's are plentiful, it is the S-10 rear housings for mechanical speedometer that are becomming scarce. Although the electronic ones are out there in higher numbers. I have two projects going where I need the T-5 hybrid, and may need to source an electric S-10 tail shaft as I can then purchase new gauges with an electric speedo.
The problems we face today can not be addressed at the same level of intelligence we were at when we created them - Albert Einstein Or with the same level of $ - Me
If "ready to go" means your looking for a pure "bolt-on" T5 you need to do some more research. Swapping out tailshaft housings if you've done it before is no big deal. However, finding a tail stock and getting the speedo drive gear relocated can be frustrating.
I was fortunate to find a low mileage 85 S10 T5 that had gearing I needed for my truck. To fully utilize the potential of the OD transmission, you have to closely match the OD ratio with your diff R&P ratio and your tire diameter. The torque curve on the relatively stock 235 maxes out at 2400 and I found that with my particular combination my most efficient cruise rpm is at 1900-2000 rpms @ 65-70 mph with a .72 OD, 3.42 R&P and a 29" tall tire. Anything under 3.42 just didn't work effectively with the .72 OD.
Even though the mechanical speedo T5's have been in great demand, I genuinely feel that the later model electronic speeds are a better option. Granted, they require a pricey $300. cable-x converter, if you plan on using your stock gauges. However, the later model boxes are more available and from my own personal experience, getting your mechanical speedo calibrated can be frustrating. The cost of a T5 rebuild on a high mileage "mechanical" T5 can be easily offset with a lower mileage "electronic" and the converter box, which allows dip-switch speedo calibration.
It would be a good idea to crunch your numbers before you pick a particular T5 for your application. I use the bottom calculator for exact numbers:
Dave, Wow what a great job you have done with your "54". Thanks for the tips. Looking at your photos let's me know that I have got a long way to go on my project.
Or if you are buying aftermarket gauges, the Electric speedo's are only about $80 more than the mechanical speedo's. These wire right up to the newer electric speedo trans.
Just my $0.02 again.
Scott
The problems we face today can not be addressed at the same level of intelligence we were at when we created them - Albert Einstein Or with the same level of $ - Me
Not all after market gauges wire right up to the newer trans. I've got a set of classic instruments gauges in my 1/2 ton with the electronic trans and ended up having to buy a box from them to convert the output from the trans to the correct number of pulses the gauges were expecting. I love the gauges and it was just another $75 bucks but wasn't expecting that extra cost. Plus then I ended up with two sets of dips switches to deal with (one of the gauges, on of the converter box) Make sure you let your gauge vendor know exactly what your hooking up to when you place your order. (as in what the trans originally came out of.) Mongo
