The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline T5 input shaft question

I was wondering if anyone has used a t5 with a 26 spline input shaft? I found one locally on craigslist for a good price and was wondering if this would work or not? Any input would be great!

Seems it should work as long as you can find a clutch disc that is for a 26 spline input shaft and will be the right size for the pressure plate and flywheel to work with. The vehicle that the T-5 came out of would be first vehicle to look at.

Also, be sure you have the right bolt-up pattern on the transmission or know of a transmission adapter plate that will work.

You might have to change out the entire tail shaft housing.I think the shifter is going to be too far back.


Tim

you will need to identify the trans. the two T5's with 26 spline are the Camaro 5.0 V8 and the Ford 5.0. the 26 spline is the strongest input shaft on the T5 (good for 330 lb-ft of torque vs the anemic 14 tooth splined shafts which are rated at 220 lb-ft).

If it is a Camaro unit, you can very very easily swap in an S-10 tail shaft and shift rail to move the shifter up. this will give you a T5 Hybrid that will be stronger, use a standard GM clutch disc, and handle a V8

unlike modifying the T5's with the 14 spline input shafts by cutting the bearing retainer, elongating the splines and trimming the input pilot, the 26 spline unit is already the right length, has long enough splines and the short bearing carrier.

Here is some much needed reading

http://www.mongosgarage.com/tech/t5/index.htm
http://www.inliners.org/Jack/T5tech.html
http://www.inliners.org/Jack/t5_page.html
http://www.ttcautomotive.com/English/media/pdfs_autogen/T-5_Service_Manual.pdf
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/transmissions-drivetrain/48307-t5-tranny-info-all.html
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=171291&highlight=s10
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=169265

Scott,thanks for the additional information on the t-5 transmissions.


Tim

Hey scott and Tim pardon me butting in ,but I've got an anemic 14 spline t-5 and I'm trying to take the steps to get it used with a 1955 non modified 235.I've got the 169 tooth flywheel and a 10" clutch and this t-5 with 14 splines on a 7" shaft,1/2' pilot.Can you tell me where to find a 14 spline 10" clutch plate? And sir,please direct me to the reading if any that applies to this install.Appreciate your help and direction .Sid Stephenson --down near Houston

If you choose to use the 26 spline shaft you'll need to check out the info listed in the "Hybrid T5" Tip to relocate the speedo "drive gear" on the mainshaft. In reality I can see no use for changing out a 14 spline shaft for a 26 spline GM transmission when you can get the whole T5 "Z" V8 transmission for a couple hundred bucks. The only real problem you're going to have is with the Camaro disc/pressure plate on your flywheel if you're running it behind a 216 or a 235. Several have made the change to the "Z" box which has much better ratios all the way up to the .63 5th gear.

As for the clutch plates behind the .72 0r .86 T5's I've used the RCF4201 from NAPA and also the disc from behind a 2.8L 83-84 Firebird in my 235 truck. They are a 9-7/8" disc and I outlined the process to make the transition work the first time....in my Webshots album. Hope this helps you both.

Dave

T-5 14 spline clutch disc part numbers

9" disc is 4190

9 7/8" disc is 4201

11" disc is 4212



Tim

Tim and Dave --thanks to you both --just got back home and got this info --I'll wander on down the path and come back to you both with project report.Hope all is well,Sid Stephenson

Thanks so much for all the info. I ended up finding one with the 14 spline input shaft, 3.76 1st gear and mech speedo, so im going that route instead. Im putting behind a 235, and I was going to ask for more info about clutch discs but you already answered that for me. Thanks again!

I lied, I actually have 2 more questions haha. I've been looking through all of the t5 tech pages and have not been able to find much info on pressure plates. Can I just use my stock pressure plate or do I need one from a small block? Also will I need to change the slip yoke on my driveshaft in order for it to work with the t5? The truck is a 58 apache 1/2 ton with a saginaw 3 speed for what its worth. Also wondering if anyone has used this adapter http://hamiltonintakes.com/products/s10-t-5-swap-adapter ? Thanks again.

You can use the original pressure plate. You will need a yoke with the fine splines. They were on practically erything from 68 up except TH400. You will have to have the drive shaft shortened. I have done several & have never used the adapter. The modifications are easy. Just make sure you grind the splines enough. Its no fun pulling it out again. Slide the clutch disc on the shaft till it stops. Mark it & measure about 3/8 to 1/2 in. Grind the grooves till it slids back that far. The results are fantastic.

look up '87 and '88 Astro Van with V6 and 5-speed.

Sid I sent you a PM. I'm going to be putting a 14 spline t5 behind a 235 in the future.
Rick.........