Borg Warner T10 vs Toploader

[Dan Case]

Originally Posted by CompClassics

The T10 shifting is much smoother than the Top Loader in my opinion.

+1 My opinion also. When everything is meeting OEM specifications T10 shifting is extremely smooth. I had a 1965 GT350 and a 1966 GT350 with T10s, 1969 and a 1970 Boss 302 with Ford top loader, and a 1970 Boss 429 with an enormously heavy version of top loader. With all cars adjusted to OEM specifications I like the gear changing ease and feel in the T10s best.

[xb-60]

Interesting comments from Jon and Dan.
I considered (but only for a short time) using a T10 for my FIA replica build, but rejected that path early, deciding on the Toploader.
Rationale for going Toploader rather than T10 was….
1. In Australia, Toploaders are available (while not exactly plentiful), but T10 gearboxes are rare. If I had chosen to use a T10, I would almost certainly have had to import one from US.
2. One of the very few David Kee agents is virtually just around the corner from me. T10 experts – as logic would suggest - are even more rare here than T10’s.
3. I wanted a period correct gearbox and the research I did at the time suggested that the Toploader is a very robust gearbox. As well, they were of course consequently used (in modified form) behind the Cobra 427, and used as the basis for the GT40’s Kar Kraft gearbox.

As far as shift action goes, my rebuilt Toploader and Hurst shifter has an action that feels similar (from distant recollection) to the bolt action on a Lee Enfield 303. If the T10 is better, it must be very good.

Cheers,
Glen

[1795]

Glen,

Glad to hear that your top loader shifts well. Cannot wait to give mine a try. A T10 would put me out of budget and probably be hind schedule as well. If you have any video of you driving your cobra I would like to see and hear it.
Take care

Jim

[ALF]

Many thanks for this great information!

I got curios about the difference between the T10-B (mentioned by John) and the T10-H (I own) main cases. I found an interesting pdf on the internet which contains some information I’m not able to verify/confirm.


Ford T10s used two iron main case configurations and both main cases are 9 1/2 inches long. The early, narrow transmission mounting bolt pattern T10 B-1 case was used from 1960-64 with 221/260/289 engines that had 5 bolt blocks and the later T10 H-1 case with a dual mounting bolt pattern entered service in late 1964 for use with the 289 and later engines with a 6 bolt block
http://wasaac.org/techdocs/T10.pdf

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by 1795

.....Glad to hear that your top loader shifts well. Cannot wait to give mine a try. A T10 would put me out of budget and probably be hind schedule as well. If you have any video of you driving your cobra I would like to see and hear it

Jim,

My "shifting" up to this point is on the bench, but indicates a satisfying setup. A video is some time off yet, but looking forward to the time when I can provide one. Good luck with your transmission ....but it seems that you would need more luck and cash if you had gone the T10 route

Cheers,
Glen