351W to T-5 setup

[ken1966351]

I have a 351W and a T-5,I need to know if I can use an 87-93 5.0 bellhousing,and if so what flywheel and starter?

[DAVID GAGNARD]

use the smaller diameter flywheel off a 302 (uses a 10.5 inch clutch vs. 11 inch clutch as used in the 351-W)and a starter for the same, just make sure the flywheel off the 302 has the same imbalance as your 351-W........been there,done that.........works everytime........

David

[SuperHart]

Just chiming in here. I did this exact swap on my Cobra 2 years ago when replacing the Top Loader with a T-5 because I wanted the 5th gear for cruising. The only issue, as David pointed out, is the proper imbalance. Just choose the proper 157 tooth flywheel to match the imbalance of your engine. Many flywheels now come with both 28 oz. and 50 oz. bolt-on weights. I assume you are already using a cable pull clutch setup. Once you have all the proper parts for a '87-'93 Mustang it is a bolt-in swap. The '87-'93 bell housing and starter are the correct pieces to use. Make sure to use the backing plate with the bell housing.

[DAVID GAGNARD]

I couldn't remember the flywheel tooth count, but there it is, 157 tooth is the smaller diameter, 164 is the larger "standard" 351-W flywheel......bolt pattern on the crank/flywheel is the same for 302/351-W and both size flywheels, so it's a direct bolt-in deal........

David

[SuperHart]

Personally, I think you will be happy with the 351W/T-5 combination. With a 3.50 rear ratio at 65 mph I used to rev 2750 RPM in 4th gear with the toploader. The T-5 overdrive lowers it to 1700 RPM at 65 MPH and quiets things down quite a bit. Even with dual quad Holley carbs I can punch it in 5th gear and the car moves out without a bog.

[DAVID GAGNARD]

Originally Posted by SuperHart

Personally, I think you will be happy with the 351W/T-5 combination. With a 3.50 rear ratio at 65 mph I used to rev 2750 RPM in 4th gear with the toploader. The T-5 overdrive lowers it to 1700 RPM at 65 MPH and quiets things down quite a bit. Even with dual quad Holley carbs I can punch it in 5th gear and the car moves out without a bog.

I have a 3550 Tremec in my 65 Fastback and from 4th to 5th, my rpms drop approx. 950 rpms,very similar to your set-up,great for cruising on the highway and gas mileage........
I'll never have a four speed in a street car again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

David

[Forte's Minion]

& ready to ship
Steve

[IMLost]

AH ... the backing plate!! just got through making the flywheel and balancer change...
correction to my build. after breaking off a bolt on install 2 didn't add the backing plate. 3rd times the charm