How much torque will a T5 really take?
 

I am running a T5 "ID 1352-169". According to the T5 ID chart, the max torque is 265 LB/FT. My engine is putting out 414 LB/FT. I do not see anything in the chart that go's that high. What are most of you using? I have not had problems with this yet but I only have a couple hundred miles on it. Am I looking into having problems later? Any recomendations?

Thanks, Terry

You will if you constantly do burn outs or get on it hard all the time unless the trans has been "race prepped" with stronger internals, even then they aren't much better than around 450-500 LB/FT... though some trans race builders advertise higher ratings.

I think most of the guys are using one variation or another of the Tremac like the TKO or built toploaders.

We can do T5 upgrades. We sell two flavors, the G-Force and the Astro. The Astro trans is rated for 600hp/550 lb-ft. There are a lot of drag guys running the Astro boxes without problems.

If you drive it like a daily driver street car, you'll probably have no problems with it. However, when you start beating on it, it will go.

that's a good one. depends on how much torque you're making and if you're sticking it to the ground. i had both of em sitting on the ground, one a levy t5, supposed to take any and all abuse and a tko600. i opted for the tko. you can get the t5 with upgraded gear sets but the problem is the shafts seperate putting more stress on the outer teeth of the gears. i would have been good with the t5, for how long, i don't know, but if i tore the t5 up i would of had nothing, whereas the tko pretty much takes all kinds of abuse, the downside being 30#'s heaver and taking more hp to turn the gear sets. i talked to one of the t5 builders and they stressed that the t5 does not like shock. so if you're using a small clutch or dropping the clutch, sooner or later i'd bet you'll replace it. on the other hand lots of guys are using them in mustangs with slicks and drag racing them and they hold up to the abuse, for a while. then if you're using a small clutch and concerned about shock there is a part that can be put in the hydraulic clutch line that limits the flow of fluid. seems it is usually the 3rd gear pull that does them in from what i've read. if you're already using it i wouldn't worry, it is already there and could last quite a while with the light wt. of the cobra and limited traction. i think there is somebody making a stronger housing, but not sure. t5 does shift nice and 30#'s is quite a bit.

To answer short and sweet, yep you'll have problems. Never take what race teams do as an example unless your willing to follow their maintenance schedules. No race team I know of runs anything longer than a season, a lot of stuff gets rebuilt after every race.

Detroit wouldn't consider using them at that kind of power level with good reason. Getting a blown up car back in the trailer is much less trouble then getting one towed 200mi. back home.;)