What 5- speed for 500Hp 347?

[blykins]

Vec, I'm a distributor for Astro Performance transmissions. I can get all the pictures that your heart desires...

[vector1]

wasn't somebody supposed to build a much stronger look alike for the t5?

[blykins]

McLeod. But they can't get their act together.

[Mac VABCH]

Caprimaniac

You haven't don't anything stupid, I bought the same A-5 last year from Brent at B-2 Motorsports and have 5 track event on it. This is hands down the best shifting trans I have ever had and Brent has excellent costumer service.

The 4-5 shift in a T-5 has always been slow when you are up in the revs. With the A-5 it is simple a drean to make the 4-5 shift. I also put an S-10 tail housing on it, this moves the shifter forward 10" essentially giving yo a "mid shift" transmission.

You can see the transmission in action by searching Mike Skeen Cobra. Mike drove my car at VIR earlier this years and posted the video to his web site. Check out how effortless the 4-5shifts are at high rpms.

You will be pleased with your purchase.

[Caprimaniac]

Thanks alot, Mac VABCH (why does everyone have usernames so hard to pronounce?...).

That gives me some confidence. And yes, as Brent has just good things to say about the Astro, that does tell alot as well.

Especially I loved to hear about the 4. to 5. gearing as well. I've barely tried the 5. gear in my OE T5 on track- firstly it's a pain to hit it right, but also because of the large drop in RPM.

Is the 5. gear in the Astro a useable high RPM gear? I've been thinking that even if the 5. gear is upgraded you cannot use it hard because the shaft and the shafts bearings are too weak?

[vector1]

i just found out last week a a t5 i purchased built by levy with all the upgraded internals and then resold because i chickened out and didn't want the chance of tearing up a tranny was being rebuilt because of the 3rd gear breakage, and this was behind a 347 a guy was using on track in a cobra.

[Caprimaniac]

Not good.
So, teeth breaking off or gear blown to pieces?

RS

[vector1]

i asked the guy but didn't get the specifics, just 3rd gear and r & r. i believe 3rd gear is usually the one to go on the t5 anyway. i was at a hot rod show one time and there was a tremec dealer there with a cutaway of a t5 and tko600. after looking at the differences i don't think i would ever put a t5 behind anything with power no matter what the strength of the gears in the t5.

[Caprimaniac]

Well.... It's been some time since I installed the Astro.

Been using the box for 3 months. Mainly street cruising, 2000-3500 rpms.
One quick test at a autoX, no problems.
Some 6000 rmp burn- outs, nor problems.

But this weekend I went to the track.

What I experienced was not good. By going to 7800 in 3. and into 4. is nice and then 5. a little more troublesome, then DOWNSHIFTING to 3. at the end of a straight was PITA...

The A5 is not made for downshifting (intended drag use )?

Even the stock T5 shifted into 3 better than the A5 (but I often missed it and got 5. instead).

So far not satisfied, but in the long run- who knows?

RS

[blykins]

Just depends on how you had the transmission set up. I've got guys road racing with them and they absolutely love them.

[twin turbo]

I used to have a G-force T5. I grenaded 3rd gear on the freeway rolling into full throttle.

[blykins]

G-Forces have a different 3rd gear design than the Astro transmissions.....they grenade easily.

[Caprimaniac]

Originally Posted by blykins

Just depends on how you had the transmission set up.

Are you talking stuff like clearances? Or parts like axles and housing?

I ordered the box ready built from Astro. It has the upgraded G-force housing and upgraded axles and shift forks as well.

On the stock T5 there was a tendency to drop into 5. instead of 3 when downshifting. (Pissin' me off very time that happened!) Why is this happening? Lots of torque moving the axles relative to one another is my theory- although it might not be correct.


With the Astro it's almost the same. I have to "look around" with the gearstick until it falls into the narrow 3.- gear slit... (and then it's down to 3000 rpm's and I've lost 2 positions...) If 'Im lucky enuff to find it..... Fell into 5. a couple of times, although not as predictable as with the stock box.

Had hoped this tendency would be gone with a strengthened maincase. hopefully it will with some more running time? (And the driver learning?)

Thanks
RS

[blykins]

I'm referring to whether or not the trans has synchronizers, dog rings, etc, etc.

Also, what shifter do you have? The shifter will make all the difference.

The transmissions do require a little break-in time and they should limber up.

[Caprimaniac]

Synchros.

It's a Summit qs shifter, adjustable throws.

Yeah, hoPe it will mature.... Sooon
Rs