Posted by 72grabber (IP: 206.71.78.67) on April 09, 1999 at 21:11:12:
In Reply to: Do some researching on them posted by 74merc on April 09, 1999 at 17:25:53:
Well, yes, those are "ratings" ,but they probably don't mean squat. The horsepower ratings of the mustang fluctuated from '89 to '93, but it had the same motor. This was due to the way Ford got their "ratings".
I have done a lot of research on the T-5 too, reading many many magazine articles on them, and from what they tell me "a T-5 world class is a T-5 world class." If your buying a used one, '86-'93 is the same. A better version would be the "Z" rated T-5 sold by Ford motorsport for about $1100, it has stronger parts, steel input bearing retainer, low 2.95 first gear, etc. But it is "rated" a bit low too. You ought to pick up an issue of "Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords", they have tons of info on everything, and many featured cars running the T-5 in very high horsepower cars, they are very tough, as long as they aren't abused.
And if you still want to go with the Tremec, you might as well get the TKO and go all out.
And guess what? the 5.0L Ford was rated at about 300 ft-lbs. way beyond your "rated 240-260" of the T-5.
: The 90-93 have the highest torque ratings, they won't break as easily. I meant to say 93, forgot it went that high. anyway, before 90 they're all rated between 240 and 260lbs, if you've done anything to your 302 its pulling that much torque, mine will be pulling much, much more when I get through. If you just want a standard and don't plan on driving it real hard, the earlier years will probably do you just fine. I've done some more checking, I'm pointing towards a Tremec 3550 now. Check this site out, it has alot of T5 info. Email me if you need anymore info.
: James