5-Speed conversion for a 300 inline 6?

OGNC · Post by **OGNC** » August 4, 2009, 4:03 pm

Okay, I have a really stupid question. I want to keep the 300 inline 6 in my 66 pickup, but I want to convert it from a 3-speed to a 5-speed. Does anybody make a bolt pattern adapter that fits between the factory bell housing and a T-5?

I don't really want to do a V8 conversion just for the sake of being different.

Thanks!

cdherman · Post by **cdherman** » August 4, 2009, 6:27 pm

Why would you need an adaptor? You should be able to find a nice World Class t-5 from a Mustang with a 302.

300 is SBF bolt pattern -- its a bolt up.

Now, the larger problem is the location of the shifter for a t-5, which is quite a ways in the back.

Here's a link to MadMax's website. He's a member here as well and will perhaps chime in. He did a t-5 behind a 300.

http://members.cox.net/madmaxetc/1967_F ... ics_03.htm

ezernut9mm · Post by **ezernut9mm** » August 4, 2009, 7:25 pm

the only thing i can add, is that you want a t-5 from an s-10 or gmc s-15 for the forward shifter placement.

Anthony · Post by **Anthony** » August 4, 2009, 7:40 pm

i'm confused ezer?

will the chevy s series 5 speed actually bolt up to my 300 six? I might be interested in this also. Will the small truck 5 speed be good enough to tow with? This intrigues me......... Anthony

Johnny Canuck · Post by **Johnny Canuck** » August 4, 2009, 8:08 pm

No. you need the Ford end on the transmission and the GM end on the shifter. Check this out, it's a Y block installation of a T5 with the GM shifter

http://www.badgerlandf100s.com/techcorner/

in2hotrods · Post by **in2hotrods** » August 4, 2009, 8:38 pm

If using the T-5 then yes, ford trans with s-10 tail to move shifter forward.

I had a 1993 f150 with a 300 and factory 5-speed what about using one of those?

62galxe · Post by **62galxe** » August 4, 2009, 9:02 pm

T5 tail swap
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/show ... p?t=280529

ezernut9mm · Post by **ezernut9mm** » August 4, 2009, 10:31 pm

Anthony wrote:i'm confused ezer? will the chevy s series 5 speed actually bolt up to my 300 six? I might be interested in this also. Will the small truck 5 speed be good enough to tow with? This intrigues me......... Anthony

anthony, i never know exactly what i'm talking about, but i get enough out there to get the conversation started. lol

Thunderboy · Post by **Thunderboy** » August 4, 2009, 11:23 pm

I am pretty sure a ZF 5 speed came on some 90's 2wd f150s with 300 cid sixes. That would be easiest. Stronger tranny, too.

OGNC · Post by **OGNC** » August 5, 2009, 1:43 am

Man, I already love this place... LOL

fmartin_gila · Post by **fmartin_gila** » August 5, 2009, 6:26 am

The stick comes up just in front of the lower seat rail. When I did mine, I just made a offsetting piece to move the upper part of the shift lever about 3 inches to the front of the lower part. This allows shifting to 2,4 and Rev positions.

Fred

cdherman · Post by **cdherman** » August 5, 2009, 6:33 am

ZF and M5OD (~90-96) trannies both have hydraulic clutches, which a lot of people detest.

The ZF is the catsmeow, BUT its also expensive and huge. And its NOT a racing tranny. Its just bullet proof and has 5 speeds and and OD. It is the pinnacle truck tranny for a working truck.

The M5OD (Mazda) tranny is not a very heavy unit, and depending on who you ask, it may die a young death. But there are many that say you just need to replace the metal plugs on top of it (which rust and let in water) and change the oil, and you are good to go.

If the Ford hydraulic clutch setup was a little easier (it is reputed to be a PITA to bleed and prone to failure) the Mazda would be an excellent conversion choice, as they are plentiful.

I'd bet there are lots of f150 clunkers that are getting their engines destroyed (Cash for Clunkers Program) that have good trannies in them. Kind of a shame.......

Truckfarmer2 · Post by **Truckfarmer2** » August 5, 2009, 9:18 am

I am not sure but I thought the S10 T-5's you want are from a 4.3 V6 engine and that the others are weaker?

bluebolt · Post by **bluebolt** » August 7, 2009, 12:18 pm

Although the bellhousing from a Mustang T5 is the same pattern as a 300 Ford six it's set up for a cable clutch, easier to just get the early Mustang to T5 adaptor and use your original bellhousing. http://www.cal-mustang.com/T5-ADAPTER-P ... 380C0.aspx

The 4.3 S10 never came with a T5, it used the heavier duty NV3500.

If you do a S10 tailhousing conversion make sure you get the earlier mechanical speedo housing, the electronic one is not usable. I believe you need the 1988 and earlier S10 tailhousing.

Johnny Canuck · Post by **Johnny Canuck** » August 7, 2009, 2:01 pm

FmartinGila (Fred) should know what he is talking about since he HAS a mustang T5 behind a 223 six in his truck, (just thought I would mention that)

try this website if you're confused.
http://www.flatheadv8.org/ernie/ernie-t5.htm