Have S15 and T5 transmission conversions gone out of favor?

[Foxfire]

I tried to research options for saving $$ by possibly installing a 4 or 5 speed tranny. The Michell continues to rise in price and last I heard they were out a ways on delivery. I found that Modelaonly no longer has a web site and the only article I found it was necessary to cut out part of the crossmember. I see AA bell housings and adapters on fleabay but the adapters are for use on Mustangs. Am I not doing my search effectively?

Searching another Forum most posts were from 2012 and 2013 and may not have info applicable to today. I want an installation that will not require cutting the crossmember

[CarlG]

See PM

[plyfor]

Carl was very helpful with info for the F150 coversion that came with my tn sedan. It's a nice set up having had Mitchells, Borg Warners, RyanOD, Peugot, etc on prior cars. The Mitchell is a great solution as well, and the F150 once put together by Dave Delmue in San Jose Cal. is well thought out. He is still around but doesn't build the tranny any more as far as I know. Possibly by the time all is done and money spent, the Mitchell may be the easiest for the lay mechanic to do, involving no major cutting, welding, driveshaft expense, etc. The F150 top loader requires a different shifter hole in the floor board as well as other mod's mentioned. Some observations noticed : installing a frame spreader with the F150 was challenging due to the fact that the tranny is larger and weighs almost 2x a Model A, so Float A motors seemed easier for engine installation with tranny in car. However, the FAM biscuits or doughnuts need to be inspected/ changed frequently due to added weight, age, etc. as well. The 6 volt Borgwarner (under other names, Rambler, etc) solenoids and other parts were difficult to find before the internet and may still be a challenge . We found the seals leaked frequently and the reverse lock out needed to be well thought out to prevent tranny damage.

[tbirdtbird]

Carl, why not put your info up on the public forum?

Gary Bernard is the legendary builder of the F-150 trannies around these parts; you get everything you need from him.
Worth a call. His work is first class. I am sure he ships. Many in the Dallas club have his trannies and they love them

Gary Bernard
AAAA Transmissions
1800 NW 28th St, Fort Worth, TX 76164
(817) 624-4342

[CarlG]

Carl, why not put your info up on the public forum?

I have been reluctant to put this information on the public forum due to my experience in doing so on another well known forum.

However, since you asked:

Dave Delmue
Model A Only (no website)
eMail: [email protected]
Phone: (408) 722-2518

And, Yes, he is still making the F150 transmission kits. It is a complete bolt-in, no cutting or modifications to your vehicle except for moving the shifter hole in the wooden floorboard aft a little less than 2 inches.

[Mitch]

Carl no walking on egg shells here or looking over your shoulder.. a forum should be a place that gives you back a pleasant and satisfying experience.
we have multiple forums going to take care of the sidebars, or off topic stuff so post away.

[Mitch]

oh and we have the same grease guns so that means something

[CarlG]

It's a Lincoln, and I love it. My wife's SUV is also a Lincoln & I love it (and her) as well.

[Gary D]

I have a 1930 Model A Cabriolet, 3.78 rear with a World Class Borg-Warner T5, using Dexron III/Mercon ATF. It performs beautifully on long climbs, shifts smoothly, and MPG on a trip is 21+ MPG, plus no extra lever to deal with. This is not a knock on the Mitchell OD as I understand that they are also an excellent choice. GD

[Tom Wesenberg]

Gary, do you have to cut or weld anything on the stock frame or body to install the T5?

[old victoria]

with my t5 kit you notch the cross member around 4 inches wide 2 inches deep.

[Gary D]

Tom, I bought my car a little over 2 years ago and the conversion was already done. I understand that the cross member may have to be cut (as old Victoria just stated) , the torque tube must be modified or replaced to add strength, a relatively small spacer is needed from the bell housing (you can make it), and the rear brake linkage will have to be modified. Also the shifter will be in a different position; mine is very convenient because the previous owner welded one on and angled it to a perfect spot for ease of shifting. A suggestion would be to look for a "World Class" T5 as opposed to a standard which was originally produced. The World Class uses better components, shifts better, and lasts longer. A World Class unit can be identified by the casting numbers on the side of the transmission; these casting numbers can be readily found on the internet. Also, the World Class uses Dexron III/Mercon ATF; the Standard uses 50W because of differences in delivering lubrication. As stated earlier, I love the T5. I'm 75 and have driven standard transmissions most of my life ranging from my first car, a 1953 Chevy, to box trucks, to modern 4 and 5 speeds including a 1966 Corvette; the T5 performs as well or better than any of them! There is plenty of good information about the T5 on the internet. I wish that I had more "hands on" help to give you... Good luck! Gary

[Denis4x4]

I have posted here several times showing the correct way to notch the cross member and how to reinforce it correctly for a T-5 installation using a Chevy S-10 transmission. PM me for photos

[Mitch]

Some of Denis's info is in this thread

https://www.vintagefordforum.com/forum/general-discussion/early-modified/body-tech/112360-t-5-transmission-into-a-model-a

[Gary D]

I should have mentioned that my T5 is out of either a 1988-92 Firebird/Camaro or a 1993 Chevy S-10 V-6; based on the casting identification on the transmission (1352-065-914). Gary D.

[Mitch]

If you are looking to take the 4 speed O/D route, Dave Delume's F-150 kits are first class and worth every penny. He is a VFF member old victoria so just PM him for more info.

[old victoria]

thanks Mitch, just finished # 189 (30 years +) in all this time never had one ready on the shelf. I also have a T5 kit but favor the 4 speed kit, thanks again.

[john in illinois]

Keep up the good work Dave.

John