Mechanical or Hydraulic? (vote)

[gnvair]

The 3.75 first ratio is steep but these are the strongest, 310 ft/lbs rated and easiest to find. I like that the dual pattern BOP bell housing, came specifically behind the Olds V8, thanks to the Ford top loader option, allows it to bolt right on the F body V6 trans. Make sure the input length is right, it may need trimming.

The 2.95 1st gear versions had a higher torque capacity.https://www.moderndriveline.com/shop/transmissions/5-speed-transmissions/t5/ford-t5-5-speed-transmissions/t5-ford/
The BOP manual transmission had the dual gear box pattern as the Pontiacs (maybe Oldsmobile and Buick too?) used a Tremec made 3 speed transmission.
The Ford T5 gear box pattern is different than the early Top Loader pattern. https://bangshift.com/forum/forum/bangshift/tech-section/2834-ford-transmissions
The Tremec 3550/TKO series uses the old Top Loader pattern.
There are adapters for bolting a T5 to a Top Loader bell housing but you have to watch the input length on the T5 because they do vary.

 

[307 Regal]

I put a mechanical in mine. Perfectly happy. I suggest getting a different T5. The 6 cylinder ratios are pretty steep. You may not like it behind the V8

I agree, and would much rather have the V8 ratios and case pattern, but this box was 100 dollars and I just couldn’t wait any longer. I was shopping for a T56 but was struggling with the thought of spending 2 grand on a unit that hasn’t been hopping from owner to owner with who-knows-what history. (choices are very limited in my area.)
I look at this V6 unit as “just finally getting this accomplished” rather than being ideal.

 

[307 Regal]

I look at this V6 unit as “just finally getting this accomplished” rather than being ideal.

That being said, I just mean ratios and capacity. I would still prefer a good clutch system that might carry over to the future. Even if I go with a T56 later I already have a clutch fork style scattershield if i take that route.

 

[307 Regal]

The 2.95 1st gear versions had a higher torque capacity.https://www.moderndriveline.com/shop/transmissions/5-speed-transmissions/t5/ford-t5-5-speed-transmissions/t5-ford/
The BOP manual transmission had the dual gear box pattern as the Pontiacs (maybe Oldsmobile and Buick too?) used a Tremec made 3 speed transmission.
The Ford T5 gear box pattern is different than the early Top Loader pattern. https://bangshift.com/forum/forum/bangshift/tech-section/2834-ford-transmissions
The Tremec 3550/TKO series uses the old Top Loader pattern.
There are adapters for bolting a T5 to a Top Loader bell housing but you have to watch the input length on the T5 because they do vary.

I think that sounds right. TKO 500 and 600 only differ in their gear ratios. Less multiplication of torque means more capacity they say.

 

[gnvair]

I think that sounds right. TKO 500 and 600 only differ in their gear ratios. Less multiplication of torque means more capacity they say.

The steeper the first gear (numerically higher) means more torque multiplication but less capacity as there are fewer drive teeth on the input gear resulting in a small input gear.
That super low first gear might end up being unusable with high 3 series or 4 series gears in the back.

 

[olds307 and 403]

I found a 310 ft/lb rating, assuming this is a 4th gen V6 T5. The Bell housing I am talking about came on late 60's to mid 70's Olds V8's.

 

[gnvair]

I found a 310 ft/lb rating, assuming this is a 4th gen V6 T5. The Bell housing I am talking about came on late 60's to mid 70's Olds V8's.

I have had those dual pattern BOP bell housing. All of the Pontiac V8's from 64-81 had it. I'm sure the Buicks did as well as they have dual starter pockets (Pontiac and Olds had left side starters and Buicks had right side starters) They have the standard old GM pattern and the early Ford pattern which is NOT the same as the Ford/Jeep style T5 pattern. The 4th gen 3400/3800 F body T5s also used the same Ford/Jeep pattern. The T5s used in the 3rd gen F body and 80's S10s used the old GM pattern. That style will bolt right up. The Ford/Jeep style will not.

 

[airboatgreg]

I went mechanical when i put the Muncie in my El C

 

[pontiac guy]

Reading through this post I think you should check all your parts for compatibility I have always understood you cannot use the mechanical clutch with a non-gbody bellhousing because the pivot is in the wrong spot. I've never read of or heard of a clutch fork that will work. That forces you into the GM big ear bolt pattern which is not the same as the late model T5.
If you are going early style bellhousing and it matches your T5 body I think the answer is you have no choice but go hydraulic

 

[gnvair]

Reading through this post I think you should check all your parts for compatibility I have always understood you cannot use the mechanical clutch with a non-gbody bellhousing because the pivot is in the wrong spot. I've never read of or heard of a clutch fork that will work. That forces you into the GM big ear bolt pattern which is not the same as the late model T5.
If you are going early style bellhousing and it matches your T5 body I think the answer is you have no choice but go hydraulic

Guys have used the 84-88 Corvette bell housing which seems to be easier to find. I can't answer whether you need the 78-81 A body specific fork as I have never used anything but the 78-81 stuff.
The problem with using a standard bell housing and fork is the end of the fork makes contact with the floor pan in the corner under the gas pedal.