Astro Perf.

Astro Performance Warehouse would like to introduce the "Super T-5" Gear Kit to thirdgen.org Members! The "Super T-5" Gear Kit was originally designed for Ford Mustang Enthusiasts as a additional "Option" over the Costly Expense of having to Swap out an Aftermarket 5 or 6 Speed into the Vehicle due to Higher Horsepower/Torque Ratings. The "Super T-5" was designed to be a "Drop-In" Replacement Gear Kit for all 1985-95 Ford Mustang 5.0L, and now is available for all 1988-92 Chevrolet Camaro V8 T-5 Users! The "Super T-5" Gear Kit will not work in the 1983-87 Camaro/Firebird V8 T-5 Transmissions.

The "Super T-5" has the capability of supporting up to 650HP/500 Ft. Lbs. of Torque when used with the Astro Performance 28 Spline 9310 Alloy Steel Output Shaft and Cluster Support Plate! You may have noticed we use a 28 Spline Output Shaft Upgrade over the Conventional 27 Spline used in the "World Class" T-5 Transmissions. The reason being, is that we had issues with the 27 Spline Output Shaft "Flexing" to a point where it was causing the 5th Mainshaft and Countershaft Gear to have no "Back-Lash". This was causing the 5th Countershaft Gear to "Seize". Now, granted, this problem was in a 1991 Camaro with a 383" Stroker putting 525 Ft. Lbs. of Torque Down! When the transmission was shipped back we upgraded the Output Shaft to a 28 Spline and never had any other problems. The only issue for Camaro/Firebird Users is that they have to change the Slip Yoke out on the Driveshaft. Of course not everyone is looking to apply 500 Ft. Lbs. of Torque. This is why we made the "Super T-5" Gear Kit compatible with the Factory 27 Spline Output Shaft. When you mate the "Super T-5" GearKit with the Factory/OEM Output Shaft you get a T-5 still capable of 425 Ft. Lbs. of Torque @ 550HP!

Other Advantages of the "Super T-5" Gear Kit:

1.) 26 Spline Input Shaft allows GM Camaro/Firebird User to reuse Clutch!
2.) 1st-4th Gears weigh 1 lb. 3 oz. more than Factory 1st-4th Gears!
3.) Works with Factory Bearings/Synchronizer Rings/Sliders/Etc!
4.) .79% "Road Race" 5th/Overdrive Gear Kit available upon Request!
5.) 2.95 1st, 1.95 2nd, 1.36 3rd, 1.00 4th!

The "Super T-5" Gear Kit can be purchased separately for the Do-It-Yourself Novice, or purchased as a complete built Transmission. If the customer opts to choose having us build a Transmission, the customer will be required to Exchange in a Core. CORE EXCHANGE IS MANDATORY FOR EVERY T-5 WE BUILD UTILIZING OUR OWN CORES! If the customer does not want to Exchange a Core in or does not have one, we have capability of building a Brand New T-5 for an additional cost.

Below is further information related to the "Super T-5" along with Pricing. Please feel free to contact us with any further questions/concerns.

-Super T-5 Gear Kit-



Part Number: ST5-KITG

Racer Cost: $1,150.00 (Shipped)

Includes the following Components:

1.) Cluster Gear (3-Piece Design)
2.) 26 Spline Input Shaft (4th Gear)
3.) 1st-3rd Mainshaft Gears
4.) 2 Quarts of Transmission Fluid (Performance Blend)

-Reconditioned T-5 "W/C" Transmissions with "Super T-5" Internals-



1.) "Super T-5" Transmission - 425 Ft. Lbs. of Torque/550HP

Part Number: ST5-HSG

Racer Cost: $1,595.00 with Core Exchange

Includes installing "Super T-5" Gear Kit into Factory 1988-92 Chevrolet Camaro / Firebird T-5 "World Class" Casing. Transmission features New Bearings, Synchronizer Rings, Seals, Small Parts Kit, 7T Speedo Drive Gear, and Bearing Retainer. Transmission features Factory 27 Spline Output Shaft.

2.) "Super T-5" Transmission - 500 Ft. Lbs. of Torque/650HP

Part Number: ST5-HSUG

Racer Cost: $1,895.00 with Core Exchange

Includes installing "Super T-5" Gear Kit into Factory 1988-92 Chevrolet Camaro / Firebird T-5 "World Class" Casing. Transmission also features Upgraded 28 Spline 9310 Alloy Output Shaft, H/D Cluster Support Plate, Bearing Kit with Synchronizer Rings, Seals, Small Parts Kit, 7T Speedo Drive Gear, and Bearing Retainer.

Image of "Super T-5" Gear Kit installed into T-5 Transmission:



Image of 1st-3rd Mainshaft Gears (Close Up)



Image of Astro Performance 9310 Alloy Output Shaft Upgrade



If you have any further questions please feel free to ask. There will be even more information listed on our New Website once completed.

Thanks,
Tony
tony@astroperformance.com
(866) 253-0019 Natl.

wallyZ/28

iTrader: (9)

how much for just the gears?

86Z

iTrader: (4)

i dunno but that amount for that kit is comparable to swapping in a t56 or a tremec tko-600 id rather use a tremec then put a gear kit in my T5 and assume it holds the torque rating.

wallyZ/28

iTrader: (9)

true.i know i can get a cluster and 3rd gear for my t5 for 220. but it's only a matter of time before i blow 3rd out again.lol....i was thinking about going the tko 600 or 500 route also.t56 i've seem too many problems with,but they do for what they are

Dyno Don

iTrader: (7)

Sounds like G-force has found a new way to market their "stuff" , even looks like it.

dyrt

i have never seen a post with so many "quoted".....uh...."words".....

Astro Perf.

Dyno Don,

Not G-Force Products. If you look at the 1st Gear you'll notice the thickness between it and the G-Force is completely different. Plus, the 3rd/4th Drive Gears are on Super T-5 Cluster are seperate from one another, whereas the G-Force Cluster has 3rd/4th is integral. So to clear it up, these are in no way G-Force Gears. The only thing the Super T-5 and G-Force T-5 Gear Kit have in common is they both are "drop-in" replacement gear kits for t-5 world class 5 speeds.

dyrt,
In general I quote words based on terminology that helps in making it clearer to customer what I am trying to say.

Thanks,
Tony
tony@astroperformance.com
(866) 253-0019 Natl.

P.S.: If anyone would like more information on the Super T-5 Build please click the following link:
http://www.mustang50magazine.com/tec...ade/index.html

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

Is that torque and HP rating with a hi-po clutch and sticky drag tires at the track, or with a stock clutch and street tires on a dyno? That seems like an awful lot of power applied to a transmission where the known weak link is the flex and distortion of the case first, and the main drive and cluster second.

hgffrank

Thats what I was thinking too...lol....its easy to claim a safe rating with stock tires and/or clutch, but start adding slicks and high performance clutch's and suddenly crap starts flying.

And like someone else said, at the prices here, i'd just go for the T56 6 speed.

vindeezl

iTrader: (2)

If you believe it will hold behind 650HP and slicks, I've got a bridge to sell ya.

T56 all the way.

Astro Perf.

Kevin91Z, hgffrank,vindeezl,

The reason for the Case Distortion is due to the High Helix Angles found on the Factory/OEM Gears. When you reduce the Helix Angle of each gear (1st-4th) you reduce the Tangenical Force (Side Thrust/Force) being exerted on the Rear of the Case. We use anything from a 11 - 16 Degree Helix Angle on the 1st-4th Gears which reduce the Side Thrust by 50% over the Factory Gear Kit. Besides reducing the Helix Angle on the Gear Kit, we developed a Cluster Support Plate. This Plate replaces the Stamped Steel Plate that holds the Rear Countershaft Race and Shims in the T-5. This Case eliminates the chance for the Area in between the Countershaft and Mainshaft Bearing Journal Holes from Spreading/Cracking under high load.
So to answer your question on Torque/Horsepower, yes a Drag Radial and/or Slick can be used with the Super T-5. We run Mcleod 800 & 500 Series Single Disc Clutches, which feature both Bronze and Kevlar Material.
Please keep in mind, we don't like rating the Transmissions based on Horsepower. Torque is what breaks transmissions. We rate the Transmissions on Torque Levels achieved via Transmission Dyno and Vehicles Super T-5 Transmissions have been installed into. The Torque Rating is based at the Flywheel and in a 3,400 Lb. Vehicle.

The T-56 has potential of being one of the strongest Manual Street/Strip Transmissions. What we are trying to convey is that there is an alternative or easier solution for those making up to 525 Torque @ Flywheel. Above that the customer needs to look at something different.


Thanks,
Tony
tony@astroperformance.com
(866) 253-0019 Natl.

hgffrank

its great your trying to explain everything to us but the part you seem to be missing is that we arent interested in spending the kind of money you want for this when we can have better for about the same, maybe a hair more. I think if your prices were more reasonable then interest would be higher. You are trying to get top dollar for a product that remains inferior to other transmission options.

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

its always a great option for those who have T5 equipped vehicles that have done big motor builds and dont wanna convert to a T56, since a T56 isnt a direct bolt in, there is alot of little stuff that is needed to convert it over. Plus, T56's can be hard to find at reasonable prices. If you could find one for cheap with low miles on it, then go T56 if you dont mind converting over to that trans.... but if your someone like me that has aftermarket torque arm and crossmember for 700r4/T5's, and dont wanna swap that out, then a T5 build kit seems like a great alternative. the price aint bad at all if your in that kind of boat.

The only real advantage i see is that the T56 is a 6 speed vs a T5 5 speed. that 6 spd could have a much deeper overdrive which makes big gears like 4.11's much more tame on the street. it depends on the 5th gear ratio that they would offer. it be wise to offer a very low numerically numbered 5th gear to maintain great highway manners

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

I think it's ideal for guys like me. V6 guys who pound the crap out of their cars and are going to upgrade but not likely to break 500 ft-lbs.

I looked at doing a Tremec TKO swap first, but for the price I would also have to change over a bunch of stuff which drives the cost way up.

I didn't buy this tranny. Mine is a custom/g-force/hybrid/world class but I have much of the same type of stuff in it. It is a drop in swap with a different clutch plate.

My next V8 car, I don't know. I guess I'll see how far I can push the one I have and then let you know.

5678TA

Has anyone ever used these guys??? not sure how far my g-force will go.. gonna try put her in the mid 10's eventually..

wallyZ/28

iTrader: (9)

my stock trans did fine till i hit third gear.......thats the only time i break anything ..........i may get a good kit to upgrade it.but as of now i will be putting my turbo 350 back in til i can get the funds to rebuild another t5......and i would rather put something that bolts right up to my aftermarket torque arm and trans crossmember than have to buy more stuff.........so the t56 and tremec tko's are out of the question.

MurcoRS

After looking at a TKO or T-56 swap and the cost to do the additional mods needed to use them this seems like a much better alternative to me. My car is strictly a street car and will never put out more than 450 lb ft of torque so a bolt in trans that uses all my current mounts, bellhousing, Hurst shifter, and looks factory - sounds like a winner to me! Heck, they are even in Florida so I can visit their facility and give you guys a first-hand report!

z28freak84

this is an excellent set up for those us with T5's and aftermarket parts. I already have a B&M shifter and Centerforce clutch. Next year I will probably buy a kit if I can come up with the money.
I wont even have to drop the bellhousing. It will be a 2 hour swap, instead of the ENTIRE weekend or possibly 2 if I were to install a TKO or T56. And no cutting of the floorboard, no new crossmembers.


I know you guys can do this, The price needs to come down at least $200.
The gear kit should cost no more than $795. If I could get one for $695, I would buy one in the spring after the motor is done.

wallyZ/28

iTrader: (9)

i agree the price should be lower on just the gears.....they quoted me about 1100 on the gears..........kinda steep........but i am changing out my t5 for a turbo 350 for now.......it only cost me 15 bucks to repair the turbo 350 compared to 200 to 500 on the t5 patch job i'll be doing.lol

88 350 tpi formula

iTrader: (9)

wow you guys need to lay off.... I really don't like the 6-speed (t-56) It's heavy ,large and requires extra work to make it fit. (gone through this twice now only did it again since the ls1 and it is pretty much choice less in the trans dept.) finding the gears takes some getting used to (hardly good for very fast shifting)

the t-5 is great! super light one of the lowest hp/tq loss to turn it. and uses cable or electric speedo out puts!!!!! with out a tail housing change or converter box.. which brings up another good point the t56 needs some good thought here if you are running a none pcm controlled car or speedo you need a cable converter box or signal changing box


the tko really is the best of both however you are not going to buy one very often for 1100.00 or so

LG4TA

I am still using the stock Mechanical Clutch Z-bar so that sounds like a great buy for me. I don't want to modify anything. I don't want to make more holes in the floor, don't want to change shifters and such and plus I don't think my 305 will break it. The 7.5 rearend might go first then.

Dyno Don

iTrader: (7)

Yeah, it all sounds great until you spend the money and it breaks.
Will they warranty it...hell no!
So then, where does that leave you?
G-force made the same claims about power and torgue, and several folks broke them with less P & T. What then? More out of pocket expense.
Just bite the bullit and get the T-56 like I did ...end of problems.

Astro Perf.

Dyno Don,

The following Installers/Distributors have stocked and built T-5 Transmissions with our Upgraded A-5 Gear Kit components. Please feel free to contact any of them for information on installation, type of vehicle installed into, along with Power/Torque Vehicle Produced. I think many will find out that the same installers listed below purchased components from G-Force and switched shortly after learning about our Gear Kit.

#1.)
Ericson Gear
3412 Belvidere Ave. S.W.
Seattle, WA. 98126
(206) 938-0324

#2.)
Texas Motorsports
Mike Pendergraft
7280 Pittman Rd.
Adkins, TX. 78101
(210) 887-7615

#3.)
Travis Blazer/Blazer Manufacturing
204 Wood Duck Loop
Mooresville, NC. 28117
(828) 310-3533

#4.)
RPC Motorsports
Jarrod Richards
110 Lamonca Estates
Troy, MO 63379
(314) 941-6081

I could continue going, but frankly I don't have much time on my hands. I'm not here to say our unit is better than a 6 Speed. I'm here to offer an Option to Ford & GM Consumers that want a beefed up 5 Speed without the extra modification a 6 Speed Requires. We manufacture our Gear Kits in the U.S.A. for quality. Not Price.

I would sincerely appreciate you taking your negativity elsewhere. It's not good slandering a company that supports the website your affiliated with. Especially given the fact you have never dealt with our company.

Thanks,
Tony Sarvis
tony@astroperformance.com
(866) 253-0019 Natl.

CrashOverKill

I went to the site and was looking for these parts and such to kinda start making a list. Was conciderin this for the resto Im starting this weekend. I can find anything T5 on there. Maybe Im blind or havent you updated the web site yet?

wallyZ/28

iTrader: (9)

i'm sorry but t56's aren't bullitproof............i friend of mine has spent well over 2500 on his t56 upgrade and it still broke.and the company that built it said it will handle 700 ft lb.he is only producing 500 and now he is stuck with a broke tranny.
----------
i sent them an email and they responded to me..........i would rather keep the t5 in my car,but my funds are extremely tight so i will be doing an auto swap for now.

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

Rebuilds are only as good as the person rebuilding them. Garbage in, garbage out.

wallyZ/28

iTrader: (9)

sixspeedsinc.com are the ones that built it for him........they are supposed to be very knollegable.......but i don't know

33Willys77

Hi Tony,
I think that this setup is awesome! The great thing about the T-5 tranny is its physical size compared to the larger TKO 600's and the T56 six speeds. I am currently building two 1933 ****** 77's. One is a four door sedan and the other is a four door sedan converted to a pickup. I am installing stroked/blown Dodge 270 hemis in both of them and have been searching for the absolute smallest 5-6 speed manual transmission I can find to install in both of them that can mate up to the hemi. So far the T-5 seems to be the best choice but the stock torque rating was not high enough to withstand the power my motors will be putting out. Now with this setup I have found the solution. One of the main things I am trying to minimize or avoid altogether is altering my original firewall and floor boards. Which T-5 bellhousing is the smallest in overall physical size that can be mounted to my motors, the Ford or GM model? Any advise or suggestions on how I can avoid altering my original firewall and floor boards using this combination would be greatly appreciated. If you know of another comparable transmission that is physically smaller or that is the smallest tranny available that work for my application please let me know what it is. I find it insane that anyone would knock the parts that you are offering that fortify these transmissions. Price is always a concern but anyone that has invested any time what so ever in fabricating such components knows just how labor intensive it is not to mention costly. What you are doing is great for the hot rodding world. Keep it up and certainly do not listen to the negative people out there that obviously can not see the simple benefits of installing a physically smaller transmission. In any 1930's vehicle the engine bay is going to be very limited in size and if you are a big guy you will want to maintain as much leg room as possible in your passenger compartment. Installing a smaller transmission will certainly minimize the amount of leg room that must be sacrificed. This is the problem I see with so many otherwise nice cars, is the lack of foresight and planning resulting in a car that is uncomfortable to drive but pretty to look at. To me it is a balancing act between looks, safety, reliability, and function. Too many subscribe to the looking cool and the rest be damned mantra that plagues the hot rodding world. Keep up the good work and any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

D. Tony Sandoval

GASGZLR

I have Astro's gear kit and I must say that the quality is awesome! I am VERY satisfied with the kit. I rebuilt the trans myself since I have done it many times in the past. The gear kit is quiet,and smooth shifting. I can't tell any difference, except that my T-5 (or should I say A-5) doesn't break anymore. My tranny weighs about 2 lbs more, up to a grand total of like 80 lbs.. I have the cluster support plate as well as a .73 " fifth gear and I have run deep into the 11's at over 124 MPH, cut 1.6 60 foot's on FULL slicks and M/T DR's no prob. I have powershifted the thing, sprayed nitrous and so far it has held up to my smallblock which has dynoed 671 RWTQ and 564 RWHP on the button. (441 RWHP, 461 RWTQ Naturally Aspirated)

Tony helped me upgrade all the internals such as selector finger, selector plates, sliders, and shifter forks. He got me what I needed fast and accurate. I would recommend going this route if you have a street car that has a WC T-5 and dont want to hassle with swaping hydraulics, buying another clutch, converting speedomters, shifters, etc. I already had a Hurst shifter, and a Spec 3+ clutch, and a speedo that worked, this was perfect for me.

Thank You Tony, and the guys at Astro!

Mekano

Is there's something to do with my non-world class T-5??? (and please don't say "Put it in the garbage") :P I have around 300 to 350 lbs-torque and my freshly rebuilt T-5 is already going bad....

Thinking about T56 but not sure about 6 speeds for the weekend drags....

Astro: let me know if you do something for the non W-C T-5!
Anyone else: Do I will alway be shifting gears on the 1/4 miles with a T-56?

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

The T56 isn't a normal 6-speed, it's commonly referred to as "double overdrive" actually. It's basically very similar to the T5, it just has an extra high gear.

From a website I foudn apparently the T5 had two different ratios (I ignored the V6 ratios)

GM T5 - Standard Optional
1ST 2.95:1 3.35:1
2ND 1.94:1 1.99:1
3RD 1.34:1 1.33:1
4TH 1.00:1 1.00:1
5TH .73:1 .68:1

T56 ratios (there are apparently two versions of it also)
1st 2.66:1 2.97:1
2nd 1.78:1 2.07:1
3rd 1.30:1 1.43:1
4th 1.00:1 1.00:1
5th 0.74:1 0.80:1
6th 0.50:1 0.62:1


Now if you just glazed over hte numbers and got confused, I'll just point out this. 4th gear ratio is the same in the T5 as it is in the T56. The T56's 5th gear is barely shorter than the T5's overdrive gear, but the T56 has an even higher gear above that. Make sense?

Mekano

Nice thank you! I have another one for you guys, in my T5 the 5th gear is built outside of the main case (in the "tail" section). Do you know if it's the same thing for the 5th and 6th gear in the T56? And.....
I want to know if they can handle full throttle.(In case I wanna do top speed :P ) Thank you!

85SILVERBULLET1

I am really intrigued by your product but how does it stack up to a tko 600. I am currently running a Borg warner t-5 original thats in an 85 TA. By the time i find a WC t-5 and purchase your kit i will prob be close in cost to a tko-600. I am planning around 2500 for the swap. I already have a dual friction centerforce clutch and a pro 5.0 shifter so its a really tough decision.

go fast

I would just like to maybe open some minds a little. I own an 86 corvette that orginally came with a 4+3 trans and 350 TPI. A WEEK AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR, THE TRANS WENT OUT(YOU WANNA TALK ABOUT A WEEK LINK IN TRANSMISSION, THAT THING SUCKED!!!) WELL I SPENT $1400. DOLLARS HAVING THAT DARN THING REPAIRED AND TWO WEEKS AFTER THAT MY ENGINE BLEW THROUGHING A ROD RIGHT OUT THE SIDE OF THE BLOCK. WELL I WAS JUST GOING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WITH A STOCK UNIT TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD BUT I GOT TO THINKING ABOUT HOW TIRED I WAS OF THE NEWER CAMAROS AND CORVETTES BEATING THE HELL OUTTA ME ON THE STREET! SO I FOUND A 400 CI SMALL BLOCK AT A GARAGE SALE THAT HAD ALREADY BEEN MACHINED WITH BILLET STEEL SPLAYED 4 BOLT CAPS AND EVERYTHING STUDDED WITH ARP GOODIES AND YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS BUT I PAID $60 DOLLARS FOR ALL OF IT AND THE STOCK INTERNALS. YES THATS RIGHT $60 BUCKS. ANYWAY, AT A SWAP MEET MY EX FATHER IN LAW TOOK ME TO IN SOUTHERN INDIANA, I FOUND A FORGED STROKER KIT WITH FORGED EVERYTHING INTERNALLY BALANCED AND A WC T5 WITH IT ALL FOR $300 DOLLARS (WIFE CAUGHT HUBBY CHEATING WITH SISTER). WOW WHAT A DEAL I WAS THINKING I COULD SELL THE T 5 AND PAY ALMOST NOTHING FOR A 433CI STROKER MOTOR. WELL I WAS RIGHT AND SOLD THE TRANSMISSION TO A LOCAL BUDDY FOR $600 (IT WAS FAIRLY NEW AND EVERYTHING INCLUDED). LATER THAT SAME NIGHT, THE LADY I GOT THE STROKER KIT FROM CALLED AND SAID SHE HAD THE SOME SUPER A5 TRANNY KIT THAT WENT WITH THE TRANSMISSION SHE SOLD ME AND THOUGHT IT WAS IN THE BOX AS WELL. SO I DROVE OUT AND GOT IT THINKING I COULD SELL THAT AND MAKE SOME MORE MONEY ON THE DEAL. WELL AFTER GETTING THE KIT, I CAME HOME AND CALLED MY BUDDY WHO BOUGHT THE TRANS AND ASKED HIM IF HE KNEW ANBODY WHO WANTED THE KIT. WELL HE NEVER CALLED BACK SO I WAS LOOKING ELSEWHERE TO SELL IT. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER MY BUDDY WAS KILLED IN A ACCIDENT AT WORK. TO HELP HIS WIFE OUT, I BOUGHT ALL OF HIS SPARE PARTS INCLUDING THE T5 TRANS I SOLD HIM. ANYWAY, I GOT MY VETTE ALL TOGETHER AND WAS BUZZING AROUND THE STREETS OF CLARKSVILLE TN. WHEN THE ULTIMATE HAPPENED " I BLEW UP MY DARN TRANS"!!!!!! CRAP WAS EVERY WHERE. WELL I SAID I WAS GOING TO PUT A 6 SPEED IN AND I FOUND A ZF 6 SPEED JUST FOR A VETTE AND HAD IT INSTALLED AFTER BUYING EVERYTHING NEEDED FOR THE SWAP AND HAVING IT INSTALLED I WAS OUTTA OF $2300 BUCKS FOR GRAND TOTAL THUS FAR OF $3700 DOLLARS INCLUDING THE FIRST ONE. WELL IN MY QUEST FOR THE FASTEST STREET CAR AROUND, I PURCHASED A TWIN TURBO KIT FROM A GUY ON EBAY AND INSTALLED IT ON MY VETTE. CAN YOU SAY OH MY GOD. WELL NEEDLESS TO SAY THE TRANS DIDN'T HOLD UP EITHER AT THE TIME I ESTIMATED MY HP/TQ TO BE 713HP@THE FLWHEEL AND 688TQ(DESK TOP DYNO) WELL I WAS AT A DILEMA HERE AND THE ONLY CHOICES I THOUGHT I HAD WAS TO GO AUTO OR INSTALL A VIPER T56 OR EVEN A RICHMOND 6 SPEED. LETS JUST SAY THE PRICE FOR ANY OF THEM WAS WAY OUTTA MY BUDGET INCLUDING THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE SWAP. WELL ONE NIGHT, WHILE MY EX WIFE AND I WERE IN CHICAGO, WE WENT TO THE JOLIET ILLINOIS DRAG STRIP AND WATCH THE RACES THERE WAS A GUY THERE WITH A MILDLY BUILT 1986 VETTE SPRAYING N20 AND KICKING SOME SERIOUS BUTT. LATER ON, I SAW THIS GUY DRIVING BACK AND HE PULLED IN TO THE GAS STATION AND I ASKED HIM ABOUT HIS CAR AND WHAT HE WAS RUNNING. THE ENGINE WAS A BASIC 350 WITH SOME FORGED INTERNALS A MILD CAM AND SPRAY NOTHING TO REALLY BE EXCITED OVER BUT WHAT DID GET ME EXCITED, WAS HE WAS RUNNING A T5 TRANS IN REPLACE OF HIS 4+3. WELL AS SOON AS I GOT HOME I STARTED MY T5 SWAP THIS TIME MYSELF. AS I GOT EVERYTHING OUT AND STARTING TAKING MEASUREMENTS. I HAD TWO THINGS TO REPLACE. MY DRIVESHAFT AND TRANS CROSSMEMBER WHICH MY NEIGHBOR ACTUALLY WELDED ME UP A NEW ONE OUT OF CROMEMOLY STEEL. WELL NOW THE BAD NEWS AS I WAS CHECKING THE TRANS, I COULD MOVE THE SHAFT WAY TO MUCH SO I CALLED MY FRIEND AT WILDHORSE TRANS AND HE SAID HE COULD ORDER ME THIS SUPER A5 KIT AND PUT IT ALL TOGETHER. WELL I SAID I WOULD BE RIGHT DOWN ON MY WAY DOWN THERE, I THOUGHT ABOUT THE KIT I WENT AND PICKED UP AND WONDERED IF IT COULD BE THE SAME A5 KIT HE WAS TALKING ABOUT WELL I KNEW IT CAME WITH ALOT OF CRAP CAUSE IT WAS IN A PRETTY BIG BOX SO I TURNED AROUND AND WENT HOME TO LOAD IT UP AND SEE. WELL AFTER I GOT THERE AND SHOWED HIM WHAT I HAD, HE SAID THAT WAS THE SAME KIT HE WAS GOING TO ORDER. MAN I HAD EVERYTHING IN THAT BOX. WELL 3 DAYS LATER I HAD MY TRANS BACK AND 3 DAYS AFTER THAT, I WAS AT THE DYNO CHECKING MY NUMBERS AND MY NEW TRANS THE DESK TOP DYNO IS PRETTY DARN GOOD MY NUMBERS WERE 701@THE WHEEL AND 699TQ BUT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE WAS JAMIE SAID THE TRANS WOULD HOLD THE TORQUE AND IT DID I RAN SEVERAL PASSES AT THE STRIP AND WITH A TRACTION LIMITED IRS STILL WAS BREAKING IN THE MID 10'S WHATS BEST IS IF I DRIVE CONSERATIVELY, I GET 21 MPG ON THE HIGHWAY. SO TO PUT ALL THE NAY SAYERS TO BED, ASTRO PERFORMANCE HAS A GREAT PRODUCT AND I WILL BE PURCHASING FOR MY NEW MUSTANG BUILD NEXT!! ANOTHER 426 STROKER TWIN TURBO CONVERTIBLE. I SOLD THE VETTE FOR $23,000 (ALOT OF CUSTOMS) AND I HEAR THE NEW OWNER IS STILL DRIVING AND RACING THE EXACT SAME SET UP.

THANKS ALOT FOR READING SORRY SO DARN LONG

SINCERELY,
GOFAST HIGH PERFORMANCE!

oxrabidus

I dont know...it seems like a good deal for me...since i want a direct bolt in transmission without changing anything, plus the t5 is lighter than the t56 or the tko500 or 600... it weighs like 80 pounds full i think...and from what i hear it is much more comfortable to drive with than a t56...the gears are much more closer so you may go into 5th instead of third...or so im told...but all in all....seems like a good gig...

MickeSweden

I have an GTA -87 with broken T5 (Third mainshaft gear + cluster).
I am going to order a new cluster and third gear from www.thegearbox.org now, i dont have money enough right now for your kit but maybe later, it seems very interesting.

Ive got some questions! Do i have a world class or non world class? What is the difference?

Thanks Micke