ok, here's the delima, going for bang for the buck, all out strength to dollar ratio. I want to run the G-force t-5 because of the simplicity, price, Company reliability, the simple fact that i don't have to build cross members, buy wierd torque arms, or make custom mounts. My buddy has no faith in T-5 at all claiming their casing is the main weak point and that even with the hardened shafts, and all is installed he still wouldn't trust t-5. He had a 475Hp 355ci pushing a stock 4 cylinder t-5 that lasted for 3 monthes of power shifting, and even one good romp at the drag strip with 11" drag slicks in a 83 short box s-10 . I'm looking to get at least another 100,000 miles out of my next tranny, and am going to be pushing around the 400-475 mark my self in a 91 firebird formula. running 255/40 R16 in the rear. I see no reason not to save time, money, and effort. What do you think?

 

TKO, only draw back is it sits a little low. Otherwise the install isn't much harder than a stock T5

 

TKO from Forte's. Kit makes it a pretty much bolt-in deal.
Crossmember is spaced down about 1", so it'll fit in the tunnel.
Stock torque arm bolts up and even the electronic speedometer and backup light switch work. Didn't even need to shorten the driveshaft, just change the trans yoke and u-joint
There are a few 8 second cars running TKO's, so it should hold up well.
The G-force t-5 looks interesting, but I have no personal experience with it.
-Rich-

 

Well, if it matters, there are NMCA Racers running the TKO II in the 9.30s qtr mile. The TKO II is an upgraded version of the TKO (upgraded 3rd gear material). The point is that I don't think you'll see any T-5s running anywhere near that fast. :-)

Here's a link for install details:
http://www.5speedtransmissions.com/3rd_gen_camaro.html

We (thru Forte's) have a torque arm bracket for $80, and a crossmember relocation kit for $59, no custom mounts required. In fact, we have a direct bolt in replacement for the T-5.

I've not done a price comparison, but naturally, my vote is for the TKO. :-) I have one in my Chevelle, and love it.

take care,

 

The G-Force looks like a good deal, but not many people have tried them yet. So, it's hard to say just how though they really are.

I was told buy a friend who is into Mustangs, that the NMRA will be using the G-Force T5 in some of their classes next year. This should be a good test of their strength.

 

t-5's are 1000 for the kit and 250 for labor. the cheapest kit I've seen for the regular tremec is 1600+. And again, I'm only going to be pushing 400-450 HP depending. I know I read in here that someone bought the G-force T-5. But they never really posted after that. If any one know exactly how much louder it is versus the stock t-5. I'm thinking that saving 350-400 right up front and not pushing the limit of either transmission. I'm leaning towards the T-5.

 

I'm one of the guys that have the G Force. It does "whine" a bit more than a stock T-5, mostly due to the gears being cut differently than a stock unit - but not enough to where you'll need to crank up the radio to hear it or anything.

Shifts more smoothly than my old stock T-5 also. No way I can really give it a test bolted behind my 305 though.

I do plan to have a 400 sb in it sometime next year however!

 

How was G-force to deal with as far as customer service and on product turnaround? Did you have your rebuilt or did you just buyone of theirs? What other options did you go with as far as hardened mains shafts and such? Just curious. Thanks for the input


Aaron

 

I've been a little hesitant to comment a lot on the board about my trans because every time I do, it seems that someone that owns a Tremec will chime in to tell everyone about how much better a Tremec is compared to a G Force.

I've never owned a Tremec, so I can't say with any certainty that it's any better or worse than the G Force.

That being said, - Customer service - I've had worse, I've had better. I can say that they are NOT good at calling you back when they say they will. A couple others on the board said they had no problems, so maybe I just ask too many questions, I dunno.

Product Turnaround - No problems there. My trans was at my door within 2 weeks after I ordered it. And I ordered the whole thing since I didn't have a WC. They had to find me a case and build it because they didn't have any GM cases.

Options - I got the hardened mainshaft, and a .59 ratio 5th gear and a Pro 5.0 shifter.