The Ford Barn - View Single Post - T 5 5 speed VS Mitchell Transmission with overdrive

rotorwrench · 03-22-2022, 06:59 PM

I don't know what all the hubbub is about. Folks have been setting up both T5s and T170s for quite a while and both can be set up for closed drive. As was mentioned, parts have to be modified and adapted but it's all been done.

My only problem with the T5 is the shifter position and the amount of whittling it takes to get it in there. The T170 with torque tube adaptation is a better fit but they are getting harder to get parts for. A person has to look a lot harder for the good gears than say 15 or 20 years ago.

The Mitchel transmission is a new set of synchonized gears in a model A case. It's more similar to the old Ford light duty 3-speed used in the V8 era and works well. It's a direct bolt in. The Mitchel OD is kind of a big unit but they have them all set up to bolt in.

I liked the old Borg Warner R10 overdrive since it's electric and was adapted to the torque tube. No one is producing them anymore but there are still some used ones around if a person looks long enough.

03-22-2022, 06:59 PM	#51
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 18,018	Re: T 5 5 speed VS Mitchell Transmission with overdrive I don't know what all the hubbub is about. Folks have been setting up both T5s and T170s for quite a while and both can be set up for closed drive. As was mentioned, parts have to be modified and adapted but it's all been done. My only problem with the T5 is the shifter position and the amount of whittling it takes to get it in there. The T170 with torque tube adaptation is a better fit but they are getting harder to get parts for. A person has to look a lot harder for the good gears than say 15 or 20 years ago. The Mitchel transmission is a new set of synchonized gears in a model A case. It's more similar to the old Ford light duty 3-speed used in the V8 era and works well. It's a direct bolt in. The Mitchel OD is kind of a big unit but they have them all set up to bolt in. I liked the old Borg Warner R10 overdrive since it's electric and was adapted to the torque tube. No one is producing them anymore but there are still some used ones around if a person looks long enough.