T 5 5 speed VS Mitchell Transmission with overdrive

[Dick M]

The T-5 has two poses two serious problems. One is you have to cut the cross member to install. Henry put the crossmember for strength. Cut it and you lose some. Two is you lose the stability of the entire rear end unless you make a replacement for the A bars. I know of a Model Aer with the T-5 trans conversion who turned onto a street doing about 15 miles an hour in his A. The entire rear end shifted, locked up his mechanical brakes, destroyed an emergency brake carrier, and made the backing plate look like a pretzel. I say to each their own. However, I also ask why take such a chance with the T-5 open drive line when the Mitchell retains the stability with the A-Bar design.

[denis4x4]

Originally Posted by Dick M

The T-5 has two poses two serious problems. One is you have to cut the cross member to install. Henry put the crossmember for strength. Cut it and you lose some. Two is you lose the stability of the entire rear end unless you make a replacement for the A bars. I know of a Model Aer with the T-5 trans conversion who turned onto a street doing about 15 miles an hour in his A. The entire rear end shifted, locked up his mechanical brakes, destroyed an emergency brake carrier, and made the backing plate look like a pretzel. I say to each their own. However, I also ask why take such a chance with the T-5 open drive line when the Mitchell retains the stability with the A-Bar design.

See my modifications addressing these issues in post 17. My car has been on the road for 15 years and I've participated in countless A events with no issues.