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09-22-2020, 10:04 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 29
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T5 Valley Machining Kit
Hey guys,
I recently moved to San Diego, due to work and I'll be here a few years. I plan on shipping out my 30 phaeton. It has a B block and a stock A trans. I have zero welding ability but I am decent at assembling and disassembling things. I plan on running the banger but want a t5 behind it to give me a little bit extra drivability (potentially even take the car on the highway). I saw a kit from valley machine shop in bakersfield. https://valleymachineshop.com/model-a-parts.html with some of the directions below https://www.lainefamily.com/ModelAFi...rsionParts.pdf It looks like a nice kit, and I'd rather spend a little money and get a kit I can more or less bolt into my A, seeing as my welding and machining skills are nonexistent. Does anyone have any experience with it? I'd like to know how you like it since you completed the conversion? I read a review from one member on their manual speedometer cable for the t5 and it was positive, and have seen their kit mentioned on here, but no reviews on it are on here or the HAMB. Anyway, if anyone knows anything I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks! Gordy |
09-23-2020, 12:42 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Los Angeles
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
I haven't seen a kit yet that relocates the rear wishbone's front mount so that the rear yoke and transmission output shaft are on the same plane, nor have I seen one that includes a bolt-on solution to solve the requirement of a third-link to control the rear axle wrap that was controlled by the torque tube.
Here's my installation using Vintage Metalworks' kit... https://clampdowncomp.com/tech/insta...-model-a-ford/ Take note, lots of fabrication to get things right and no bolt on options. All the other kits are the same or worse. FYI. |
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09-23-2020, 06:06 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: VA
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
You ought to consider a Mitchell overdrive. I installed mine this spring by myself, except for getting a neighbor to help push the u-joint onto the trans output shaft. It truly was a bolt-in.
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09-23-2020, 07:30 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,196
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
Put a "39" ford transmission in before the Mitchell and get modern synchronized shifting with better gear ratios than the A...no cutting,keep the torque tube,one kit does it all.
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09-23-2020, 11:26 AM | #5 |
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Temecula, CA
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
The T-5 works really well in the Model A. I have one in my Vicky, it also has an OHV conversion and hydraulic brakes. If you are going to much freeway driving, brake improvements are definitely needed. I can easily cruise at 65 mph. T-5's come in a variety of gear ratios, and OD ratios, choose carefully, and have fun! Welding the seam on the radius rods may be OK for average driving, but more is needed if you do any racing.
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09-23-2020, 01:42 PM | #6 |
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Location: Camarillo, CA and Pine Grove, CA
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
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09-23-2020, 03:10 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Kingston, Pa.
Posts: 151
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
I used his open rear kit with the speedometer adapter on it, very nice, good guy to deal with. He installed the pinion for me. For the t5 adapter I used a kit from vintage metalworks in Ohio his name is Dave again nice guy to deal with it come with the aluminum adapter, clutch disc etc. Very easy to install and I used the s10 t5 and AA bellhousing. I am very glad I did it and would do it again... Jim
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09-23-2020, 06:18 PM | #8 | |
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Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Southern Michigan
Posts: 77
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
Quote:
Got any pictures of your set up ? would love to see them , I'm doing the same thing |
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09-23-2020, 07:16 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Kingston, Pa.
Posts: 151
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
I am not good with pictures etc. I will try to get someone to help. both of their websites show the parts. Valley machine sells all the other parts, reworked brake parts, radias rod mounting, trans mount, brake/clutch pedal support even the open drive shaft. Vintage metal works only sells the trans adapter, clutch etc. I made all my other parts. I am happy with both companies. JIm
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09-23-2020, 07:44 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Southern Michigan
Posts: 77
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
https://clampdowncomp.com/tech/insta...-model-a-ford/
this is the best I have found , if the pics are a hassle don't worry about it , just fun to see other peoples projects |
09-23-2020, 08:39 PM | #11 |
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Location: SW Virginia near the Blue ridge Parkway
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
Just curious what is the all done price of this conversion not including any labor, using the supplied parts?
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09-23-2020, 10:01 PM | #12 |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Southern Michigan
Posts: 77
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
https://vintagemetalworks.blogspot.c...-adapters.html
here's the kit , hard to say total price , there is definitely some fab. work needed |
09-24-2020, 06:32 AM | #13 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Anderson, Texas
Posts: 275
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
keep the torque tube with a T5 out of a 4x4 Blazer
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09-24-2020, 07:55 AM | #14 |
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Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Kountze,TX
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
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09-24-2020, 11:37 PM | #15 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: midlothian illinois
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
PotvinV8 ; do you have any other pictures of the additional /modified Tremec shifter assembly that moves the 2nd shifter forward to the original position? I have seen pictures of this or similar modified shifters in other posts, but none of them explained how it was done. Can you help out on this one? Thanks
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09-25-2020, 06:17 AM | #16 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Anderson, Texas
Posts: 275
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
Crazydaddyo makes adapter for 4x4 T-5 from S10 Blazer , which keeps the torque tube
Last edited by brokenspoke; 09-25-2020 at 06:20 AM. Reason: sp |
09-25-2020, 06:22 AM | #17 |
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Location: VA
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
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09-27-2020, 11:27 AM | #18 |
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Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 29
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
I think, due to Valley Machining being 2 hour away from me in San Diego and Vintage Metalworks being in Ohio, due to distance I would go with Valley Machining just in case I really get hung up on something.
I was thinking that the only fabricating I'd have to do is the cutting of the cross member, but in the link I posted it says something about "radius rod stitch welding." I'm a bit of an amateur and I'm not sure I understand what is required for "radius rod stitch welding." Other than those two things is there any real fabricating/cutting/welding I'd need to do, or have done, to complete the conversion?? Also decide whether I want open drive or closed drive. I'm not a purist and I'm not partial to keeping the torque tube, I'd like to do whatever is cheaper/safer for more daily driving. I plan on putting hydraulic brakes on it soon after completing the t5 swap for highway driving. I really appreciate all the help and input you guys have been coming back with. Gordy |
09-27-2020, 01:49 PM | #19 |
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Location: Temecula, CA
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
The radius rods are not a solid tube, they have an open seam at the bottom, full length. Welding the seam does strengthen them a little, may be OK for normal touring, but under any severe use they will flex and likely break.
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09-27-2020, 05:50 PM | #20 | |
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Location: South California
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
Quote:
"keeping torque tube'....or not. If conversion done right without keeping torque tube, if time comes when you have to 'PULL' things to fix/replace, removing U-joint makes lot easier than having to remove entire rear end with torque tube. |
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09-27-2020, 06:29 PM | #21 |
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
I have the early kit for the T5 with the stock "A" housing.
It does sit back a little further than the "AA" housing and requires a special clutch disk with extension on the trans input shaft. I also have it set up as open driveline. Originally, the rear radius rods were stk "A" and a third link. Well, the 3rd link snapped on an up shift, which caused the radius rods to bend and snap, all in about a 1/4? of a second (maybe less time). Lessons learned, a 1/2" 3rd link is not big enough. I did some searching around at the time and found some "heavy duty" Mod "A" replacement radius rods, I don't remember who, maybe Auto Restorations in Indiana? My rear ended up as a '35-36 V8 and radius rods reinforced, no 3rd link. As for the open driveline to do clutch and trans work, well worth it. John
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09-28-2020, 04:49 PM | #22 |
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
I don't have any more detailed photos of the shifter setup, it's very much a "what you see is what you get" type situation as it's simply an additional shifter tower I had lying around mated to the T5 shifter on the trans. Everything was fabricated to suit.
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09-28-2020, 07:20 PM | #23 |
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Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Middletown, NY
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
The T5 is a wonderful transmission. The previous owner installed it; I purchased the car almost four years ago and have had no problems. According to the transmission code it is a world class transmission from a Camaro, Firebird, or Chevy S-10 (late 80's/early 90's). My Model A has a 3.78 rear and on local roads I usually am in fourth gear. On open roads in fifth gear I go 55 MPH with an RPM of 2100. Gas mileage on local roads is 16-17 MPG; on trips it is 20-21. I have read some negative reviews on the T5 which I truly do not understand; mine has been perfect; shifts easily with no grinding of gears...a pleasure! Perhaps some of the negativity is a result of poor installation. GD
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10-01-2020, 09:47 PM | #24 |
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Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 29
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
I sourced a t5 at the carlisle swap meet (well atleast my dad did) and it is an s10 from a 2.5L v6? that is world class and has the 3.76 gearing.
I'm thinking of two different plans which are 1)going ahead and doing the valley machine open drive kit with the stock model a rear (welded wishbones) and the third link 2)buying a v8 banjo rear (probably a 35/36) and pumpkin U joint adapter from speedway and then just getting a custom made driveshaft, and have the 35/36 radius rods shortened to fit onto the rear transmission mount. Thinking of 35/36 rods just cause I have a set and they're the only ones that bolt to the rear (?). But I have a few questions. 1)Is there any benefit to running a v8 banjo rear over the model A? I'm assuming they're stronger but just how much? Are they even stronger than a Model A rear if you add the third link? 2) With a seriously hopped up banger and t5 overdrive, will that overpower the stock A rear? I plan on running hydraulic brakes, so I wouldn't have to modify the backing plates on the 35 rear like you would with a model A rear. Maybe I'm just weighing my options out loud, but I'd like to hear some opinions from guys who have done this conversion one way or another. All input is welcome! Thanks again for all your guys time and help for a novice like me. Gordy |
10-02-2020, 01:12 AM | #25 | |
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
Quote:
I LIKE T5s, and YOU will, too! I've had a couple of brief exchanges with Dave Falwell of Vintage Metalworks several years ago when we were developing a project consisting of putting a T5 in a '35-'40 Ford...WITH the torque tube. If you have any interest, you can click on the link below for the thread detailing my (our) experience, and possibly some interesting tidbits. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...T5+TORQUE+TUBE I came-upon YOUR thread, as I just have to take a peek at anything "T5". I have seen most of the Model A T5 'kits' floating-around out there, and while many of them leave some points to be desired, a few of them are downright dangerous in concept, AND in execution. That kit you have is the closest to 'perfection' that I have seen for an "A-bone". The ONLY thing I believe I would have done differently would have been to fabricate new, or to at least re-inforce the original, thin-wall, welded-tube radius rods. Those radius rods were never intended to take the thrust (nor the torque) controlled via that torque tube. If you don't abuse that ride, you'll likely get by with your originals, though. Just wanted to give you a thumb's-up on a very nicely-done project, Sir! I normally hang-out over on the V8 side of the 'Barn. Dick Davidson (DD) |
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10-02-2020, 01:35 AM | #26 | |
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
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Quote:
You SHOULD seriously reconsider employing an additional upper link to control the accelerating and braking torque loads of the rear axle housing. I'd employ a substantial rod which terminates SOLIDLY with the lower radius rods like that seen in the 28th and 30th full-size pictures in Ryan Manson's Model A in the link below. Hope this helps you. DD https://clampdowncomp.com/tech/insta...-model-a-ford/ |
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04-16-2021, 01:34 AM | #27 |
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Re: T5 Valley Machining Kit
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