I haven't had the greatest experience with my T5 transmission to date and I believe the primary reason for that is due to the clutch. I bought a used flywheel, clutch and pressure plate from a 4-speed toploader off of Craigslist for $50 and I don't think it sat properly when it was installed. This caused the clutch fork to sit too far back and therefore caused the clutch cable to always have too much tension on it in addition to causing the clutch to always be slightly engaged. I know that there should always be a little pressure on these types of diaphragm clutches, but in my case something just isn't right if the clutch cable is 3" from reaching the fork.
I have decided to pull the transmission and install a newer 10.5" clutch and flywheel from a newer Mustang. Yesterday I ordered a handful of parts from Summit Racing's website including
- 157 tooth, 10.5", 28.2oz Ford Racing flywheel
- 10.5" Ford Racing clutch kit
- Throwout bearing
- Pilot bearing
- Bolt and dowel kit
- '96+ Mustang clutch cable
I have read that the clutch cables from the '96+ Mustangs are a bit longer and allow for better routing which in turn allow for less required pressure when pushing in the clutch. I'm planning to do this install on either September 7th or 14th. It shouldn't take more than a day if I have some help, but we'll see!
I'm kind of curious about the flywheel. There are two different types--one for the pre 1982 and then 83 to 95. I don't remember what engine you have, but I've been told the flywheel weight (28 or 50 oz) is critical. I'll be interested in how it all goes together since I'm using my original 302 with the T5 trans. Pictures are a plus. Carry on, my friend.
ReplyDeleteDennis- Pre 1982 302 motors are balanaced at 28.2oz while newer 302 motors are balanced at 50oz. Since The 302 I have has a production year of 1968, I had to buy a 28.2oz flywheel. I essentially have the same motor/trans setup as you. I'm just upgrading to the 10.5" clutch/flywheel for better performance.
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