Dear Fairlaners,

I am looking at doing a C4 to a T5 conversion and was wondering how one went about doing the conversion. I read the "From Auto to Manual?" post under "Swap/Interchange Tech Information", but I wanted to get more information relative to the 66/67 body styles.

I have a 67 Fairlane with a 3 speed on the column that I was going to use. What parts can I use off that for a floor 5 speed? I will be placing the 5 speed in a 66 Fairlane with a SBF. Any information/pictures will be helpful. I think I want a world class t-5, but am unsure of what to look for when buying a T-5.

As far as the engine goes, I want an engine that has torque, and would like to stay with a Small Bock. I want to be able to roast them, but get good gas mileage. I can't decide between a 351 W or a 302 5.0. Which would have more torque?

My rear end is stock 8.8 3.0 gears. Should I upgrade there? What would be ideal ratio for the ability to roast them, but still be able to get decent mileage?


Thanks in Advance,
Jeremiah

P.S. What parts should I start looking for now, if I wanted to do this conversion as soon as possible? Keeping in mind that I have the 67 parts car. Can I use the original metal hump for a 5 speed?

Not sure where the shifter would come out but you can use the flywheel , bellhousing ,z bar and clutch set up and use a adaptor to mount the t5 to the old stlye bellhousing .This would alow for a quick conversion to go back to the orginal stlye top loader trans if needed .On the tranny be sure to get a world class t5 preferably a aftermarket trans . Here is a link to identify the differnet t5's http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/T5ID.htm and here is a link to the adaptor to the older bellhousing .
http://www.safepay.net/cgi-bin/shop/cart.cgi?db=mddata.txt&category=Adapters&merchant=moderndriveline

I wouldn't go with any gear under a 3.55 with overdrive. If you're RPMs at highway speed are too low it'll just lug it and kill the mileage. Had a buddy with a T-5 equipped fox body Mustang go from a 3.08 to a 3.73 rear gear and picked up mileage. He went from 20 to 25mpg on the highway. Just for some food for thought.
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Mike Wyatt 66 "Strictly Business" Fairlane 429/4-spd
Make it 3 yards mother f***er and you've got an automobile race...