55 Bird T5 Swap. Weekend Job??


http://209.208.111.198/Topic78920.aspx
Print Topic | Close Window

By Red55Bird - 12 Years Ago
Hello All



Getting ready to do a T5 install in our 55 Bird. Still hunting a nice used transmission at this point. Will use the Mummert adapter. I've read through his install/setup sheet a few times. Seems pretty straight forward. I am curious if any Bird owners here have done the swap. The car is a 4 speed currently (T10) so all the manual trans pieces are in place. Sounds like install the plate, use a 86-93 Mustang disc, lengthen driveshaft and you're good to go. Just wondering if this could all take place (less driveshaft) in a good productive 3 day weekend BigGrin. Hoping to have the car ready to roll as a 5 speed by March sometime. Any input or experiences would be great.
By Noob - 12 Years Ago
Two comments from my experience with same in a `57... others will likely chime in with details/corrections.

I removed the old transmission mount and repositioned it in the X-frame to better match the tailshaft mount on the T-5, and also to make the mount bar a bolt-in design for easy removal/install.

I also cut out a substantial portion of the rear tranny hump for clearance at both the top of the T-5 and its shifter box. This also made it easier for tranny install/removal, and a chance to fabricate from sheet metal a smoother hump and attachment of shifter boot/trim/etc... you'll find the original hump has deformation off-center on the driver's side for the original shifter mount, where the T-5 is essentially dead center in the hump and notably closer to the front edge of the seat.

Cheers... Brian