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I currently have a 87' with a 302 and a NP435 transmission. I just purchased a 351w and had it bored 30 over and put in a mild cam. I was wondering what manual transmission would bolt up to the 351 and would be able to handle the extra power? As well as move quicker than the NP435. Maybe the ZF5?
Thanks for the info, is there another aftermarket performance transmission that would work or would I have to pay someone to build up the ZF5?
The ZF5 has plenty of capability to handle your mild 351W engine build with zero modifications. The issue is the gear ratios and their spacing as well as slow shifting. There is no fix for either that I am aware of.
There are plenty of car transmission alternatives from mild (T5) to wild (Tremec T56) and beyond. What is your budget, build skills and intended purpose of the truck?
I just plan on driving occasionally and maybe pulling a small trailer from time to time. The old 302 had a bad oil leak and just wasn't getting the job done in my opinion, this truck has been in the family since new and I just wanted to give it an upgrade.
As mentioned the ZF5 is more than strong enough. The problem is its gear ratios aren't any better than the transmission you have now. They might actually be a bit worse.
Your only options are only really to use the ZF5, or as mentioned use something like a T56. But the T56 was only offered in RWD configurations as far as I know.
I was not aware the truck was 4wd until I saw the photo. That makes a car transmission swap a bit more of a challenge to fabricate. A divorced transfer case would have to be used.
