Is it possible to put a 5 speed tranny into my 1968 Ford F100 with a 390? I realize this would entail clutch linkages, pedal, cutting hole in floor for shifter drive-shaft etc. I really want the control in power and gear selection, and I just prefer manual gearboxes over slush-o-matics (although this c-6 is an awesome tranny). What would be the best 5 speed to fit?

 

They make all the adapters to put a late model style on a FE.

Personally I like the Richmond 5 spd(or six speed). It would be a direct bolt in with any old bellhousing. They are kinda costly, but I think they are a better tranny then the Tremec(or whatever version they have). But, that's me.

I have toploader 4 spds in all my stuff. Granted, no overdrive but BULLERPROOF!!

I got all my clutch linkage stuff to convert my '67 from this website. I put a wanted ad up and in a couple days I had all the pieces lined up. I had bellhousing and such, just needed pedals and linkage. It is an easy swap-out. One day and it was done, just an extra day to get driveshaft shortened a couple inches.

Larry

 

ok..should I go hydraulic master/slave for the clutch or straight linkage?

 

I looked into a Tremec 5 speed. They have a heavy duty version, 3650 I believe. Uses same bell housing as the top loader but you have to shorten the input shaft 5/8". Not cheap though. But imagine the range of power!

 

I think the 3650 is the one for mustangs, you want the 3550 TKO version, and maybe even then TKO2 version with the .83 overdrive it's quite a drop from 4th to 5th with the regular TKO

 

The std linkage will work bolt right up. Simple and easy. I guess I would stick with it(pun intended). I've never priced a newer set up, seems you could get the old stuff pretty cheap, I did.

Larry

 

Ok, I found the article I wrote a while back about this:

I know half you guys think I am nuts for even starting to talk about this. Having just converted my 3 on the tree manual light-duty Ford transmission to the old Bullet-proof C6 auto, I am not ready to spend $3000.00 on a new tranny setup.

But, I like to think ahead and think for convenience. I have always liked manual transmissions when it comes to horsepower under the hood. An automatic sure is nice while your sipping on coffee and driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Any manual makes that uncomfortable.

However, after driving my formerly owned Mustang GT with 281 CID and 5 speed T5 tranny, I still yearn for that feeling of control over the motor and rear tires. There is a solution other than the tried and true top loader 4 speed for your FE and Windsor.

Tremec 5-speed transmissions can be had in several places. For the purpose of keeping it simple, lets consider what you can get for “new” prices. Everyone knows you get also get this stuff on eBay and in junkyards if you’re lucky, but I want to keep it simple and you can do your own price conversion for the alternatives.

I called Summit Racing to ask about the Tremec transmission after getting a tip from the FE Garage Forum on MSN. They in turn asked me to Ford Racing (586-468-1356). After telling the guy that I had a 65 truck with a semi-stock FE 390 in, he recommended the Tremec 5-speed tranny and suggested that I call Liberty Transmissions for pricing. So I did and here is what I found:

The input shaft of the transmission has to be shortened 5/8”. Liberty does this when selling the Tremec for FE
Liberty sells the Tremec TKO stock for $1349
Recommended- TKO 2 Hi-PO for $1670
Liberty recommended the TKO because he said it had a better 3rd gear, but the chart below doesn’t reflect that line of thinking. But the chart does state the TKO II will handle the higher torque of an FE, up to 475 lb/ft.

Part Number Weightlbs/kg Torque Cap.lbs-ft/N-m GVW/GCWlbs/kg Gear Ratio Chart
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th Rev
TKO (260 0708) 100/45 425/576 5,500/2,495 3.27 1.98 1.34 1.00 0.68 N/A 3.00
TKO II (TCET1377) 100/45 475/644 5,500/2,495 3.27 1.98 1.34 1.00 0.82 N/A 3.00

Mr Gasket (216.688.8300) sells the FE toploader bellhousing for big block Ford. The Tremec bolts up to this pattern.


This is definitely one of those “nice to haves” but not a need to have. So if you win the lottery or come across one for a decent price and like the thought of cruising 80 mph at 1800 rpms for 15 mpg (dreaming?) give it some thought.

Never know when you may see Ol Red get the transfusion. If this C6 ever dies on me, I may just attempt this.

Some web links for you to peruse for this.

http://www.ttcautomotive.com/English...ts/TR-3550.asp


http://www.fortesparts.com/tremec/tr3550.html

 

I know it has been done before but dont know how to do it sorry
goodluck

 

Put an NV4500 5 spd in it. Used behind cummins dodge's and in mid 90's chev heavier pickups. All you have to do is get adapter from advance adapters and put a dodge v8 input in it. bolts right to your bellhousing and you keep your ford truck clutch and all your linkage. I may be wierd but I think car trannie's belong in cars. The NV shifts awesome and is pretty much bulletproof. There are all kinds of aftermarket parts for this tranny incase you want to make it even more indestructible than it already is. If you shop around, you should be able to put one in your truck for under $1500. I just bought a 2wd NV w/20K miles on it for $400. Deals are out there and this tranny will fit nicely in your ford. I've seen these trannie's take well over 800 ft/lbs behind built 5.9's. The input will snap off before the tranny goes.

 

has anyone have an fe with an nv4500? I have a '66 with a 352 and a 3 speed on the floor and i am wanting to get either a 5 speed so I can drive to some it to some shows with out having it tached out the entire trip but don't really want to drop thousands doing intricate conversions with tremecs and richmonds. Just curious if anyone has one that i could talk to first hand.

 

CW changing the rear end ratio might be a much easier and less expensive. These ol bricks weren't built for fuel milage. Most times about 12 mpgs is where they top out at.

I suspect you will spend $1000.00 or more to get in the 18 mpg range for an overdrive. You find the tranny then you have to get a $600.00 adapter to mate it up. IMHO


John