When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have a 5 speed Mazda stick shift in my 89 Bronco. I am building a motor which will be @ 350-375 hp and am wondering if this transmission will be up to it. Does anyone know and if not what other transmission options do i have. I would like to stay with a stick shift.
Thanks Jamie
I don't have any hard facts to back this up, but it seems the general consensus on this board is that the Mazda tranny is barely adequate at stock HP levels. If yours is still working well at this point the addition of synthetic oil may prolong its life. I guess it depends on how hard you drive it. Of course the only reason for building a 375hp motor is to enjoy it right?
DannyP
89 F-150 4x4 former EFI I-6 now carbed 351W, Edelbrock heads,cam,intake,carb.
MSD 6A, ZF, Sterling 10.25 with 3.55L's.
You are right, i'm not building that motor to drive the truck like it's on egg shells. I really need to find out what transmission i can upgrade to that will take the power and abuse that it's going to get. I can always have a few Mazda transmissions on stand by but i did that with a car some years ago and don't want to be changing trannies every month again.
if you want to stick to a manual, with overdrive you will need the zf 5-speed. if you don't care for overdrive, get a t-18 ort-19, or the np435.
if you want an automatic, c6 is the way to go.
I have a '68 F100 with an FE---engine size is anyone's guess, probably a 360 or 390 since it came from a T-bird. It currently has a T-18 trans, but I would like to put in some kind of OD since I rarely haul anything of any weight and need better
mileage (who doesn't?).
Would the ZF 5-speed trans fit this arrangement? Alternatively, any leads on a C6 with an overdrive gear? All advice is helpful
>A C-6 with overdrive...that would be
>(basically) an E40D right?
Beats me. If so, would it just bolt in where a T18 had been? Would be very cool if so. I have to doubt that it would be that simple. (I know I'd have to work out linkage etc, but it would be cool to be able to drive 65 and not be quite so close to redline.)
Well, theoretically, the bolt pattern of the C-6 and E40D should be the same. They both came behind the small-blocks. If you go with an E40D you'll need a computer for it. I'm pretty sure you can get one through PAW or someone like that.
I believe the FE has a different transmission bolt pattern than either the 385 series big block or the windsors. If this is correct, a ZF will not bolt up because it has a integral bellhousing. I think the E4OD also has an integral bellhousing, so you are out of luck there too. Someone may make an adapter that will allow you to do this. The only option seems to be to add an overdrive unit to your existing tranny.
DannyP
89 F-150 4x4 former EFI I-6 now carbed 351W, Edelbrock heads,cam,intake,carb.
MSD 6A, ZF, Sterling 10.25 with 3.55L's.
I've checked into this subject for some time now and the only options cost big bucks, the NV4500 is an option and advance adapters make a kit for this I think, but it's still big bucks. The only cheap option is to get a gear change (it's cheap only if you do it yourself). Gearvendors wants about $3000 for a setup and US gear is just a little cheaper. I've seen used ones for about $1000 but it would require the right adapter.
Also, going from a manual to auto would usually require a gear change too.
The ZF trans has intergrated bell housing and you'd have to make an adapter, even still, they want big bucks for the ZF's