Will a T-5 from an 86 5.0 fit my 84 SVO ?

[jwako1]

Will it fit and is it really worth it?

[KevinK]

The input shaft is a different size. You can use a custom pilot bushing or change the input shaft. The gearing is different too. Do a search here and I'm sure you will find all the details. I wouldn't bother with all the extra work of converting a trans to fit unless it is a world class model. It should have a WC on the case.

[jwako1]

If it's a regular T-5, do you think I can upgrade it to a WC? Thanks for the prompt response,I appreciate it.

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Originally posted by jwako1
If it's a regular T-5, do you think I can upgrade it to a WC?

No. That's not cost effective. The countershaft bearings are different and you need so many parts to do that, you'd be wasting your money.

5'th gear is a .10 greater overdrive and 1'st gear is tougher off a stoplight but it looks like it would work out best with 4.11 diff gears.

Victor in La. just did this swap and loves it. Maybe he can chime in with the pilot bushing details and other info.

[KevinK]

I believe 86 and up are world class. Check the case. It is much easier to get the right one out of a turbo coupe. Try 86 to 88 turbo coupe as a good source. This way the only problem you need to worry about is the gearing in the trans. Most, probably don't even worry about that.

Pat's right as it's probably not worth the time and expense converting/rebuilding and old one.

[jwako1]

Thanks for the advices,I think I'll just be patient and wait 'till I get my hands on a good deal on a WC.

[SVOVET]

I swapped in a 90 WC T5 w/ no problems. The only modification you will need to do is purchase the Motormite pilot bushing #14647. The O.D. is almost the correct size at 0.828" whereas the I.D. is 0.594". You will need to machine the I.D. to 0.680" to accept the V8 input shaft. You will also need to mill off about 1/6" in total length. The bushing is a little over a $1. If it isn't possible to machine out you can also try Rapido. I believe their cost is $25. Hope this helps.

[AT6svo]

This is a blurb I have saved from a post here on the same subject:

"The V8 T5 is pretty much a bolt in on our cars. Danny Sparling (member#330) just installed one in his 84. He had to change out the pilot bushing in the crankshaft to a different one(NAPA part#615-1129) it is an 11/16 or 0.688 bushing."

Haven't done the swap yet myself, but I will be. Another option if someone hasn't mentioned it, is to turn down (machine) the input shaft on the V8 unit to 2.3 specs.

hth,

[SVOVET]

Napa # 615-1129

I went to purchase this part and it was infact a bushing w/ a roller bearing inside. The above napa part number is the same as Motormite # 14647. The O.D. on the bearing was too large to fit the back of our crank. This is why I went with the above mentioned motormite part# 14647 and machined out the inside diameter to 0.680".

[bendutro]

The V8 T5 has a taller 1-2 gear ratio that's actually useful. It doesn't take much more power to render 1st gear nearly useless on these cars. (especially the turbocoupes and XR7s) the closer gears on the V8 trans are usually considered a great upgrade for street or open track cars. The only caveat I can think of is if you have an aluminum flywheel it could make takeoffs even more tricky.

[svoman2300]

The only thing I would like to bring to your attention is if you have a bone stock motor with the stock gear ratio in the rear it will be a dog down low .Trust me I know.