I need help. I finally dusted of the 1965 Mustang and decided to insure it and clean it up. Well, 1 week into it, and for the life of me, I can't understand what took so long to do this! God, have I missed this car.
Of coarse, I realized the C4 has to go. I have always wanted it to be a stick, I decided what the hell, and I am just gonna do it. The car is a standard 289 (no GT), rebuilt, and it has a 3 speed C4. I know there are kits to do a 5 speed in these, and I am sure that is the way to go, but I need to go on the cheap (Wife. There, a one word answer!). I am thinking of scouring junkyards and Pick Your Part's is a good way to go. So, will any junk 1965, 1966 donor Mustang do? I know pretty much what I need to get, but I heard talk of 5 and 6 bolt bellhousing (I think that's what I heard), but which will I need? I assume a V6's trans won't work and it must be out of a V8, right?. How about a similar vintage Falcon or something? Will one of those be the same as my Mustang? I really don't know these things, and would love any input available.
Oh, and I have seen some kits from guys on ebay and the like. They are getting a premium, right? I would think that I could get the parts cheaper from a junkyard, or am I dreaming?
On to my last issue. I live in Anaheim, Ca. Anyone know of a good shop to do this all for me? It would be nice to find a Mustang/Classic Ford place that has done this a zillion times. Changing transmissions in the driveway sucks. Any ideas on labor costs?
Thanks for reading all this. I briefly looked and didn't see this question in recent history. I appreciate any and all input. Thanks again all!
first a big slap for not driving her for 10 years!! I am not sure the finding a vintage trans will be the cheap option. Avoid all I6 trans they were weak for the i6 i have been told so can you imagine what a v8 would do to it. You need to find out what bell housing u have also early 65 and 64 had a 5 bolt and later 65 had 6 bolts. you can buy convertors
From what I've seen on Craigslist, a t-5 won't cost more then the 4 speed. Both transmissions are durable, but parts for the t-5 are more readily available.
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...There is 120 angry hamsters under the hood of my '66 I-6. Just chomping at the water bottle to do battle with small hills and light headwinds.
ORIGINAL: 06triplevalve
but I need to go on the cheap (Wife. There, a one word answer!).
Roy Ludt
well a t5 swap will probably be about the cheapest id pick up a t5 from a fourcylinder car(almost as strong but will givemore off the line accelerationand a heck of alot cheaper) get a v8 bellhousing it will bolt directly to the 4cylinder t5 get the clutch setup and adapter yoke for the tranny and go to town your going to hqave at least a grand in the swap no matter what route your choose vintage or late model
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Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. LUKE 22:36
And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. LUKE 22:38
Like others have said, go with the T-5. In my Mustangs I've done the 4-speed to T-5 swap and the C-4 to T-5 swap. While not fun, doing the work in your driveway is not a problem. As a matter of fact, as soon as I get off this computer I'm going to drop the engine/trans. back into my '65 fastback.
I've been to the junkyards recently for some other stuff and I can tell you that you're not going to find anything in the pick-n-pulls for the early stuff. I've recently seen pedal assemblies on Ebay. If you decide you want to do the swap, I have some parts that I was going to Ebay but would sell for a lot less than it would take to buy.
T-5 crossmember, clutch pedal spring & bushings, upper and lower clutch rods, reinforced 'Z' bar, frame and engine pivot brackets and I may or may not still have a clutch fork. Actually, if you go with the 4-speed, everything but the crossmember will work. If you have a NPD catalog or go online and download their PDF, I think they have pretty good sketches showing all the parts you need.
I really wanted the T5, and it sounds like it's gonna not only be more fun, but about the same price. Someone mentioned a ballpark $1000.00, if this is the case, I am definately on my way to driving with three pedals!
Well, it looks like I have to head out the door and go looking for wounded Fox bodies. Wish me luck. Thanks again to all that responded. A couple notes. Yes, I did punch myself as requested (not a slap, I deserved a punch) for not driving it. Good call. And the info on the How-To article is invaluable. I love it here, you guys are great!
1965 V8 C4 to 4 Speed Help...So. Cal
