The world class T-5 seems to be an OK trans if you don't push it too hard.
The smaller tires and street compounds ease this problem in a Tiger.
Unfortunately, the supply of Chrysler/AMC transmissions with the shift box
located in the center is essentially gone. I've discussed this with the
factory engineers at the old Borg-Warner plant. I got the last 3 NOS
housings and explored all of the other alternatives with them. The tooling
was reworked for other applications so it no longer exists. Since B-W sold
the T-5 line to Tremec, it a moot point anyway. As I understand the
situation from them, the production of T-5, T-45, T-56, and Tremec's own
designs are all being transferred to their Mexican Plant. The only other
alternative would be to have a die cast house remake the tooling. This is
not a cheap alternative, and would require a considerable number of owners
to pool funding. The advantage is that you could move a few things around,
like the speedo outlet, and maybe you could rotate the shift box so that
you didn't have to rotate the tranny at the bellhousing.
At this time, those of you who want a 5 speed, the best choice is the
smaller Tremec. I don't have the number handy, but that one supposedly has
a kit available to relocate the shifter to approximately the right location
for the Tiger. I have not done one of these installations at this point.
In order to get the shifter pointed exactly at the stock shifter hole, it
is likely that the trans will have to be rotated. Since I haven't tried
it, their may be other interferences that I don't know about, but at least
you can buy the parts. Oh yeah, the Tremec is also about 40% more than a
WC T-5. Steve mentioned a while ago that the McLeod in-line hydraulic
throwout cylinder tended to leak. I put one in "Blue" three years ago
with my welded custom T-5 tailhousing and it has given me no problems. I
did however, change the o-ringed banjo fittings to solid 90's with AN
fittings. Makes a nice alternative to the external system, especially if
you use a later 302 bellhousing, and it uses the stock clutch master.
Tom
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