I recently received one of Tom Halls new 5 speed conversions which uses a z
spec Ford transmission (M-7003-Z) in conjunction with his newly designed
tailhousing. I used the recent break in our West Coast rains to drive it from
the Bay Area to its/our new home in Vancouver Washington. The car has a 302
crate engine (345 HP) with a limited slip 3.73 rear end. With that rear end
ratio and the stock toploader, freeway driving was a chore with the engine
turning approximately 4,000 RPM at 70 MPH, which made me very interested in the
overdrive. With the .63 ratio 5th speed, the RPMs now drop to approximately
2,500 at 70 MPH. I wasnt particularly driving for fuel economy and drove the
route at 75 80 MPH with average fuel economy of 17.5 MPG, and that included
rush hour driving at either end of the trip. Previous freeway gas mileage was
in the 13 MPG range, so that equates to an approximate 35% improvement, and
actually probably a bit more as I never cruised above 70 MPH in the past. I
suspect that with a stock rear axle you would be well into the 20 MPG range,
and with a close to stock engine into the high 20s maybe even bumping 30?
The car drives like a totally different car smooth and quiet with no drips or
issues and a speedo that is accurate to within 4%. Running it through the
gears with its short throw is just plain fun (click, click, click, click not
notchy like the old top loader). The shifter comes out in exactly the same
place as original, so you can keep your ashtray, and not cut the tunnel in case
you ever want to put it back to stock. You have a choice of a short or long
handle shifter, plus Tom will optionally add a non functional t-bar to it so it
looks totally stock.
Any Tiger owners in the Pacific Northwest who are seriously considering a 5
speed conversion are welcome to stop by and see and drive the car.
Doug Babcock
B382001261
B9471598
B382000272
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