Nick writes:
>That leaves the poor tranny as the last "weak" link. Anyone got an easy
>switch here (Barry) ? I've been thinkin that a T5 should be a good choice,
>but have no clue as to how easy it will be to fit up to the TR block, or
>how well it will fit into the chassis.
***********************************
Sorry Nick,
Almost finished STUFFING the T5 in the Spitfire. LOTS of work, probably
more than fitting the V6 itself in. The T5 is a marvelous transmission,
but fairly big. The frame required 'trimming', as well as a new (very big)
transmission cover. This is what's taking most of the work as it's being
made of galvanized steel. (actually done at this point) but due to a core
(freeze) plug giving up directly behind the flywheel (of course) the
projects been set back a couple more weeks! I'll never buy a rebuilt short
block again!! Thought I would save some time/money, but It turns out that
I would have been out no more money, and certainly wouldn't be pulling the
engine out (easier than the tranny, to give you a clue) to replace a faulty
core plug a couple of months after I just put the engine in if I had done
it myself!
Anyway, the frame required trimming about 6-8 inches and re-welding the
flanges (or what's left) on both sides of the top of the frame. This isn't
too bad as the flanges don't really add significantly to torsinal strength,
and are there primarily to provide a place to spot weld the pieces
together. I also had to dimple, approx 1/2 inch deep on the inside of the
right area of the frame to provide clearance for a bolt on the extension of
the transmission. Also the tunnel at the handbrake had to be cut back
approx. 8 inches. New mount's etc. and once it's in there it will stay as
it's a real PAIN to get at anything. As far as bolting to the engine,
can't say. I used the bellhousing for this engine and the only mods I had
to do (apart from what I had already done for the SR4 installation, was to
re-machine the input shaft (add a longer pilot bearing nose) and turn down
slightly the input shaft bearing housing dia to match the bellhousing.
Barry Schwartz in San Diego,CA
Bschwartz@encad.com
72-V6 Spitfire ( T5, 5 speed's, almost done, maybe 2 more weeks!)
70 GT6+ (daily driver for now)
70 Spitfire (body repair on hold see above)
|