my FMX is having problems and not going into reverse, so i decided to go manual. has anyone used a newer T5 transmission? if so anything special i need? what do i do with the harness?
or would it be easy to go with a T10 4 speed?
Assuming you have a small block and you are willing to shell out some moderate cash, it’s a relatively easy swap. There are lots of kits on the market that make it a bolt in affair. I scrounged for used stuff for mine and spent less than $400. Just be sure to get the right flywheel.
I bought a new 4-speed back-up light harness from a vendor and used the plug end off a T-5 harness. Took about… 10 minutes total. I think it cost me 45 bucks?
Done a few…I’m guessing your Cougar is a small block?..the wiring is pretty straightforward, just wire it to the T5 back up light switch. You will need a different crossmember, the correct flywheel/clutch combo, and depending on how you want to go about it, either an old school bellhousing/scattershield or the bellhousing off of the T5. Just depends on if you want to go with the 5.0 cable or the original Z bar. If you go cable, I would recommend the MustangSteve conversion kit and do the roller conversion while your at it…buttery smooth. If you go Z bar route you will need all the original clutch stuff and an adapter plate that goes between the bellhousing and trans to space it and rotate it correctly.
My opinion, start cruising Craigs or Northern Ca Fords (since your in the BayArea), find a T5 and Bellhousing, convert it to cable, get a crossmember from Modern Driveline or make your own, get the driveshaft cut to the correct length and never look back…
FWIW, Last I read he was selling the car and the components he had accumulated thus far for the manual conversion.
https://classiccougarcommunity.com/forum/search.php?author_id=565&sr=posts
I did one in my 69, purchased entire conversion kit from Modern Driveline, awesome folks to deal with. I did need to change out my rear gears from 3.00 and went 3.70 best thing I have done with my car. Way more fun to drive and at 70 mph, floats along without breaking a sweat.
Bob I was thinking the same thing. Maybe it’s just westcoast sold everything and now has had a change of heart. Starting over? Westcoast is this the case? If so glad you’ll be sticking with your Cougar.
Steven
Don’t know if you’re still following this, but you could try this: