Has anyone swapped a ford T-5 behind an Olds 455?

 

Even a WC T5 wont take much abuse behind a 455. Your better off with a Tremec or Richmond, if you want to do it 1 time. I had a WC-T5 behind a 350 in a S-10 that ran high 12.'s, it didnt last a year in that truck.

 

If you do just plan on driving it gentle. Several years ago I used what I believe was a T5 from a 1984 Camaro as I had low gears and wanted an overdrive. It worked for puttering around town, but I knew one hard launch could and probably would have blown it into 101 pieces. For the long term I agree with the other guys, sell the T5 and use the money toward something that will take the torque of an Olds 455. Consider the time and trouble you'd spend getting the one you have installed, then not be able to show the kid in a rice burner what an American V8 is all about. John

 

The biggest engine Olds ever offered with the T5 was the 260. The best T5 is rated at only about 300 ft lbs.

 

The Ford T-5 input shaft is an inch to long. You would have to make a spacer. Also the bolt pattern is different, you would have to use the early bell housing that has the dual pattern for mounting the trans.
Like the others have said, it is to weak and would not last.
Where are you located?
Gene

 

Thanks for the input, I have already made the adapter and I am planning on a performance rebuild ($500.00) including a HD gear set with a 2:90 1st. I don't really drag race it, I try not to beat on it and if it gets me a couple years of use then I can save up for a Tremec. Years ago I had a Saginaw 4 speed in it, it was seriously beaten for years befor giving out. This T-5 came out of a friends Mustang race car, I saw the abuse it took. I guess we'll see how it turns out!