TR3650 questions
June 12th, 2015, 09:18 AM
#1
Old(s) Fart
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,717
TR3650 questions
I'm curious if anyone here has any experience with the TR3650 transmission, primarily used in Mustangs from 1999-2011 or so.
I'm building the 72 as a daily driver and it needs to have a manual trans (yeah, in rush hour commuting - I'm a glutton for punishment). The car will have a mild 455. I want a five speed but this is a budget project and a $2800 aftermarket trans is not in the budget.
The TR3650 seems to be the Rodney Dangerfield of five speed transmissions. I know it's not as strong as a TKO, but used examples in good condition can be had for $400-$700. I also know that while the bellhousing is bolt-on, it also serves as the front closeout of the trans case. Fortunately there are aftermarket vendors selling an adapter plate that replaces the stock bellhousing and provides either Muncie or Toploader mounting holes, either of which bolt to a '581 bellhousing. Yeah, that plate runs as much as the used trans, but that still gets me a five speed that's somewhat stronger than a T5 for under a grand. The other problem is that there is only one shifter position on the tailhousing (and that's only with the 99-04 tailhousing; the later ones use a remote shifter that's even further back), so some fancy work with the shifter stick and a welder is likely in order.
So back to my question. Any Mustang experience here? Online posts seem to be split on the TR3650 - either they crap out or they have no problems for a 100,000 miles. I don't plan to beat on this car (TOO much, anyway), and I likely won't have enough tire to hook up, so I'm thinking this might be an affordable compromise. Appreciate any thoughts.
I'm building the 72 as a daily driver and it needs to have a manual trans (yeah, in rush hour commuting - I'm a glutton for punishment). The car will have a mild 455. I want a five speed but this is a budget project and a $2800 aftermarket trans is not in the budget.
The TR3650 seems to be the Rodney Dangerfield of five speed transmissions. I know it's not as strong as a TKO, but used examples in good condition can be had for $400-$700. I also know that while the bellhousing is bolt-on, it also serves as the front closeout of the trans case. Fortunately there are aftermarket vendors selling an adapter plate that replaces the stock bellhousing and provides either Muncie or Toploader mounting holes, either of which bolt to a '581 bellhousing. Yeah, that plate runs as much as the used trans, but that still gets me a five speed that's somewhat stronger than a T5 for under a grand. The other problem is that there is only one shifter position on the tailhousing (and that's only with the 99-04 tailhousing; the later ones use a remote shifter that's even further back), so some fancy work with the shifter stick and a welder is likely in order.
So back to my question. Any Mustang experience here? Online posts seem to be split on the TR3650 - either they crap out or they have no problems for a 100,000 miles. I don't plan to beat on this car (TOO much, anyway), and I likely won't have enough tire to hook up, so I'm thinking this might be an affordable compromise. Appreciate any thoughts.
June 12th, 2015, 11:16 AM
#2
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,405
The torque difference between a 4.6L and a 455 has gotta be close to a factor of 2. If you can drive it with a block under the gas pedal, I would say go for it. I tend to push my stuff pretty hard, and wouldn't want to put the effort into something that couldn't take the abuse. I looked it up, and the torque rating on one is 360 lb-ft.
I will say this... a stock A-body trans tunnel is tight. Helped a friend put an LGT-700 in a '72 Monte last year, and the final driveline angles were not favorable. Probably should have cut/raised the tunnel. He ended up with an $800 driveshaft from the Driveshaft Shop that is aluminum and utilizes a front CV joint, so he doesn't need to run canceling U-joint angles.
I will say this... a stock A-body trans tunnel is tight. Helped a friend put an LGT-700 in a '72 Monte last year, and the final driveline angles were not favorable. Probably should have cut/raised the tunnel. He ended up with an $800 driveshaft from the Driveshaft Shop that is aluminum and utilizes a front CV joint, so he doesn't need to run canceling U-joint angles.
June 12th, 2015, 12:08 PM
#3
Old(s) Fart
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,717
You needed to keep reading:
That's the other consideration. I know tunnel mods will be required, but the TR3650 appears to be a little smaller than other 5-speeds.
By the way, here's the adapter plate:
The 3650 is rated for 360lbft maximum continuous input torque--though this has been found to be very conservative rating, many Mustangs run 500-600lbft though the 3650.
I will say this... a stock A-body trans tunnel is tight.
By the way, here's the adapter plate:
June 12th, 2015, 02:39 PM
#4
72 Olds CS
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 6,657
I've got an 05 GT 5 speed, it's only got 25k on it and I ve put the last 6k on it. The trans shifts nice and smooth and finding the gears is no problem. I don't mind spirited driving but I don't beat on it. I would love that trans in my 72 so I'll subscribe.
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