Gearbox Woes

[v8bassman]

Calling all Tremec T5 experts out there! As the box in the 289 had started making a distinct rumbling noise (input shaft bearing?), was jumping out of reverse and I didn't feel up to dismantling it myself, I took it to a 'specialist' to have a look at to see what needed doing. He just phoned me to say he 'cant dismantle the box as 5th gear wont budge off the layshaft and the only way to remove it is to cut it out', which he is reluctant to do as spares aren't available. According to him this is a common problem. Is he talking b*llocks or is this correct? I cant believe that spares aren't available. Can anyone offer any suggestions?

[Roger King]

Not much help I'm afraid, I've rebuilt toploaders but not a T5. However I can't believe spares are not available as I thought these were still manufactured, and the one in my Mustang (which came from Modern Driveline about 3 yrs ago) was modified from new to fit a different 5th gear ratio.
I suspect the 'specialist' means that parts are not readily available in the UK. Is it a T5 specialist, or just a gearbox specialist?
As a long shot you could ask the guys at Modern Driveline, who are incredibly helpful, but obviously it's not their gearbox so they may not be keen. And don't forget there is a 'UK' T5 (Cosworths, TVRs etc.), and the US one. Very different.

[Karl]

The T5 is still made by Tremec up to today. In the US there are a lot of specialists You need the tag number to know what T5 you have. There are many, many versions around. If you PM me your e-mail I can send you a list of the versions and an overhaul instruction.
Regards Karl

[v8bassman]

Thanks for the replies chaps. I have just spoken to a very helpful guy at Competition Transmission Services in Hertfordshire who confirmed that removal of 5th gear is indeed a problem with the T5 and most general gearbox repairers resort to cutting it out which renders the box pretty much beyond economic repair. His company have made their own special tool to do the job and he has quoted me what I consider to be a very reasonable price to refurbish mine with all new bearings, seals and synchro rings so I'll be getting the box back from the other 'specialist' and taking it to him some time in the next week. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Roger King]

Might be a good idea to have the company contact details posted somewhere on here for reference - I'm sure he wouldn't mind, and a lot of us have T5s!

[v8bassman]

Might be a good idea to have the company contact details posted somewhere on here for reference - I'm sure he wouldn't mind, and a lot of us have T5s!

Good point Roger, I'll post up some details once I am in a position to give a recommendation. I'm taking the box down to them tomorrow and they have told me 3-5 working days. If all goes well I might just get the car back together in time for Goodwood!

[kaiserbilly1]

Have you decided to hang onto the 289 now Dave ???

[v8bassman]

Have you decided to hang onto the 289 now Dave ???

Frankly, I'm still undecided. I want to get put it back together and sorted to my satisfaction then run it for a while and see how I feel about it. I think the ongoing issues with the clutch / gearbox area have coloured my judgement somewhat so it may be that once it's properly sorted I will feel much happier with the car, we'll see.

I collected the gearbox from the repairer this morning but unfortunately wont have time to get the car back together in time for Goodwood so we'll be in the tintop. Hope to see some of you there.

As per Roger's suggestion, details of the company I used are as follows:

Competition Transmission Services
Units 3-4 Sharose Court
Hicks Road
Markyate
Hertfordshire
England
AL3 8JH

Phone number 01582 840008, email info@gearboxman.com

[v8bassman]

Hi Folks, thought I'd post an update.

The car is all back together now and after a few adjustments I'm pleased to say it seems to be sorted . Comp Trans Services did a great job and the box feels nice and smooth, so full marks to them.

One of the issues I was experiencing was that the clutch bite point was almost on the floor and no matter what I did I couldn't adjust it up any further. What I hadn't realised was that before it had reached the full extent of its travel, the outer end of the clutch fork was actually touching the inner face of the transmission tunnel and couldn't move any further A few minutes on the bench grinder to modify the end of the fork and hey presto the fork can now travel to its full extent and the bite point is now nicely off the floor. Clutch actuation is still on the heavy side but much better than before, and I was pleased to note much lighter than a friends' MG ZT260 which has (almost) the same engine and gearbox set up.

I just need to get out and enjoy the car before the weather turns nasty!