Inliners International Forums General Discussion Drive Train T5 trannies

Does anyone know what year the T5 went from mechanical speedo to electronic speedo ? I want to put one in my '65 C10 and want a mechanical speedo so I don't need an expensive adapter to make it work . If I know what year to look for, it might eliminate a lot of " running around " looking at ones that won't work . Help !

Old Blue - Look for 83 - 87. Make sure you get the OD gear you want. An S10 or Astro van using a 4.3 V6 have decent ratios and a .73 OD. The smaller the engine the lower the first gear and the lower the OD

I am also planning a t5 install. It will be going in a 66 pickup with a 250 motor. There seems to be tons of tech articles online about this swap to a 235/261, but I can't find any specifically for a 250. What can I expect? Will I encounter the same clutch issues that I read about on the 235? I have the tranny and am anxious to get it installed.

Thanks,

Jeff

jeff - try calling Buffalo. He builds several adapters.

I put a 1985 S-10 into my 66 C-10. It has a mechanical speedo. I have a 292 motor and 4:11 rear end with stock wheels/tires. The rear end will have to be changed. First gear last about long enough to get through an intersection and the rpm's seem to be still alittle high in 5th gear. But what a difference, glad I did it.

Trident, did you used to have the SM420 or some kinda 3 spd in your truck? Just wondering if you think I could keep the 5.14 gears I got (dually rear) if this was ever considered? I know the rear gears are deep, but with an OD gear, it would still be better than what it runs now trying to do 55 mph. I was kind of sceptical on how a little S10's tranny would hold up compared to an SM465 behind a 292? I probably won't get to a swap like this for a long time, but was just wondering cuz if I came across a good T5 from those years, then I would jump on it to have on hand. Thanks.

Trident - Your T5 probably has a .72 OD. Your 4.11 rear is a little deep. I would put in a 3.39 gear which will also help your first gear in the T5

I had a 3-speed standard tranny before the swap. The T-5 is a World Class. I have pulled an 8 ft trailer with light loads many times and have no trouble. I don't push the truck to hard it's old like me and likes to cruise. I'll be changing that rear end gear sometime next year the 3.39 would be a good one I think. As for the 5.14 dually I can't really say ,but someone else here is sure to have some good advise.

To answer the first question... I think it was 1988 that they went to electronic speedo. I was told it was 1989, but have a 1988 trans with electronic speedo. If you get a 1987 or older you should be good. I would still be weary about a 1987, because it could be a 1988 vehicle titled in 87.