The title says it: How much E36 M3 can a T5 take? I don't mean hp/torque, but how much abuse? Can it survive swapped into a full sized pickup? Can it survive hauling cars on on a dolly?
Of all the different versions of the T5, which is the most idiot/shiny happy person proof?
Well, apparently they handle a little more than 250 lb/ft torque (I know, I know), so that can be a hint towards abuse, I'd guess. Depending on the application, they commonly get their asses whooped. Beyond that, I know nozing.
The later world class models (1988 and newer) are rated for 300lbs. The Cobra was rated at 330lbs. The is an extra plate you can add to brace the front bearing and helps with some of the issues, but you have to take the trans apart to install it. No special machining or anything, cost about 50 bucks. Do NOT tow in 5th gear. NV3500 maybe a better choice for fullsize truck use.
A T5 is not going to be happy in a half ton truck, NV3500 or 4500 for really heavy hauling will work great though.
Unless I'm spending $1500 for a G-Force gear set plus another 400 bux on a new case.......
Even then I would use something else.
Ive heard storys of stock fox bodys destroying T5's.....
i wouldnt put a non world class t5 in anything. They dont handle abuse very well in my history. according to some i just have bad luck! Ive had better luck with the world class t5 but these transmissions were all in sub 3k lb cars
i've heard stories of them blowing up while being driven nice in stock 4 cylinder Mustangs, and i've heard of them getting mercilessly pounded by 16 year old kids behind V8's in Camaros and never dying..
so, yeah, depends.. i guess..
The torque rating is dependent on the gear ratios. A 4cyl box is a pretty low rating. You have to get the ones with a roughly 3:1 first gear (V8s, mostly) to get the "high" torque ratings.
For the effort, I'd get a truck transmission to put in a truck. For the effort meaning the shifter would actually come up through the floor in a spot appropriate for a truck.
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