I'm getting an upgraded clutch, I have every bolt on, 350hp and 320 tq. What can I beef up on the T-45 while I have it out to make it strong and lasting? Is the McLeod stage 2 clutch good enough?
Beefing Up T-45
- Thread starter Saleen_1977
- Start date
I'm just going to go with either a T56 or TKO600 when the trans breaks.
In the process of a turbo install on my 98.
In the process of a turbo install on my 98.
I would just do simple stuff.
Replace the pilot bearing, TOB and retainer sleeve, use Mobil 1 synthetic ATF fluid, and use a shifter that has adjustable stops, so you can't over extend the shift forks.
When I was getting my car tuned, it still had the T-45. (priorities) When it started to get over 700 RWHP, you could hear that poor thing howl over the wastegates, turbos, and exhaust.
Before each pull, the tuner and I would just look at each other, shrug our shoulders with a grin, and hope for the best. It survived, but was quickly replaced with a T-56 Magnum.
Replace the pilot bearing, TOB and retainer sleeve, use Mobil 1 synthetic ATF fluid, and use a shifter that has adjustable stops, so you can't over extend the shift forks.
When I was getting my car tuned, it still had the T-45. (priorities) When it started to get over 700 RWHP, you could hear that poor thing howl over the wastegates, turbos, and exhaust.
Before each pull, the tuner and I would just look at each other, shrug our shoulders with a grin, and hope for the best. It survived, but was quickly replaced with a T-56 Magnum.
What are your bolt ons? 350 is pretty healthy for a bhead.
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I upgraded my T45 to a TKO500 because I found a good deal on a used one but prior to that I intended to send the T45 over to Bob Hanlon in PA and have him work his magic on it. I suggest giving Bob a call and ask him what he recommends and the costs associated. (610) 469-2695
TKOs shift like ass. I will NEVER have one again. Screw that.
Beef up a T45? Treat the gears and get a 26 spline added. Redo all the synchros and update the 5/R so it actually goes into reverse easy.
My actual advice? Swap to a fresh 3650. With all the fixes done they shift like butter, the 3650 gears are rock solid and if you do a 26 spline they'll be good for 600hp without much else. Get with Stan at Pro Force Performance to get set up.
Beef up a T45? Treat the gears and get a 26 spline added. Redo all the synchros and update the 5/R so it actually goes into reverse easy.
My actual advice? Swap to a fresh 3650. With all the fixes done they shift like butter, the 3650 gears are rock solid and if you do a 26 spline they'll be good for 600hp without much else. Get with Stan at Pro Force Performance to get set up.
The tko isn't quite as smooth as the t45 but shifts ok for me when running up to 7k. I did buy an MGW shifter for it and that is night and day better than the factory unit that came with the trans. Overall I am very happy with my Tremec TKO 500 and know plenty of others that are as well. Back in the day I remember guys complaining about how the 3550 shifted but since Tremec Released the TKO 500 & 600 plenty of people have purchased them and seem happy.
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TKO shifts like a dump truck. Even Liberty had to come out with a "fix" for it that still doesn't make it 100%. I can shift a fresh T45 or 3650 at 7k+ with 0 issues at all. Did it with my last 4V with a 3650 with all the TSBs done and currently with a 39k mile T45 that is original to my 2000. I had a TKO in a pushrod cobra and that ****er would routinely lock me out of 2nd and just shift like pure shit in general.
I don't have a fix from liberty or anyone else on my TKO 500 and it shifts just fine.
When it is out, consider a rear main seal while you have access.
I just got done going through my t-45.
It was popping out of 4th, On my 99. I don’t drive the car much and when I do I mostly cruise and maybe a little rowing through the gears from time to time. so I couldn’t justify the price of a t-56 swap.
I did the hanlon welded 3/4 shift fork because mine was cracked.
All of my paper lined syncros blocker rings were bad and did not grab. so I did a Full set of carbon fiber syncros and bearing rebuild kit, also From hanlon.
I bought an Astro 26 spline input only because I had severly worn engagement teeth for 4th. I also did a new syncro sleeve and all the keys and springs.
i replaced 2nd with an nos gear for the same reason. I believe the 99 up 2nd gear and corresponding syncro are upgraded over the 96-98 trans so look into that. You want the t56 double lined syncros on 2nd.
I liked the idea of building up a 3650 as suggested above but then I would need to buy a used trans and a new shifter so I decided to repair the one I have.
In either case call bob hanlon he is very helpfull and will get you what you need if you decide to build it yourself.
It was popping out of 4th, On my 99. I don’t drive the car much and when I do I mostly cruise and maybe a little rowing through the gears from time to time. so I couldn’t justify the price of a t-56 swap.
I did the hanlon welded 3/4 shift fork because mine was cracked.
All of my paper lined syncros blocker rings were bad and did not grab. so I did a Full set of carbon fiber syncros and bearing rebuild kit, also From hanlon.
I bought an Astro 26 spline input only because I had severly worn engagement teeth for 4th. I also did a new syncro sleeve and all the keys and springs.
i replaced 2nd with an nos gear for the same reason. I believe the 99 up 2nd gear and corresponding syncro are upgraded over the 96-98 trans so look into that. You want the t56 double lined syncros on 2nd.
I liked the idea of building up a 3650 as suggested above but then I would need to buy a used trans and a new shifter so I decided to repair the one I have.
In either case call bob hanlon he is very helpfull and will get you what you need if you decide to build it yourself.
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03 Cobra heads, 01 intake manifold, full exhaust, comp cams, and jlt cai.
Thanks gentlemen for the advice. It is not a daily, just street fun every other week. Spline 26, billet forks, tob,
I bought a low mileage Hanlon rebuilt TR3650. I'm pretty excited to see how it shifts. I'm glad people have good reviews on them.
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As long as Hanlon did a good job and the previous owner wasn't an idiot you should be fine.
Just FYI swapping a 3650 into a 98-down car you will also need the Stiffler's crossmember and a 95-down style mount. When I did the 3650 swap into my 98GT I did the stiffler's crossmember, the energy mount with the middle plate removed and you swap the reverse switch from the t45 to the 3650. The Cobra crossmember setup is a little different but the stiffler's should still work.
Also had to cut the "ears" off the case of the 3650 for it not to hit the tunnel and even with the ars cutoff I still had to remove that middle plate on the energy mount to clear the tunnel 100%. The stocker replacement I tried first was also too tall.
Just FYI swapping a 3650 into a 98-down car you will also need the Stiffler's crossmember and a 95-down style mount. When I did the 3650 swap into my 98GT I did the stiffler's crossmember, the energy mount with the middle plate removed and you swap the reverse switch from the t45 to the 3650. The Cobra crossmember setup is a little different but the stiffler's should still work.
Also had to cut the "ears" off the case of the 3650 for it not to hit the tunnel and even with the ars cutoff I still had to remove that middle plate on the energy mount to clear the tunnel 100%. The stocker replacement I tried first was also too tall.
I already have the trans installed. I just drilled new holes in my frame rail. I didn't have to cut anything.
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Cleanly done, Jay!
My mysitc has 80K miles on it and the input bearing just started making a slight noise. With that said, if I'm replacing that, might as well rebuild it the way it was "supposed" to have been made. I'm going with pro force. Forgot the guy's name that runs this place but this is all he does, T-45s and 3560's, etc. Really cool dude and knows his craft! I'm trying to stay original as possible. Not everyday you see these old cobras in good shape much less with original setups. Too easy upgrading to the new stuff. I like finding all the old cats who originally tuned these cars back in the day...just me.
Rebuilt T-45 Transmissions in Atlanta Georgia
Rebuilt T-45 Transmissions in Atlanta Georgia
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