80T-Bird manual transmission conversion

November 07, 2015, 04:13:19 PM

I'm starting to gather parts to switch my 80 T-Bird drag car from a C-4 automatic to a manual trans. I have 87 turbo Coupe 5 speed parts car, anyone know if the under dash clutch/brake pedal mechanism will interchange? I know the 87 uses a hydraulic clutch with a master and slave cylinders, but I'd really like to use cable linkage, I have Lakewood safety bell housing for the cable system available and the cable would be a lot easier to use with my big tube headers. Can the 87 clutch pedal be modified or swapped to use a cable? Would I be better off finding the complete mechanism from a earlier turbo coupe with the cable, or maybe from a Fairmont/Zephyrs or even a foxbody Mustang? Any advice, opinions or ideas welcomed and Thanks!

80T-Bird manual transmission conversion

Reply #1 – November 07, 2015, 04:20:21 PM

Sorry, ment to put this in the driveline area!

80T-Bird manual transmission conversion

Reply #2 – November 19, 2015, 05:06:45 AM

The 87-93 mustang pedals work the same as 83-86 tc pedals, I know there are minor differences, but I forget what. I wouldn't bother with the hydraulic pedals, but the stang peices have gone up a bit in price lately.

My auto brake pedal was nearly identical to the 87 fox stang clutch/break setup. Only functional difference was the tube the clutch pedal bolts inside. With the right sized tube for a sleave and bushings, you could probably easily add the mustang setup to any auto pedal assembly if you had to, but I'd be willing to bet a mustang pedals would swap right in. The 87-93 mustang cable bolted right in and fit perfect. I've heard that on some of the early zephers there holes were modled in by not drilled out. You would need to re-route your speedo cable just like that stang guys.

Not sure what motor your running, but the 2.3 t-5 was by far the weakest rated trans. I used a 2001 3.8 trans and it bolted in place and was exactly the same as the fox one minus speedo and clutch fork angle. It might interfere slightly with exhaust, but it cleared my factory y-pipe fine. If speedo isn't a big deal, these transmissions are everywhere in my neck of the woods for $75-150.

*edit* I just realized you have a aftermarket sheild already, the 3.8 trans has the roughly 3/4" longer input shaft, so it wouldn't work with that setup.

80T-Bird manual transmission conversion

Reply #3 – November 19, 2015, 05:08:15 AM

This is probably more of a 4 eyed pride question, tons of guys with knowledge and early foxes.