Another T5 trans question

[tr8todd]

I just pulled the mock up Olds 215 block out of the go-cart/race car thing I picked up last weekend.  I was told the tranny was a T5, but when I searched the numbers on the tag, it came back T50.  Brand new, but a T50 non the less.  The GM bell housing that was in the car has two sets of holes.  The T50 used the ones spaced farther out in a big rectangle.  The other four holes are more of a square pattern.  Educate me on the ways of GM here.  All of my experience is with Rover engines, bell housings, and transmissions.  What fits these holes?  Please tell me this bell housing isn't a unicorn.

[MGBV8]

The T-50 uses the same pattern as the T-5, T-10, Super T-10, Muncie, etc.

[MGBV8]

You called it a race car. Some say that the T-50 has a race car shift pattern, so you are in luck. It's a pretty good tranny & would be fine in that project. The bell housing is the same as mine, a Buick/Olds bell with the dual bolt pattern. The holes not being used in yours is for the 3 speed.

Here is an article by Jim Blackwood about the T-50.

http://www.britishv8.org/Articles/Borg-Warner-T50-Transmission.htm

[tr8todd]

Thanks guys.  I call it a race car because I don't know what else to call it.  Wife was joking that I should call it number 12, because that's how many cars I'm up to.  If I do anything with this, it will most likely get the Rover 4.0 I already have rebuilt and bagged in the garage, an Edelbrock 4 barrel, and a Rover 5 speed.  Altho, seeing how it has a TR4a rear diff, and I just so happen to have a TR3/4 4 speed sitting here, I keep thinking it should have a TR3/4 engine with twin DCOE Webers hanging off the side.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Depending on the gears it is fitted with, the T-50 could be a good choice, especially being new. There were three versions, and it would be possible you could have the extremely rare version with a 1:1 5th gear and no overdrive.

Considering the guys who built this were engineers (I think you said) it seems likely that a good match of weight, engine size, transmission ratios and rear axle might be likely. You might want to consider finishing it up as intended.

The strength of the T-50 and the TR4/6 axle are pretty comparable. Neither are going to stand up well to 300+ hp but both should do fine at 200. If the vehicle weight can be kept below 2000 lbs that can be enough.

Jim

[joe_padavano]

The T50 was used in the mid-1970s behind such powerhouse motors as the Buford 231 and the Olds 260.  It may be the only five speed that's weaker than the T5.

[MGBV8]

That is pretty pessimistic, Joe.  

Sure, it's not rated for nearly the torque of a T-5 (some of them aren't rated for much torque, either), but it's a great little tranny for the lower power/lighter weight projects. Kurt Schley ran one for years in his Olds 215 MGB. The shift pattern might take a bit of getting used, except for those used to 3 on the tree (or floor).

Oh, you left out the Chevy Monza V8. Engine options included the 305 & 350 (although detuned).

[joe_padavano]

"That is pretty pessimistic, Joe. "

I'll note you didn't say it was wrong, however...