Best Transmission...?

[marvin2]

Found out this weekend that I have a T18 in my truck. When all said and done with my truck, I am going to run a mildly built 302...possibly stroked...but I want to be right around 300 horsepower. I am a little hung up on transmissions though. I want a transmission that makes the truck fun to drive. I have no doubt that the T18 will stand up to a beating, but its just not a "fun" transmission. I would prefer to keep a manual trans, but if there is a better option automatic, I am not necessarily opposed to it. Let me know what you guys think.

[ares360]

I am pretty sure you can put just about any small block transmission behind your 302. I think it would depend if you wanted a 3, 4 or 5 speed/

[marvin2]

I would love to have a manual, so I would think that my options are....T18, T19, NP435. Unfortunately, I don't believe any of these transmissions would allow me to dump the clutch and run throught the gears very quickly. A T5 would be on the top of my list, but I have heard from enough people that it would probably not hold up. I have heard about some guys running a mazda 5 speed (i forget the code...M5OD maybe??), but there again I don't believe this is a very "fun" transmission. I am wondering if there is a manual trans that I am missing...maybe an old toploader 4 speed from an older mustang? Oh....and I can't afford to drop 2 grand on a TKO.

Since I am not having much luck finding a manual trans, I am now starting to look at autos. Off of the top of my head, I am thinking....C4, C6, and AOD. I am not sure which one though. Maybe run an AOD with a shift kit? Let me know what you guys think. I am looking for a moderately fun and moderately bulletproof trans.

[Banjo]

I find I truly don't pay as much attention to traffic and I'm not as observant a drive with an automatic. I love shifting, although I've owned some automatics. Not much more fun to me than rowing my own gears and banging 2nd hard.

[marvin2]

I agree with you 100000% banjo. I love running through the gears on my mustang and I want to do the same on my truck. What transmission will allow me to do this since all the manual transmissions we talk about here are "truck" transmissions and not "performance" transmissions?

[willowbilly3]

Ford toploader will be the best I think. There were several variations made with different tailshaft lengths and shifter locations so do your home work before you buy so you can get the shifter location you want. Then the only problem you have is the really long shifter you need in a pickup, which will also make shifting less precise.

[marvin2]

I will definitely do some research into the 4 speed toploaders....

What is the best option if I were to go the automatic route....a C4 with a shift kit?

[71PA_Highboy]

Uhhh... small block here, so look at the ZF or M2R5(????), the 5 speed from the F150's.. it will bolt up, thoough the clutch linkage may be a bit of work.

The Small block toploader will work, even better with the jeep top cover so it looks period correct, and adds a bit of 'sleeper' as everyone will think it is a 435 and we KNOW they shift slow....

hth,

eric

[Chasbod]

Try this for toploader info

http://www.4speedtoploaders.com/

[marvin2]

Try this for toploader info

http://www.4speedtoploaders.com/

Thanks Chasbod! I actually found that site just before I saw your post. Seems like he knows about toploaders! I know you have to "pay to play" sometimes, but I just hate the thought of dropping two grand on a transmission. Maybe I'll find a good used toploader that doesn't need rebuilt. The only thing would be getting a pickup style shifter for it.