Changing Your Ford Transmission - Overdrive Transmission Swap Guide

RMP offers two clutch-cable conversion kits for '65-'66 and '67-'68 Mustangs. The setup has a sealed bearing in the clutch-pedal bracket for smoother operation and reduced pedal effort. It works with T5 and T56 transmissions. No drilling of the firewall is required, and the cable goes through the original linkage hole in the firewall. A cable setup such as this one, along with a late-model T5 bellhousing (which RMP also carries), is the best way to go for an automatic to five-speed manual conversion.

DB Performance Engineering's cable clutch kit includes a complete pedal assembly and is a great setup for those with automatic-equipped cars who want to swap to a T5. This will also work with manual-trans cars if you want to eliminate the stock clutch linkage and go with this more modern setup.

The RMP crossmember for '67-'73 Mustangs will also fit Cougars. TIG-welded construction, a black powdercoat finish, and plenty of exhaust clearance are also part of the picture. It's also available in silver zinc plating.

DBPE also has several styles of crossmembers for '65-'70 Mustangs for both T5 and AOD swaps.

Keisler Engineering offers a one-stop-shop option with its Perfect Fit five-speed conversion packages, which come with everything from the transmission all the way down to the installation hardware. Starting with either a TKO 500 (with a 0.68 overdrive) or a TKO 600 (which can be ordered with either a 0.64 or 0.82 overdrive), the Perfect Fit systems include the transmission with an engine-specific input shaft that eliminates the need for an adapter plate, a pilot bearing, a yoke and U-joint, a crossmember, a trans mount, a backup-light wiring harness, a speedometer cable and output, and all hardware. Automatic-to-manual setups add a bellhousing, a driveshaft, a flywheel, a clutch, a pedal assembly, a hydraulic clutch-actuator system, a shift-boot, trim ring, shift handle, and shift knob. Prices are $2,795 for the manual-to-manual TKO 500 package ($2,995 for TKO 600) and $4,195 for the automatic-to-manual TKO 500 setup ($4,395 for TKO 600).