BA T5 Manual, is it that bad? or worse? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

BOF · 07-11-2003, 07:06

OK, these comments may upset some people but I tell it how it is, and if my comments upset you then I am not sorry

As some of you know I recently changed from a 2002 VX S pack 5 speed to the ford equal of the NA XR6 5 speed, and after a few weeks now I can offer a blow for blow comparison.

As stated in a another post, the VX S had
4 electric windows
Traction Control
Auto window down
Side airbags standard.

My XR doesnt have any of the above, but it does have one hell of a fine chassis, engine, interior and is one hell of a great car, which I feel lacks a few standard extras which is offered by the opposition (VX/VY S pack) and like it or not, I'm sure it's hurting sales, most people really dont care about the less power etc, and a test drive will show that power difference is actually hard to notice.

BUT, I am shocked by the weak link in the chain or my BA XR6, THE T5, it's a serious pig, as I have read, or perhaps I have a seriously bad example, but I am shocked that a car can be so good overall with such a weak link in the chain, my G/F who drove the S pack all the time and doesnt care about cars said last night after driving the XR on her own "The gearbox in the XR is seriously bad, I much prefer the gearbox in the S pack, it was so much easier to drive"
This coming from someone who doesnt know or even like cars.

Ford, the T5 must go or I have got a very bad example, this baby will grind going into 5th when driving hard from 4th or even when driving easy from 3rd. Reverse and first gears take a couple of goes also.

A GETRAG in my XR6 and I would be alot happier.

Like it or not, it's far far better box. I wish now I had ordered an auto.

XRFPV8 · 07-11-2003, 09:08

i think you should sell your Ford and buy another vx becuase it will make you much happier.. for the rest of us we will put up with the blue oval product....hope these comments dont get up your nose like your xr....

Cobra · 07-11-2003, 10:18

Reverse will always be hard to engage as it doesnt have synchromesh. I find with mine (EL XR6 Manual) first can be a little hard to grab too, and although it isn't the nicest of boxes, it really isnt that bad. If you are really that concerned take it to your Ford dealer and have them test drive it. If it's not up to standard it will be replaced under warranty. It's your duty to do so, you handed over the dosh so everything should be right.

Martin · 07-11-2003, 12:15

My T5 has nearly 200,000kms on it and I dont have any major complaints with it. Perhaps you got a dud?

TopGhia · 07-11-2003, 12:59

Ford recommend 150ml Lubrizol 7906 friction modifier be added to the gearbox. Has this been done, it may help. (Or learn to double-clutch)

Soxx · 07-11-2003, 15:45

You could have a bad example of a T5, or it could be low on oil, or not have any additive.
I've had several T5's behind sixes and V8's, and I feel a lot of the bad comments are unjustified. I find they shift quite OK, not state of the art, but good.

Another matter is oil, I feel that ATF is just not up the the job, and the first thing I always do when owning a T5 equipped car is to dump the ATF and fill it with light gear oil. Penrite make a gear oil specifically for this purpose. It is Penrite extra light gear oil, 75/80.
This of course may void any warranty on the box, but it may be worth it if you want it to feel better.
Perhaps you could mention the oil to the service department.

Rick.

WBT56 · 07-11-2003, 19:05

Firstly, the T5 does have a proxy synchro cluster-brake reverse, which should work fine unless you watched too much night rider as a kid and drive accordingly. You will find that many people find the Getrag easy to shift due to the fact that the stick is so vague. In-gear deadband in a Getrag stick is greater than full cross gate travel in a late model T5. Many people cannot differentiate between "precise" and "clunky".You will also find that the box has got castrol syntrans in it. Ford started using this crap in AU, and have now discontinued it in the V8 box, which has been returned to the original factory spec oil. Obviously they have gallons left over and are using it up in the locally assembled boxes. Tremec T5 are not rated for use with gear oil. They must run dexron III or equivalent, as the new synchro material will glaze up with continued gear oil use.

mongrelEB · 07-11-2003, 19:19

No complaints with my box - try doing the fluid?

ebxr8240 · 07-12-2003, 06:27

The rest of the car is so good a tight gear box shows up. Yea change to a lighter fluid..

www.ttcautomotive.com/english/products/T-5.asp

BOF · 07-13-2003, 05:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by XRFPV8

i think you should sell your Ford and buy another vx becuase it will make you much happier.. for the rest of us we will put up with the blue oval product....hope these comments dont get up your nose like your xr....

But why? The XR is such a better car than the VX, I thought I made this clear? It's just that myself and everyone that drives the XR comments about how the gearbox is very hard to use compared to the VX.

I will get it checked at the 3000km service on the weekend.

And XRFPV8, could it just be that the Getrag is a better box than the T5?? or don't you crawl out of your cave and stand up on your hind legs long enough to take an unbiased look at the world?