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The venerable T5 transmission started off as a Borg-Warner product and is now known as the Tremec T-5. It’s been around since the eighties and can be found in a myriad of Ford and General Motors products of the time, including the Mustang and Camaro. A stout, yet lightweight transmission, it can handle up to 300 hp and 300lb-ft while weighing less than 75 pounds. It’s got a great 0.63:1 overdrive ratio for fuel economy too. That’s why many enthusiasts prefer to retain the T5 transmission and rejuvenate it with a T5 transmission rebuild kit.
We’ve talked about rebuilding the T5 transmission before; now let’s see how it can be upgraded. You can also hit up our transmissions page to see all options available, and if you’ve got a classic car, our range of classic car transmissions and components is your best friend.
A word of caution before proceeding - the T5 was made in two variants, called Non-World Class (NWC) and World Class (WC). How can you tell them apart? Remove the oil filler plug and take a peek inside. You’ll need a small light for better visibility. If the synchronizer rings are gold (brass), you’ve got a Non-World Class (NWC) transmission; if they’re black, it’s a World Class (WC) transmission.
Another way to check is to have a look at the bearing cover installed on the front of the transmission. If it’s got some writing on it (usually TIMKEN), it’s a WC transmission, if it’s black, you’ve got yourself an NWC model. Of course, this method usually requires you to remove the transmission from the car in order to view the bearing cover properly.
T5 Transmission Upgrade Options
While the basic T5 transmission is a pretty sturdy and long-lasting gearbox that offers smooth, low-effort shifts, there are upgrade options available. One of the most popular is by G-Force, with their upgraded innards for the T5 transmission. Despite looking outwardly similar to a stock T5, G-Force upgrades the guts, making the G-Force T5 capable of handling more power and torque – up to 600 hp and 500lb-ft, in fact.
Tremec themselves also offer a heavy-duty T5 transmission upgrade kit that sees the innards suitably beefed up and is cited as an excellent option for T5-equipped vehicles that haven’t seen a rebuild in their life, and are running on the same innards that they came from the factory with.
Upgrade Benefits
Why should you upgrade your T5 transmission if all is running well, and you’re not experiencing any untoward effects? Well, your T5-equipped vehicle is likely 30+ years old and has seen plenty of miles. Even if all seems good, it’s better to ensure that a critical part, such as the transmission, is in pristine order, so that you can enjoy your car for many more years without sudden breakdowns. Upgrading also offers:
- Better power and torque handling, great if you’re modifying your car for more power and torque.
- Better reliability, leaving you less prone to sudden breakdowns.
- Your gas mileage may improve due to the modern components and their lower friction coefficients.
- Shifts will be smoother and require less effort on your part.
Performance Parts Galore At JEGS
JEGS has been carrying a veritable buffet of the world’s best performance parts since our founder Jeg Coughlin started the company in 1960. Drop by our Columbus, Ohio store, or shop online to help yourself to competitive prices, exceptional customer service, friendly expert advice, and all applicable warranties. Choose JEGS for peace of mind.
12 responses to “Can You Upgrade A T5 Transmission?”
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Reese, a 1993 GMC Sonoma SLE extended cab with the 2.8L V6 and a factory 5 speed manual most commonly came with the Borg Warner T5 transmission. GM used the T5 in many of the S10 and Sonoma trucks with the 2.5L four cylinder and the 2.8L V6 during that time period. It is a light duty five speed that works well for stock power levels and normal street driving. The easiest way to confirm it is by checking the transmission case. The T5 has a removable aluminum top cover with the shifter mounted directly to that cover, and there is usually a small metal identification tag attached to one of the tail housing bolts that lists the Borg Warner build number. If the truck has had a transmission replacement at some point, it is possible another unit could be installed, but from the factory the Borg Warner T5 is the transmission that was typically paired with that engine and drivetrain combination. If you ever consider upgrading or replacing it, there are stronger T5 based versions available along with other five speed options from brands like Tremec that are designed for higher torque applications. If you would like help identifying your exact transmission or discussing upgrade options, give us a call at 1-800-345-4545 and speak with a Tech Specialist and we will be glad to help.
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Can a T56 magnum handle hard launches with street slicks ? Let’s say your pushing 400 whp on a fox body…
Not sure if the Z-Spec T5 can handle it?-
John, at around 400 wheel horsepower in a Fox body with sticky tires and hard launches, you are right to be thinking about transmission strength. A T56 Magnum is in a completely different league compared to a T5. The Magnum series is designed to handle substantially more torque than a Z Spec T5 and is much better suited for aggressive launches, especially with street slicks or drag radials. In a typical 400 whp Fox body application, a properly installed T56 Magnum with the right clutch, driveshaft, and rear suspension setup can handle hard launches far more reliably than a T5 based unit. The Z Spec T5 is one of the stronger factory style T5 options, but it is still limited compared to a T56 Magnum. Once you start launching hard on sticky tires, shock load becomes the real issue, and that is where T5 units tend to fail, even the upgraded versions. With 400 wheel horsepower and traction, you are already pushing the upper edge of what most T5 setups comfortably tolerate long term. If you plan to drive it hard and hook consistently, the Magnum is the safer choice for durability and peace of mind. Just keep in mind that the clutch choice, transmission mount, crossmember, and driveshaft angles all play a big role in longevity as well. If you want to go over your exact combo and driving style to make sure everything matches up, give us a call at 1-800-345-4545 and speak with a JEGS Tech Specialist. They can help you make sure the rest of the drivetrain is ready for it.
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What kind of upgrades do you offer for a gm non world class t5?
I have a 1967 gmc c15 that I hotroded it was originally a inline 6 & 3 on the tree. But now currently has a built chev 307 that’s around 300 to 350hp with a s10 t5 and the stock rear end with leaf springs its a 30 spline dana 44 with 3:54 gears and a Spartan locker. Truck has 235/75R15 tires all the way around.
First burn out I did after breaking the cam in and taking for a test drive the trans now whines driving it i do have another t5 from a 80’s camaro but I would have to switch tail housings as i want to stick with the s10 shifter as I want to keep the bench seat in the truck and not switch to buckets-
Derek, the non world class GM T5 is pretty limited when it comes to upgrades, especially at the power level you are running. Those early non world class units typically top out around the mid 200 lb ft range in real world use, and a hard burnout is often enough to damage the bearings or gear faces. The whining you are hearing now is a classic sign of input or countershaft bearing damage, so that transmission is already on borrowed time. As far as upgrades go, there really are no reliable internal upgrade paths for a non world class T5 that will survive 300 to 350 horsepower in a truck with traction. Hardened gearsets and upgraded bearings are generally aimed at world class T5s, and even then they are best suited for lighter cars, not a C15 with a locker and sticky tires. Swapping to the Camaro T5 does give you a stronger starting point if it is a world class unit, but you are correct that keeping the S10 tailhousing and shifter location is important for the bench seat. That swap can be done, but it requires the correct mainshaft length and matching tailhousing components, and not all Camaro and S10 T5s interchange without internal changes. At your power level and with how you plan to drive the truck, the most reliable solution long term is stepping up to a stronger transmission rather than trying to upgrade a non world class T5. That avoids repeated failures and protects the rest of the drivetrain. We would be happy to go over transmission options that keep a similar driving feel while handling your power and rear gear combination. Give us a call at 1-800-345-4545 and one of our tech specialists can walk through the best path forward for your setup.
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Hi Kenny. Yes, G-Force gear sets are available for GM World Class T5 transmissions, but if you’re planning to handle around 700 horsepower, that’s really pushing past the limits of even an upgraded T5 case. The G-Force gear sets are a big step up from stock and can take a fair amount of abuse compared to OEM internals, but at 700 hp, you’re at the edge of what the transmission housing and input/output shafts can reliably support without failure.
If you’re set on keeping the T5, the G-Force T5 upgrade gear set is your best choice since it replaces the factory gears with stronger billet steel components and uses a redesigned tooth profile for better load distribution. However, for that power level, most builders move up to something like a Tremec TKO or Tremec Magnum transmission. Both are available through JEGS and are built to handle over 700 horsepower with the right clutch setup, while keeping good street manners and gear spacing.
Before you decide, make sure to confirm your intended use (street, drag, or road course), as that will affect whether the T5 upgrade will last or if a full transmission swap is the smarter move. You can call us at 1-800-345-4545 and speak to a JEGS tech specialist who can go over your exact setup and help match the best transmission option for your build.
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Morning, I am getting ready remove my T5 & Dana300.
Upgrades sound good and interested to hear more. Who does that reman work?
Thanks,-
Hello Martin, We want to help you out with your T5 and Dana300. We are open 7 am-Midnight EST Monday through Friday and 8:00 am-11:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Call us at 1-800-345-4545 so that we can get more information and provide the correct answers to your questions regarding remanufactured parts.
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