How much is it worth/would you pay

[Cleveland Crush]

I think I am sticking a fork in the idea of getting this motor unless the seller basically gives it away. I had a few unexpected repairs pop up on my other cars that need to be addressed more immediately.

My current thought process is whether I want to go the cheaper route and buy the T5 swap kit and run around with my stock 351c and the $500 T5 or go ahead and pony up for the TKX in anticipation of more motor power down the road...

You can also consider a used or rebuild TKO 500/600. Do some homework and check with reputable shops who will stand behind and warranty their product.

 

[Q1SVT]

My current thought process is whether I want to go the cheaper route and buy the T5 swap kit and run around with my stock 351c and the $500 T5 or go ahead and pony up for the TKX in anticipation of more motor power down the road...

There are other cheeper ways...
With many going to five/six speed transmissions, Ford Top Loaders pricing is coming down. ;^) problem is they use a 10 spline, old forks, clutches, etc
Newer transmission for Fords use things based on the Fox or later mustangs... Many parts are available, 28 splines, better, cheeper[sort-pf] and different approaches that you have to choose from.

I've been down this road a few times...

 

[California 72]

As far as Top Loaders go, I've heard, researched and considered at one time, for a different vehicle, buying a David Kee Top Loader. It's been a few years but that seems like the more "fun" option. I say fun because, I once was able to drive one of my still best friends, '67 fastback with an outrageous "beater motor" 351C 4V coupled to a Top Loader. Took it back to my house, because I was closer and had a floor jack, while he was at the shop and tighten the shifter so we could go "cruising" that night. Fun was an understatement. Yeah, I promised to not put my foot into it because of the loose shifter but I didn't promise to not do the same once I tightened the bolts. Well? just down the block I stood on it and let's just say there are very few things that feel or felt that great. That said, out of all the vehicles I've driven or owned, the 4spd. Mustang is my "Elenore or Unicorn".

While I do "get" the idea of newer tech transmissions in our older cars, the idea of swapping them out in place of a Top Loader is somewhat foreign to me. I mean, if I could convert my FMX to a Top Loader, I'd have all the parts in the garage right now waiting to be installed when the time comes. Don't think I haven't looked into it a couple hundred times since we bought the vert in 2021. The caveat here is, it will always remain out of reach since the pedal brace is non-existent, with most having already been recycled for the 4th generation as a Maytag or, if you can find one, the price that it commands requires a second mortgage.

Please don't get me wrong. New tech or newer than 1973 can do some great things for our cars. I'm not the purist that wants a concourse ready car, just one that has some of the bells and whistles that were available but not installed or maybe installed and pirated over time. Mixing parts or components in the years from 1967-1973 isn't off the table either. Yet, in the end, it has to be a personal choice, and I'll freely admit I can respect and applaud some of the "improvements" many have made here.

 

[Q1SVT]

While I do "get" the idea of newer tech transmissions in our older cars, the idea of swapping them out in place of a Top Loader is somewhat foreign to me. I mean, if I could convert my FMX to a Top Loader, I'd have all the parts in the garage right now waiting to be installed when the time comes.

The caveat here is, it will always remain out of reach since the pedal brace is non-existent, with most having already been recycled for the 4th generation as a Maytag or, if you can find one, the price that it commands requires a second mortgage.

... I believe a conversion to a TopLoader or just the use of the old style ford fork is easy conversions because all of the parts are available.
Pedal, linkages from pedal to fork... NO Need to have a manual pedal support, just need to convert the auto one to manual...




The part I have not been able to locate is the 71-73 bracket that holds the spring... If someone has an extra one let me know $$, so I can fab some.


Yes this bracket...

 

[mjlan]

The part I have not been able to locate is the 71-73 bracket that holds the spring... If someone has an extra one let me know $$, so I can fab some.

This guy?


I might have one of these laying around, message me so I remember to look for it...

 

[California 72]

So, in the pic above, are those braces that you have converted, or did you purchase them? Where are they available from and at what cost? Or, do you sell what you've already converted.

As I mentioned already, I have done several searches and rarely come up with this information or it differs. I remember reading something about using the existing brace, but it required reinforcing and machining that I simply don't have the capacity to perform, either in space or tools. I mean, my father has joked that as an aircraft mechanic, he didn't have half what I have but most of mine revolve around home improvement and landscaping.

I also understand that the cars are costly and that is something that will not improve. I look at things from a viewpoint that was forged in wandering junk yards in the late 70's where it wasn't difficult finding anything you wanted. While some were more baren, others had things in a way you needed to be a little more adventurous and/or determined to retrieve the parts. One place was all you can carry in a single trip for a price. We were resourceful enough to get a hood, two buckets and rear bench seats, complete floor console, truck lid, carpet and a handful of other parts out of the yard for $250. We just stacked everything on the hood and the two of us carried it out. It may have taken an hour to walk the distance, but we made it, and boy was the yard super p'd. o.

If either of those are for sale, even the bell crank and associated linkage, please P.M. me and I'll see what I can muster.

 

[Q1SVT]

... I am not here to sell stuff or bad mouth others approaches to conversions or companies too.

That picture shows my conversion, prototypes where I can install my approach to do a conversion without removing the support or welding.... So at sometime I will not need the converted pedal supports, I will just do the change directly to my car. So I purchased different parts to figure out what I wanted . Old style fork, new style fork, cable and or hydraulic.

I am trying to going Fox Body style cable and quadrant... and TKX




ALL of the linkages from pedal to clutch fork is available from known sellers like NPD. Aftermarket clutch pedal too, and you can cut your brake pedal. I can point you at them... They are only needed if you going with a top loader... A top loader fork is pushed toward the rear, newer Fox forks are pushed/pulled towards the front.

Seems many if not all products available have issues. like the old vs new clutch pedal. New uses a SS Bolt that has problems [pedal is great]. Fox cable is great but our my current headers get in the way... Many products for conversion, not all are good / quality. [this is my opinion] and as the line goes like a-holes no one cares ;^ )]

I was trying to give you information 1) T5 Vs top loader ... 2) after choosing, the path is different as is the different approach you will take. 3) I am seeing many switch from top loaders to 5 speeds and thinking of selling top loader... If I was an owner of a company sitting with inventory of TL's ... more of them have peaked in pricing. Yes a numbers correct TL and a person looking for a correct TL for his car will pay .

... if you have questions post them and I will respond

Jim

 

[dawson357]

As far as Top Loaders go, I've heard, researched and considered at one time, for a different vehicle, buying a David Kee Top Loader. It's been a few years but that seems like the more "fun" option. I say fun because, I once was able to drive one of my still best friends, '67 fastback with an outrageous "beater motor" 351C 4V coupled to a Top Loader. Took it back to my house, because I was closer and had a floor jack, while he was at the shop and tighten the shifter so we could go "cruising" that night. Fun was an understatement. Yeah, I promised to not put my foot into it because of the loose shifter but I didn't promise to not do the same once I tightened the bolts. Well? just down the block I stood on it and let's just say there are very few things that feel or felt that great. That said, out of all the vehicles I've driven or owned, the 4spd. Mustang is my "Elenore or Unicorn".

While I do "get" the idea of newer tech transmissions in our older cars, the idea of swapping them out in place of a Top Loader is somewhat foreign to me. I mean, if I could convert my FMX to a Top Loader, I'd have all the parts in the garage right now waiting to be installed when the time comes. Don't think I haven't looked into it a couple hundred times since we bought the vert in 2021. The caveat here is, it will always remain out of reach since the pedal brace is non-existent, with most having already been recycled for the 4th generation as a Maytag or, if you can find one, the price that it commands requires a second mortgage.

Please don't get me wrong. New tech or newer than 1973 can do some great things for our cars. I'm not the purist that wants a concourse ready car, just one that has some of the bells and whistles that were available but not installed or maybe installed and pirated over time. Mixing parts or components in the years from 1967-1973 isn't off the table either. Yet, in the end, it has to be a personal choice, and I'll freely admit I can respect and applaud some of the "improvements" many have made here.

If you need a clutch pedal assembly, I have a few that I refurbished. Each have a power brake pedal and new pads. Also have a couple of z-bars that had the worn out holes welded up and redrilled. I plan on offering them up for $300 plus shipping and $100 plus shipping for the bars. I just finished swapping my FMX for a top loader. Way more fun to drive.

 

[California 72]

If you need a clutch pedal assembly, I have a few that I refurbished. Each have a power brake pedal and new pads. Also have a couple of z-bars that had the worn out holes welded up and redrilled. I plan on offering them up for $300 plus shipping and $100 plus shipping for the bars. I just finished swapping my FMX for a top loader. Way more fun to drive.

I was going to try and PM you but it appears I can't. I'm interested but believe things like that should be handled with more discretion than the open forum.
If you PM me, I can hopefully reply.