Moparts Tech Archive
Manual & Clutches
Aftermarket trans
KEISLER 5SPD IN THEIR MOPAR?peelerboy
Moparts Member
Posts: 2347
From: Detroit, Michigan, USA
Registered: Jul 2001
posted 01-19-2003 03:43 PM
Okay... I've seen several threads on the Keisler 5spd tranny going into people's Mopars. BUT, I have yet to hear how they perform under full flog acceleration.
I'm very interested in hearing from someone that has done the conversion or at least driven a Mopar equipped with this unit and how they liked it. I'm sure it shifts like a dream, but how did you like the gear ratio spread? Was it set up nicely to accommodate stoplight-to-stoplight blasts? Is it good for quality 1/4 mile e.t.'s?
I'm just about to put my original 4spd trans back in my Challenger and thought that an upgrade of this variety would be cool. (especially since I'm running 4.30 gears out back) But at the same time, I want to make sure it'll perform, because I DO run my car hard from time to time.
Any thoughts???
Dale
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roadracedartgt
Moparts Member
Posts: 306
From: Huntington, New York, USA
Registered: Jul 2002
posted 01-19-2003 07:35 PM
peeler, I used this unit in a million Mustangs when I had my shop. It is excellent, very natural shifting and takes lots of abuse. I found the spreads even better than the orig T5 because of the higher first gear. 1,2,3 - it just works.
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G-Series
Moparts Member
Posts: 282
From: MA,USA
Registered: Aug 2002
posted 01-19-2003 08:18 PM
Hey Peeler, I know some people don't like the steep first gear and the close to standard second, too much drop. If you've got the power, it shouldn't be a problem. The best thing about that steep first gear is traffic. If you actually drive the car around, cruise nights, shows etc.., you can't beat it. You can actually apply the brakes and hold the car back without stalling so that 2 or 3 mph is possible. Less clutching. And you should go with the .68 OD. My 3.54's become 2.4's in OD. Incredible gas mileage, low noise, less wear & tear.
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peelerboy
Moparts Member
Posts: 2347
From: Detroit, Michigan, USA
Registered: Jul 2001
posted 01-19-2003 08:29 PM
Hey Dean! ROFLMAO!!! I'm right there with ya', man. Thing is, when I get into these "must have" predicaments... I look to sell something that I had intended on keeping in order to finance the gig. In other words, one (or two) of my old banana seat bicycles might be surfacing on eGag. One must have their priorities, though! I can only ride one bicycle at a time!
roadracedartgt: So are you saying that this unit is basically identical to a top loader FoMoCo T5?? I've owned several 5spd 5liter Fox platformers and beat the living snot out of them without any breakage. Granted, my Stangs were almost totally stock, but I really put those T5's through their paces without a hitch.
G-Series: I was hoping you were going to chime in. I remember you mentioning about the ratio spread between gears, but couldn't remember exactly which gears it was! First and second, eh? Hmm... that's an important area in the acceleration department, too. Even though I'm going to be running a lower torque B-engine, I WILL be maintaining my 4.30 gears out back. Therefore, I should be able to power around the drop you mentioned between 1st and 2nd. (I hope) Because that .68 OD is just so dang tempting.
Thanks, you guys!
Dale
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G-Series
Moparts Member
Posts: 282
From: MA,USA
Registered: Aug 2002
posted 01-19-2003 08:45 PM
Peeler, check out the gear ratio charts, I've seen them in the latest mags, or call Shaffi or Mark with any questions. Take a look at the gear ratio's in the trans too. 2,3 &4 are real close to stock, regarding the spread and size. Also, consider your tire diameter too. What is the formula..for every inch over 27" you drop .1 of your final ratio.?
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peelerboy
Moparts Member
Posts: 2347
From: Detroit, Michigan, USA
Registered: Jul 2001
posted 01-19-2003 08:49 PM
Very cool, G-Series. I'll have a peek at the available charts. But I was also just curious to hear how you liked the tranny's operation as a new & unique unit in an older platform car. Sounds like it works out rather well over all. Thanks again!!
Dale
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Dodge1
Moparts Member
Posts: 1050
From: St Clair Shores, Michigan
Registered: Apr 2001
posted 01-19-2003 08:54 PM
Dale
That first gear issue is IMHO, over blown. Now this is STRICTLY my opinion. My T5 behind my 302 uses a similar spread (as you know, you have a Stang). It really doesn't bother me or a few others I know with them.
Giving a choice yeah, I would want a closer spread. But it sure wouldn't sway me away from it for a street car. Another good friend installed a Tremec behind his Stang and he loves it.
With some stickies it will make for one hell of a launch!
Do a search of the WEB. There are a few guys who have posted their results. I haven't heard nor read anything negative about them yet. As soon as I can build up the money fund again. You can bet that's what is going in between my engine & axle
Oh, on a side note. That Gear Vendors OD unit looks promising also. Can handle a allot of power. I haven't read to much on it yet though. I am leaving that open as a possibility also.
This is the way I see it:
Tremec 5 speed = parts availability is a snap. Parts are fairly cheap. Complete new unit.
A833 + Gear Vendors OD unit = I would bet it can handle more power (I have never seen a power rating for the 833?). Originality. Parts harder to find new, and expensive.
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jjdoin1020
Moparts Member
Posts: 358
From: Madison Heights Mich.
Registered: Mar 2002
posted 01-19-2003 09:07 PM
Dodge1, I love that car. Hope mine looks that good when it is done. As far as the keisler unit.. from day 1 of the rebuild it was the only choice for me.
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Dodge1
Moparts Member
Posts: 1050
From: St Clair Shores, Michigan
Registered: Apr 2001
posted 01-19-2003 09:13 PM
jjdoin1020
Thanks Don't let that 20+ year old paint job fool ya... It needs repainting again. No rust on my car but the body work is just dated and showing it's age.
The interior needs a complete overhaul which it will get this spring. I have all the goods
Looks like yours is nearing completion. Now that will look SWEET!
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gfriedline
Moparts Member
Posts: 117
From: Friedens, PA, USA
Registered: Nov 2002
posted 01-19-2003 09:50 PM
Keisler has them rated at 425/475lb-ft in overdrive, that seems quite beefy, and that is over the life of the tranny, so my planned 500lb-ft motor should not break this thing right? I wonder what the first gear capability is. My only concerns with the tranny are cost, and strength, I dont want to break it if I use a little happy juice at the strip with slicks. I really wish I knew if I could plug around 600lb-ft into that transmission in first.
But I definitly want this thing in my Challenger, since I dont have an 833 already, so its not that much difference in price. There is a groupbuy going on over at moparchat.com, still waiting on a final price though.
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Dodge1
Moparts Member
Posts: 1050
From: St Clair Shores, Michigan
Registered: Apr 2001
posted 01-19-2003 10:20 PM
Well the best info that I can find is this. Since the Stang community has been playing with them for years. The fact that there are many 600+ HP Stangs running with them leads me to believe it can handle quite a bit of punishment.
Now how long will it stand up? Really not sure. Then again many of these Stangs are shy of 3K lbs, some not much over that. Where as we may be doing that through a 4K lbs B body. It's anyones guess??
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451boy
Moparts Member
Posts: 5740
From: Oregon
Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-19-2003 10:45 PM
The TKO should handle as much or more power than the Mopar four speed. Gears are just as big if not bigger and the design techniques these days are a lot better than they were 40 years ago. Besides, if you break a TKO you just order up new parts. Good luck finding all new internals for your old Mopar 4 speed.
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Vainglory
Moparts Member
Posts: 200
From: Atlanta, GA, at least for now
Registered: Aug 2002
posted 01-19-2003 11:54 PM
The price for $2850, but how much of their extras do you need to add on? I added it all up with a good-sized list of their extras and it comes out to be ~$5000!
How much of this stuff do you need?
Borg&Beck clutches $400
Throwout bearing $60
New flywheels/flywheel bolts $300
Hydraulic clutch actuator $500
Bellhousing $300
Pistol grip/handle/boot $310
If I may ask, how much did you end up spending on your total package?
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peelerboy
Moparts Member
Posts: 2347
From: Detroit, Michigan, USA
Registered: Jul 2001
Hey jj! I completely forgot that you were going to be runnin' the 5spd in your Runner! That's great. And Dodge1! I remember you talking about it last summer, too. Man... getting old has got my memory fading! 
Hey Vainglory! If I'm not mistaken, the $2,850 price tag gets you everything
Therefore, this will just leave you to get the p.plate, clutch, flywheel, throwout bearing, etc.
Dale
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5.0LX
New Member
Posts: 2
From: West Palm Beach Florida
Registered: Jan 2003
posted 01-20-2003 01:25 AM
I put a Tremec in my 5.0 Mustang and loved it. The Tremec is a very strong and solid tranny that can handle a lot of abuse (I always power shifted every gear). Unfortunetly one rainy night I lost control of the car and totalled it. However I still have the tranny and was wondering if I could put it in my 70 Challenger 383. If I buy the bell housing and mount from Keisler will my Tremec work or are the ones Keisler sells different?
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Dodge1
Moparts Member
Posts: 1050
From: St Clair Shores, Michigan
Registered: Apr 2001
posted 01-20-2003 02:43 AM
Yes if I remember right the input shaft is different. Might want to call them and see if they will modify a trans you already have.
Vainglory
What you need comes in the kit peelerboy posted. The rest you don't unless you want to change it at the same time.
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G-Series
Moparts Member
Posts: 282
From: MA,USA
Registered: Aug 2002
posted 01-20-2003 07:48 AM
Peeler, I think you get YOUR bell converted, the adapter plate etc.. Check to see if the price is the same if you need one of Keisler's new bells.
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Danny
Moparts Member
Posts: 301
From: WV
Registered: Dec 1999
posted 01-20-2003 09:48 AM
Hey Peeler,I put one in my 70 383 Challenger and love it. You will not be disapointed. Like Dodge1 said, I think the 1st-2nd drop isnt a concern, in fact I dont even notice it.
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