I read in an article recently that Ford thought about putting a manual tranny in the lightning, but felt they presently don't have one that could withstand the torque of the L. Wonder if they considered having someone like Jerico design one for the L, or hell, even enhancing the old Toploader? ....and by the way, what type of tranny does the Cobra R have?

 

I don't think a 5-speed would be practical in a performance truck because the shifter handle would have to be too long. Although I sure miss slamming gears in my old Cobra.

 

I'm sure Ford could put a Jerico designed tranny in it, but the cost of the L would go up probably 2 or 3 grand more.

 

I am in the thinking and gathering stage of this.Am looking at a few possiblities for trans and converting them to paddle shift.Instead of using the cruise buttons for cruise use them for the shifting.Stan

 

Hewland 6sp. Easy gear ratio changes, more than strong enough, clutchless shifting (straight cut gears and no syncros).

 

Ruslow, I'm all for the paddle shifter, but I did a little test, and the cruise controls' location isn't exactly condusive to shifting while turning. (Then again, it may be that coordination thing.)

 

Stan doesn't turn the wheel too much in the corners. If you ever get the chance, ask him if you can go for a ride and you'll know what I mean. Don't ask to go for a spin, you might just get what you ask for!

Spike

 

Doesn't the Cobra R have the 5.4 instead of 4.6? R has 6spd right? BTW, wish our L had R exhaust out both sides, don't you?

 

Tremec T5 is a bulletproof 5sp, Tremec T56 is a bulletproof 6 sp, I think both of these could handle the power. If I am not mistaken, I think Saleen uses these, or used to.

 

Pickup Man - I think the tremecs are rated to 350hp according to Summit Racing, not positive though. But problem is not as much HP as it is Torque, most of us are @ or 500ft lbs of torque going through the transission.

Heres the Jerico link if anyone wants to see

 

VA
COOL Boss!!!! Always did love that color! Not real keen on manual trans since A/T can do so much with shift kit, chip and torq conv. Much more consistant in drag racing. Go to the track more than street race so that is my prefference. Just mt .02.

Steve

 

The Cobra R is a 5.4L with a T56 6 speed...just like Saleen uses and Dodge uses on the V10 Vipers.

 

heres another transmission place:

http://www.g-forcetransmissions.com/default.htm

 

Hi Spike. Are you saying Stan steers with his right foot?

 

Can you say Dyno Queen!
You would have some very impressive numbers for horse power and torque with a T56 in place. I am sure your drag racing would suffer though. I use the T56 behind my 600 plus HP 550 Ft. lbs of torque 4.6 2 valve Mustang and all that I can say is don't miss a shift. I can't wait to see a Lightning with a T56.