96 cobra 5 speed

[snakebyte96]

does anybody remember a mechanical bulletin on the manual
transmission ?
mine has died for the second time with only forty thousand miles
anybody else have similar problems

[Dellcobra]

The T45 is not the best tranny in the world. Mine was replaced at about 75,000 miles because the Ford tech broke it on a test drive.

There are things you can do that will help the life.

First replace the shifter, if you have not already done so, with an aftermarket shifter such as the Pro 5.0. This adds positive stops and helps over pushing the forks.

Use Red Line tranny fluid. Do not use Moblie 1 for the tranny.

Don't speed shift. This seems to hurt alot.

This is just my .02 on the matter.

I do open track my car and it is a daily driver with 93,000 miles on it now.

Dell

[Sharppony]

I've yet to experience a problem with my transmission with 41K on the odometer. I did replace shifter with Pro 5.0. Great improvement over the stock shifter! :tmb:

[PETSNKE]

Originally posted by Dellcobra
Use Red Line tranny fluid. Do not use Moblie 1 for the tranny.


Why? I have used Mobil 1 ATF in my T45 for the last couple years(~7000 miles). I have not pushed it hard, only a couple runs down the drag strip last summer, but I do intend on going to a couple track events this year. Should I change?

[Dellcobra]

My understanding is that the Mobil 1 is missing something that Ford requires on the T45. I think it has something to do with the syncros. I just remember on the SCOA list that Mobil 1 was a no no.

Sorry I can not give you more details. I will try and find them.

I use the Red Line Tranny Fluid.

Dell

[96Cobra]

I recently bought a used '96 Cobra, with 79000 miles on it. The reverse gear synchro was out, and upon inspection the tranny showed its age. I opted for a remanufactured one from the local Ford Dealer, 30,000 miles, 3 year warranty. That was Thursday, its now Tuesday, in for a replacement tranny.

The transmission whined in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th. The 5th gear whine ended after about 50 miles of driving, the transmission ended after coming to a stop at 20 mph, locking the driveline (preventing rear wheels from turning) and skidding the rear tires. Glad that wasn't wide open. The fasted the Cobra has been is 74.1 mph, and that's on the back of the towtruck flatbed...

Is there whine normally in these trannies or was this an early indication of failure? (2 days old).???

Thanks, Mike :huh:

[deactivated]

i think you just got a bad refab job. I laughed pretty good at the 74.1 comment.

[96Cobra]

A replacement tranny is on the way, will see how this one behaves... :allhail:

[boughing97]

Why? I have used Mobil 1 ATF in my T45 for the last couple years(~7000 miles). I have not pushed it hard, only a couple runs down the drag strip last summer, but I do intend on going to a couple track events this year. Should I change?

I have a 97 Cobra with a steeda tri ax, but I have never changed the fluid. I thought that manual trans did not need fluid changes because they were packed with grease? Am I wrong? If so, should I change the fluid ASAP?

thanks,
josh

[96Cobra]

i think you just got a bad refab job. I laughed pretty good at the 74.1 comment.

The tranny had bad input shaft and bearings. It only lasted 3 days of non abusive highway/city driving.

I hate this because this has a little 4th gear clash under acceleration when going from 3rd to 4th, or from 5th to 4th on decel. If I "wait" during that shift, i.e. shift slower, its ok. This sure sounds like a 4th gear synchro to me.

I should have kept the original tranny that had just 5th gear synchro issue!

This work is by a FORD SVT Authorized dealer, so either its impossible to get good parts or what? Don't know if this is a case where after some miles things wear in and are smoother (all the teeth are gone on 4th???!!!)

Mike

[96Cobra]

The tranny had bad input shaft and bearings. It only lasted 3 days of non abusive highway/city driving.

I hate this because this has a little 4th gear clash under acceleration when going from 3rd to 4th, or from 5th to 4th on decel. If I "wait" during that shift, i.e. shift slower, its ok. This sure sounds like a 4th gear synchro to me.

I should have kept the original tranny that had just 5th gear synchro issue!

This work is by a FORD SVT Authorized dealer, so either its impossible to get good parts or what? Don't know if this is a case where after some miles things wear in and are smoother (all the teeth are gone on 4th???!!!)

Mike

Had Cottman Transmissions confirm, and went back to the Ford dealer, they are removing the tranny. I'd called Borg/Warner/Tremec prior to this and they also confirmed that things weren't right, thought I'd update the thread to myself.... :knock:

[gcassidy]

I have 2 friends who have replaced their T-45 with a T-56. Easy as replacing any tranny (new drive shaft), and oh so sweet.


The T45 is not the best tranny in the world. Mine was replaced at about 75,000 miles because the Ford tech broke it on a test drive.

Dell
Dell, where can I get a Ford tech to break mine? I assume they then replaced it. If not, never mind. :D