Discussion
Hi all.
Could any of you tell me if there are any differences between the T5 gearboxes across the TVR range? I
I know the bellhousings will vary between the cars and that the later ones had the S10 tailhousing.
Apart from this though are all the input shafts,output shafts and ratios the same? if so, I assume a Cerbera box would fit a Chimaera would fit a Tuscan etc.....
Many thanks, Chris.
Could any of you tell me if there are any differences between the T5 gearboxes across the TVR range? I
I know the bellhousings will vary between the cars and that the later ones had the S10 tailhousing.
Apart from this though are all the input shafts,output shafts and ratios the same? if so, I assume a Cerbera box would fit a Chimaera would fit a Tuscan etc.....
Many thanks, Chris.
Sardonicus said:
Both types fitted to the Chimaera as well 
Yep its a great gearbox and I can highly recommed getting fresh fluid in it.Had mine changed out for new when it was services a couple of weeks back, they take Dexron III fluid and wow what a difference its made, changes are nicer and it feels tonnes smoother.
4.55L of Carlube ATF-Q3 cost me next to nothing from GSF and its left enough to drain and swap out the PAS fluid too.
s3c chris said:
Could any of you tell me if there are any differences between the T5 gearboxes across the TVR range?
By the time the 'T' cars were released (Tuscan, Tamora, T350) TVR were offering the T5 box with different gear sets, a close ratio option could be specified as a special order on these cars but Chimaeras and Griffiths from 4.0 litre to 5.0 litre always came with the same ratios as follows:- 1st = 2.95:1
- 2nd = 1.95:1
- 3rd = 1.34:1
- 4th = 1.00:1
- 5th = 0.8:1
Another point of note being 95% of all T5 equipped Chimaeras used the TVR gear linkage that corrected the gear stick position, the last run of Chimaeras benefited from a factory Borg Warner factory tail housing used on all later TVR models that did the same job as TVRs gear linkage making it redundant while at the same time delivering improved shift feel. All T5s used by TVR from Chimaera to Sagaris were not only the better needle roller bearing and carbon fiber lined sychro version of the World Class box, but were in fact the very best 'Z' spec version of the World Class T5 box. The 'Z' spec box took the maximum 265ft/lbs torque capability of a regular World Class T5 and lifted that figure to a safe 330ft/lbs.
The nick name 'Z' comes from Ford’s part number, 7003Z, the 'Z' spec box was created by Borg Warner for the Ford Motorsport division to address their requirement for a transmission that could handle the greater torque produced by Ford's highest powered Mustang at the time. The 'Z' spec T5 we have benefited from 13 years of T5 development and effectively got the best of everything, as the 'Z' was considered a race/street box it did however lose the reverse gear brake which is why our TVR boxes can be a little trickier to get into reverse, but the age old technique of selecting 5th before reverse solves this and the truth is that reverse gear brake wasn't a great design anyway so it's no real loss.
The 'Z' spec T5's torque rating of 330ft/lbs is a typically Borg Warner conservative figure and was based on 100,000 mile usage, the box in 'Z' spec is known to cope with more torque and will handle up to 450hp if its treated with respect, for all Chimaeras (even the 5.0 litre) this box is well over specified which is proven by the fact it even survives well in 400+ horsepower 4.5 litre Cerberas.
Much to my surprise, when I bought it I found that my manual Saab 9-5 Aero (260 bhp 2.3 high output turbo) has almost exactly the same mph per 1000 rpm in all gears as the TVR, apart from what feels like a slightly higher second gear - the Saab needs first to pull away from junctions. So TVR weren't alone in choosing those ratios for a performance car.
My son in law's 9-3 diesel auto on the other hand does 85 at 2000 rpm, but he wouldn't know that, as his granny is a quicker driver and she's 6 feet under.
My son in law's 9-3 diesel auto on the other hand does 85 at 2000 rpm, but he wouldn't know that, as his granny is a quicker driver and she's 6 feet under.
Thank you all for the helpful information.
It would appear then that apart from the differences in the tail housing, all T5 boxes specified for the Chimaera, Griffith and AJP V8 Cerbera should be interchangeable, I assume all the input shafts on these boxes are the same?
Many Thanks, Chris.
It would appear then that apart from the differences in the tail housing, all T5 boxes specified for the Chimaera, Griffith and AJP V8 Cerbera should be interchangeable, I assume all the input shafts on these boxes are the same?
Many Thanks, Chris.
Just to mirror Dave's (Chimpongas) post, the T5/3.45 BTR diff combo in mine is coping well with lots of horsepower, torque & running in the Speed Championship. It had the famous 5th gear mod around 8 years ago, all I do is change the fluid regularly and have had no problems, (although this could of course be famous last words!!!).
Richard 858 said:
Just to mirror Dave's (Chimpongas) post, the T5/3.45 BTR diff combo in mine is coping well with lots of horsepower, torque & running in the Speed Championship. It had the famous 5th gear mod around 8 years ago, all I do is change the fluid regularly and have had no problems, (although this could of course be famous last words!!!).
Just out of curiosity, and I know I have asked this before, but does your gearbox make any audible noise when the car is ticking over? Most I have heard have been near silent, even with the roof on.....s3c chris said:
Just out of curiosity, and I know I have asked this before, but does your gearbox make any audible noise when the car is ticking over? Most I have heard have been near silent, even with the roof on.....
There can be a grinding type noise if the spigot bush is worn or not correctly fitted. There are 2 sizes - one for the T5 and one for the earlier LT177 - and a loose fit can sound like Ford Transits from the 90s. It is fitted in the centre of the flywheel and holds the input shaft steady.This is the T5 one: http://www.powersperformance.co.uk/store/slug/spig...
s3c chris said:
Just out of curiosity, and I know I have asked this before, but does your gearbox make any audible noise when the car is ticking over? Most I have heard have been near silent, even with the roof on.....
Mine makes no noise that I've noticed, at any speed or conditions.Thanks for the replies.
I know I am going on and on about my gearbox but I still feel it's not right.....
All of the cars I have sat in and listened to seem quiet, almost silent . Mine is a year 2000, 31k miles Chimaera.
Mine still makes a "whirring" noise which is distinctly audible on tickover. The box has been out four times and "rebuilt" (my definition of a rebuild would include at least new bearings but they say they're ok) by three different specialists and none have cured it and I have spent (wasted?) thousands and am at a loss now. The last person reccomended sound insulation......
The gear change is better than it was but the noise is still there! I know I'm a perfectionist in some ways but it's not right....
Anyone got a reasonably priced T5 for sale?!!!!
Regards Chris
I know I am going on and on about my gearbox but I still feel it's not right.....
All of the cars I have sat in and listened to seem quiet, almost silent . Mine is a year 2000, 31k miles Chimaera.
Mine still makes a "whirring" noise which is distinctly audible on tickover. The box has been out four times and "rebuilt" (my definition of a rebuild would include at least new bearings but they say they're ok) by three different specialists and none have cured it and I have spent (wasted?) thousands and am at a loss now. The last person reccomended sound insulation......
The gear change is better than it was but the noise is still there! I know I'm a perfectionist in some ways but it's not right....
Anyone got a reasonably priced T5 for sale?!!!!
Regards Chris
Mines a 2000 Mk 2.5 as it has everything other than the flailed in lights and Estorils, possibly customers choosing at the time.
That's clearly not right, cut gears are a poss but that would have been identified by now.
I do wonder sometimes,,, I have a mate who's a regular mechanic but does have an interest in gearboxes and he pulls them apart and back together in no time. Has proper setting equipment etc but he makes it look easy and explains gearboxes to people fairly easily. Noise can only mean bearings, scoring or Badly cut or worn gearing you'd think as there's not much more in there.
Feel your pain and it's very good to be a perfectionist but in this case it's only about getting it as it should be. New or second hand gearbox might well be the way to go as this must be costing you a small fortune
That's clearly not right, cut gears are a poss but that would have been identified by now.
I do wonder sometimes,,, I have a mate who's a regular mechanic but does have an interest in gearboxes and he pulls them apart and back together in no time. Has proper setting equipment etc but he makes it look easy and explains gearboxes to people fairly easily. Noise can only mean bearings, scoring or Badly cut or worn gearing you'd think as there's not much more in there.
Feel your pain and it's very good to be a perfectionist but in this case it's only about getting it as it should be. New or second hand gearbox might well be the way to go as this must be costing you a small fortune
If the box is noisy take it back you have paid for this fault cured in particular if someone bought a car to me with a noisy wheel bearing for example I would expect to cure the noise if not I have to keep going to put the matter right it;s an occupational hazard GET THEM TO SORT IT 
Otherwise your paying for what exactly? this makes my blood boil I wouldn't even expect to get away with this kind of thing let alone try 
if someone bought a car to me with a noisy wheel bearing for example I would expect to cure the noise if not I have to keep going to put the matter right it;s an occupational hazard GET THEM TO SORT IT Otherwise your paying for what exactly? this makes my blood boil I wouldn't even expect to get away with this kind of thing let alone try Sardonicus said:
If the box is noisy take it back you have paid for this fault cured in particular if someone bought a car to me with a noisy wheel bearing for example I would expect to cure the noise if not I have to keep going to put the matter right it;s an occupational hazard GET THEM TO SORT IT Otherwise your paying for what exactly? this makes my blood boil I wouldn't even expect to get away with this kind of thing let alone try
if someone bought a car to me with a noisy wheel bearing for example I would expect to cure the noise if not I have to keep going to put the matter right it;s an occupational hazard GET THEM TO SORT IT Otherwise your paying for what exactly? this makes my blood boil I wouldn't even expect to get away with this kind of thing let alone try 
^^^^^ this all day long Well said, Simon.Don't be afraid to take them head on, you have paid for a service (gearbox rebuild) and the job must have a 12 month warranty. Why they didn't replace the bearings while it was in bits seems suspect to me.
Thanks for the advice about this.
The first "specialist" took the box and new bearings supposedly fitted but the gearchange after was horrid and the noise still there.
The second "specialist" told me that the bearings had not been replaced so they fitted new bearings to the mainshaft only and a new 3rd gear synchro. It was still noisy so they took the box out and increased the preload on the bearings.
After about 1500 miles and out of "warranty" the 1st to 2nd change often baulked so having lost faith I took it to another specialist who took the box out and replaced the 1st gear synchro. I asked for a full rebuild kit to be fitted but when I picked the car up they said that the bearings looked ok but they had fitted a different gearset to try and eliminate the noise but that had made no difference so they hadn't charged me for this. I suspect my gears were better and newer to be honest. They told me to add extra sound insulation.....
All three people who have had the box apart are well respected specialists often recommended on this forum. Perhaps they are all missing something? To the best of my knowledge a complete set of bearings has not yet been fitted and it still makes this noise. New release bearings have been fitted each time the box has been out, new bronze spigot bush and last time a Ford needle roller spigot bush was fitted. I am at a loss now as to what to do. All I know is it shouldn't be noisy like it is!
Regards Chris.
The first "specialist" took the box and new bearings supposedly fitted but the gearchange after was horrid and the noise still there.
The second "specialist" told me that the bearings had not been replaced so they fitted new bearings to the mainshaft only and a new 3rd gear synchro. It was still noisy so they took the box out and increased the preload on the bearings.
After about 1500 miles and out of "warranty" the 1st to 2nd change often baulked so having lost faith I took it to another specialist who took the box out and replaced the 1st gear synchro. I asked for a full rebuild kit to be fitted but when I picked the car up they said that the bearings looked ok but they had fitted a different gearset to try and eliminate the noise but that had made no difference so they hadn't charged me for this. I suspect my gears were better and newer to be honest. They told me to add extra sound insulation.....
All three people who have had the box apart are well respected specialists often recommended on this forum. Perhaps they are all missing something? To the best of my knowledge a complete set of bearings has not yet been fitted and it still makes this noise. New release bearings have been fitted each time the box has been out, new bronze spigot bush and last time a Ford needle roller spigot bush was fitted. I am at a loss now as to what to do. All I know is it shouldn't be noisy like it is!
Regards Chris.
Gassing Station | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff