[Tom keedle]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

The T-bird Turbo Coupe had the 3.97 low gear in the T-5 , but I'd probably go with the V-8 World Class deal. with the closer ratios.
You are pretty much going to have to go with a 9" to get the strength and the ratio you will need anyway.
My experience with the T-5 is that they don't like to be power shifted above about 6 grand. You will probably have to slick shift 2 ,3 , and 4th to make it work, plus remove the heavy o/d gear in the tail.
Then you'll need a B&M or similar short throw top shifter.
The first time you go from 2nd to 5th, you will then have to make some kind of swing away lock out so you can still use reverse.
The T-5 is not and ideal situation, but probably the smallest and most efficient deal that you could get away with.
Pic is not the best but all I could find.

what about a 8.8"? might use less hp than a 9"...