1970 Mach 1 Transmission question

[Mach1_1970]

I have a 70 Mach 1 351 Cleaveland v4 motor FMX Automatic Transmission,2nd gear does not work, I would love to put in a beefy Manual Transmission..what do I need? What would be the cost to but and install a manual zf5 speed? or to rebuild and beef up my FMX or C4? What are your thoughts on both.

Thanks

[Otlaw80]

not sure about a manual. but ig you want an beefy auto go with a C6. built like a brick shit house. throw a shift kit in it and you won't be disapointed. they are heavier than a C4 but stronger. Busted the front pump shaft on a C4 in my 79 so I put a C6 in with 2800 stall and shift kit. It was a bit to much trans for a 302 but your cleveland will love it.

[kramerj2]

If your serious about going to a manual then probably your best bet is a T-5. It's a 5 speed with over drive. But it's not gonna be cheap. Your probably looking at around $2000 for the complete chang over. There is lots of info about this swap on the internet. Some places sell complete kits to do it. Because your talking about going from an auto to manual it makes it more difficult and more expensive. I'm in the process of restoring a second 69 Mach with my brother and that's the route we are taking. If your not in a big hurry I would recomend watching Ebay for a tranny. We picked one up with bell housing and drive shaft for $250. It needs new bearings but the gears are in great shape.

[silverstangboy]

if you go T-5 you might consider going with a Z-spec'd unit.
your cleveland will make alot of torque for a regular T-5
the Z's are a much under-rated unit.

BTW the FMX seems to be a fan hated tranny for some reason. but i've seen first hand one take years of 500+ HP 408CID abuse.
not sure what the fuss is about.