Some questions regarding the 88TC's T5 tranny

Hello everyone. I'm new to this site and will post a "Hello" thread soon, but for now, I need some help on a few questions.

I've had my 88 Turbo Coupe for a couple of years now, and finally got around to changing out the throwout bearing, among other things. Turns out the front bearing retainer was worn out and now I need to track down a new one. This is apparently an elusive part to find, so I was wondering if anyone here knows where to get one (aside from the classifieds, which I will be hitting up shortly). I have also been wondering whether the T5 in this car requires ATF or gear oil; I know the WC T5s use ATF but I can't tell if the TC T5 is WC or not. Thank you all for your time.

Welcome. Your T5 uses ATF. If you are talking the clutch forks for the 87-88 (hydraulic system, different from earlier clutch cable systems) they are very rare and expensive if you can find one. One guy bought an earlier , pre - 87 fork, had the retainer springs removed and riveted on his old fork. Old forks are available and real expensive from what I have heard

Thanks for the reply. As for the clutch fork issue, there is a broken spring piece on the fork I have now, but I'm currently looking into fixes for that. In the original post, I was referring to the throwout bearing retainer that bolts on the front of the transmission and fits over the input shaft.

The retainer on the front of the T5 is not a TO bearing retainer. The To rides on the clutch fork. Please note that this retainer, for the 87-88 TC T5s is slightly different size from the 83-86 retainers. I haven't found a part # but Bob Hanlon may be able to help you, He knows T5s. http://www.hanlonmotorsports.com/?q=node/3

The tube that the throwout bearing rides on is part of the front bearing retainer. As I recall, the V8 and 4cyl transmissions use two different front bearings sizes, so they're not interchangeable. Gonna see if I can make sure of myself.

The tube that the throwout bearing rides on is part of the front bearing retainer. As I recall, the V8 and 4cyl transmissions use two different front bearings sizes, so they're not interchangeable. Gonna see if I can make sure of myself.

You are correct. They are different. The 4cyl bearing retainer is very difficult to find. You could have the original welded up, then turned down to the correct diameter.
Another option (what I have done) is find a V8 trans and have the input shaft pilot bearing diameter turned down to match that of the 4cyl shaft. Then you can use an aftermarket steel retainer and never have to worry about it again. Of course the gear ratios are a little different. I used the 3.35 first gear trannys.

For whatever it's worth 4 cylinder T5 with 3.73 rear using a real world "calculator" 5th gear 3000rpm = 80mph (right around open loop switch setpoint for those using a stock ECU).

For whatever it's worth 4 cylinder T5 with 3.73 rear using a real world "calculator" 5th gear 3000rpm = 80mph (right around open loop switch setpoint for those using a stock ECU).

when i had the 83 5Spd non world class in my 88 it was 3000 rpm around 72-73 mph, my MPG suffered from that. thats with 3.73 gears too since my 88 was orignaly a automatic :headslap:
i found a used 88 T5 and been good since!