G-Force TransmissionsThe name "G-Force" may not be immediately recognizable to the average hot rodder, but this high-performance transmission company is actually a division of Long Tool & Machine, the parent company of Long Shifters. Long and G-Force are well-known in professional drag racing and in NASCAR for producing incredibly durable transmissions and shifters. As a government-contracted aerospace components manufacturer, Long is well-versed in precision machining and absolute consistency of specifications and tolerances. Recently, G-Force added a complete internal shaft and gear arrangement for T5 gearboxes to its list of offerings. This kit replaces the stock T5 guts with G-Force's own components, and when fully outfitted, raises the T5's torque rating to roughly 500 lb-ft or 600 hp. There are two main versions: a fully synchronized unit and the race-bred trans using dog-ring engagement. The power rating remains the same for both. G-Force sells the components for the upgrade, can provide a complete ready-to-run transmission, or can rebuild your T5 with the G-Force internals. G-Force Transmissions, Annville, PA, 717/867-4352, www.g-forcetransmissions.com
Keisler Automotive EngineeringWhat began as an outfit dedicated to restoring the electrical bits of vintage Mopars has grown in just over 10 years into a diverse outlet for classic auto restoration and modification parts. The first musclecar transmission offerings from Keisler were for Chrysler products, enabling the use of the popular Tremec five-speed in place of vintage A-833 four-speeds and even as an alternative to Torqueflite automatics. Since then, the applications for five-speed swap parts has grown to include kits for classic GM cars, including kits specifically for first- and second-generation F-bodies, Chevelles, Novas, and even Corvettes. These kits are intended as bolt-ins that don't require cutting or other "permanent" modifications. Keisler offers choices of Tremec 3550, TKO, or TKO II boxes in its swap kits (depending on desired power capacity), and also offers new reproduction steel floor humps for manual transmission Chrysler applications as well as reproduction shifter handles, replicating those used on original Mopar musclecars, though designed to fit the Tremec shifter base. All necessary bellhousing, driveshaft, speedo gears and cable, and other driveline parts needed for the Tremec swap are also available through Keisler. Keisler Automotive Engineering, Knoxville, TN, 865/609-8187, www.keislerauto.com
Hanlon MotorsportsPennsylvania-based Hanlon Motorsports (HMS) is headed up by noted Mustang drag racer Bob Hanlon. Hanlon's racing efforts have involved successfully running manual gearboxes in classes where automatics were thought to have a distinct advantage, and to date, Hanlon Motorsports prides itself on serving the fastest five-speed racers in the country. Hanlon's knowledge of manual gearboxes is the driving force behind the business, and late-model overdrive boxes are a specialty. While rebuilding and upgrading gearboxes is the bulk of Hanlon's business, HMS also offers a full line of new gearboxes and replacement parts for the T5 and the Tremec line. For the T5, HMS offers the Cobra-spec "Z" trans, with 2.95:1 First gear and 330-lb-ft torque rating. This is a brand-new gearbox, ready to replace your weaker production T5. If you want something stronger, HMS can set you up with a Tremec 3550, TKO, or even the TKO II. HMS can also convert your Tremec to a mid-shift shifter location with its own billet adapter kit, and offers a Tremec girdle for increased strength. Of course, all service parts and full repair and rebuild services are also available. Hanlon Motorsports, Elverson, PA, 610/469-2695, www.hanlonmotorsports.com