I am fixing up a 1968 firebird that now has a T5 tranny. The previous owner made a mess out of the top of the tunnel (big ole gaping hole/gouge) to where I cant see where the original hole would have been. I want to purchase and install an OER center console, but am worried that the hole in the console will not match up with my stick shift. Also, the shifter hole was off center (toward the driver side) because I think the original 4 spd that came with the car had a shifter a bit off to the side. On my T5, the shifter is centered. Is the opening (hole) meant to handle a tolerance of +/- and inch or so? I really want to go with the console but don't want to spend lots of money to find out it wont work. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks, Hank

I added a TKO-600 to my car, which is a beefed up version of the T5. I bought a specific shifter with an offset to make it fit perfectly in the console. I don't know if the shifters cross over to the T5, but I'm sure some tremec shop would know.

Cptn. S,
Thanks for the response. I was able to find a template for the shifter hole on this site and overlayed it last night. It looks like my shifter is about 4 inches further to the rear than the original. So, the console will definately not work right now. I will look into seeing if I can get a shifter with an "S" bend or see if there is a different tail section for the T5 with the shifter toward the front end as opposed to mine that is near the back end.

Hank, Welcome aboard.
What are the odds, two guys named Hank with first gen Firebirds that have transplanted t-5s in them?
I have an original console in mine and the only difference is that it is located less than two inches to the rear. I used the shift lever that came with the tranny but modified it a bit by rotating it 180 degrees so it slants to the left and forward then I attached an original style round lever to the stump. I can send you pictures if you would like. I have also heard that a ford t-5 tail-shaft will move the shifter to the more correct position.

Hey Hank! What a coincidence! I am currently talking with Astro Transmission down in Florida (they seem to make this stuff their specialty) about different tail section options. I also did notice that the Mustang tail section does move the shifter forward to a "better" spot and the S-10 tail moves it too far forward. My motor is a Chevy 350 so I am not sure if this also impacts the location of the stick shift since the original motor in my car would have been a Pontiac 350. Not sure if they all have the same distance measurement from where the motor mounts on the car frame to where the transmission bell attaches to the back of the motor.

I am also considering using some type of offset shifter that can re-position the stick forward a few inches. Did you ever consider this? Something like in the pic below, maybe with a more horizontal run to not interfere with the console.

Any pics that you are willing to post would be greatly appreciated.

I tried to PM you but for some reason that was blocked.
here are a few pics.







This is the present location of the console with the t-5.



.


Trans with modified shifter before installation.


View from rear showing offset of shift lever.

I have parked my car next to a friends original 400 4 speed car and asked people if they see anything different with the consoles and nobody noticed the different locations.

Hey Hank, I'm the guy selling that center console you were looking at on Ebay. Now that I see your shifter position, I'd say it would take a bit of ingenuity to use the center console. Doable for sure, but it would take some modificationing genius. Welcome Aboard!

Thanks again Hank for the photos. I went ahead and ordered an offset shifter to move the position of my stick 1-in left and 3.5-ins forward. Should get me close to the original position of the stick. Then I'll have make a cut out in the plastic console piece that goes over the boot to allow the offset arm to reach the console hole. Will let you know how it goes when finished.

Nash, thanks for your help on Ebay. Take care,

Henry