How much HP can my 88 Shelby Z hold?

[bsbllfit7]

Hey everyone i have a 1988 daytona shelby z with stock everything as of now. I am upgrading the block and head and turbo to get me up to around 300 whp. How much hp can the stock transmission handle on the shelby z. I have just put in a new stock clutch but im guessing im going to need to put in a stronger clutch to hold this horsepower. Are there any other upgrades that MUST be done to keep the transmission from blowing up.

[Jack's Dodge]

If that is the A555, you should seriously consider the after market bearing plate omnivore was selling. This will protect your trans for the rest of its days.

[bsbllfit7]

Well i guess thats one of my questions is what transmission is that? Is it that A-555 or an A-525 or even an A-520. I know that the shelby z was the biggest performance model that they had so im guessing they had the best tranny as well. It is the TURBO II setup as well if that helps anyone out

[d_snook6]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsbllfit7 Well i guess thats one of my questions is what transmission is that? Is it that A-555 or an A-525 or even an A-520. I know that the shelby z was the biggest performance model that they had so im guessing they had the best tranny as well. It is the TURBO II setup as well if that helps anyone out

Should have a A-555, round tag on top of the tranny will say.

[bsbllfit7]

so if i have the a-555 do i need to upgrade my clutch? and if so what other things should be donne? you were talking about a bearing plate or something? what will that do and how much does it cost

[88jbody]

at an estimated mid-high 200's HP
I blew 5th gear in my 555 I put in that was perfect before I removed it from the donar car

get that plate!
clutch will last for a wile, but be prepared to change it
with that plate in the trans the clutch and axles are your weaker link.

and I rather change axles then transmisison so If it is out put a better clutch in, if it is still in the car, buy a better clutch and sit it on a shelf until you need to use it.

son now it looks liek I may have to go back to my a520 untill I get my 555 fixed or a replacement

[bsbllfit7]

ok but what exactly is the name of the plate and what does it do? Another question i have is where can i get the part and how much does it cost?

[88jbody]

you can find it on the vendors sites.

basicaly it holds some bearings in place

and price, you may find one form a member on here cheaper then the vendors, but I still think the price form the vendors is probably not to bad

[bsbllfit7]

sorry if im being a bother but can you post a link to a vendors website that has the part? I am going to be making some serious horsepower and dont want to kill my tranny haha

[capev86]

87-89 had the 520 (or the bad boy 555 version). the 525 was only available in L bodies after 1986. the 520 & 555 are great if you upgrade with the chrome moly plate to eliminate 3rd gear deflection!

[bsbllfit7]

ll check tomorrow when i get back home as to what the tranny is, im hoping its the 555, once again can anyone send a link as to where to get this plate

[MachIIIRayzor]

Like so.
FWDPerformance.com

[bsbllfit7]

and thats the only thing you guys recommend for my transmission? nothing else will be needed to support this horsepower

[Sittn86]

Your tranny, if a 555, will hold up as-is. For good insurance, get the chrome-moly retainer plate. It is a GREAT investment. Since you just replaced your clutch, you should be ok for some time. When it comes time to replace it, get a McLeod Rev-Lok. They're chattery, not too easy on flywheels & pressure plates, but they will not slip. A T3 PP with a T2 disc is another alternative, but it may slip. Avoid puck clutches; they will eat your flywheel. Dual diaphragm PP's break clutch cables like crazy, unless you extend the lever on the tranny. If it will be a street car, the DD PP's suck. The McLeod isn't really recommended for street use, either, but it's not too bad. If you're not too bad at fabbing, you could make a retainer for the differential pin. It'll save you a lot of headache in the end. Otherwise, depending on your budget, get a limited slip differential; the pin issue won't really come into play with one.

[MachIIIRayzor]

Wonder why my link didn't go all the way...
fwdperformance.com/Store/Product.asp?IDCatalog=61&ProductID=239

A Quaife wouldn't hurt either, you wouldn't have to worry about busting your case if your diff pin says adios.
fwdperformance.com/Store/Product.asp?IDCatalog=61&ProductID=346

And the clutch
fwdperformance.com/Store/Product.asp?IDCatalog=49&ProductID=297