How reliable is the MT82 transmission in the Mustang?

Hey folks, how bad is the MT82 transmission in the newer Mustangs? I had an '06 GT with a 5-speed that I absolutely loved, but I’m eyeing a 2017-2019 model and I’m a bit nervous after reading some of the online reviews. For those of you who’ve experienced it, how’s it holding up?

8 Likes

Honestly, the MT82 isn’t the best. I get locked out of 2nd gear at least once a week. I changed the transmission fluid which helped a bit, but it’s still an issue. It was happening every day before the change. :confused:

7 Likes

Mine was stuck in 2nd gear all the time, grinding and popping out of gear. I ended up sending it to Calimer for a rebuild, had to replace 3 gears. I also installed an Exedy Mach 500 clutch and flywheel and switched to an MGW shifter. It’s like a dream now, but I’ve got to finish the 1,000-mile break-in period before really testing it. :red_car::dash:

7 Likes

I’m having similar issues with my '16 GT. It’s frustrating. :persevere:

7 Likes

Yeah, I’ve heard upgrading the clutch and flywheel can fix it, but I’d like to be sure before spending a grand. :thinking:

7 Likes

I had weird shifting issues too, but a Blowfish Racing shifter support bracket solved them for me. It improved the shifting feel and got rid of the lockouts and grinding on the 1-2 shift. Not as good as a Tremec, but way better. I’d consider that if you can find one. :+1:

7 Likes

Thanks for sharing! I’m looking at a Barton shifter for around $200. Do you think that’s worth a shot since I can’t find the Blowfish bracket? :man_shrugging:

6 Likes

Same here. Upgraded my clutch but now my clutch pedal feels sticky and doesn’t come up properly. It just pops back up. :confused:

6 Likes

Removing the assist spring is supposed to help with that issue. Mine is gone and I haven’t had any sticking problems since. :raised_hands:

5 Likes

Be cautious with that. Without the spring, the clutch might not fully disengage, and the throw-out bearing can wear out quickly. I replaced mine three times in six months because of it. :grimacing:

4 Likes

My car came without the assist spring. I tried to put a new one in, but the perch was removed, so I couldn’t install it. :face_exhaling:

3 Likes

I used to have issues with my stock clutch and even more with a McLeod, but now with an Exedy, the MT82 shifts smoothly. Definitely worth the upgrade! :raised_hands:

2 Likes

Thanks for the tip. I was considering a McLeod next year, but I think I’ll go with Exedy now. Should I also get a new flywheel? :thought_balloon:

2 Likes

Yes, definitely. I had the full twin-disk setup with Exedy and it made a huge difference. Also, swapping out the shifter mount bushing (I used a Steeda one) helped a lot. You’ll wonder how you ever managed with the stock one! :red_car::wrench:

1 Like