85LTD LX Manual Transmission Conversion

[Mtrhme]

Hello All,

Ran across your site looking for weatherstripping, but I have another question. I was wondering if anyone has had experience in doing manual transmission conversion like this. I have read a lot and it seems that I should be looking for about a 93 5.0 mustang, so that I can get the eng and trans from it, swing pedals, etc. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[TWR2003]

This has been done before:
http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicles/55758_1985_ford_ltd_lx/index.html

You dont need to use a later engine - you can put any late 5.0L T-5 trans behind your existing 5.0L. You may be able to use your existing pedal support if it has the holes for the clutch pedal in it - then youll only need the pedal set. If not then you will need a Mustang pedal support and pedal set. You will need 5.0L flywheel, pilot brg, clutch, 5.0L/T-5 bellhousing, release bearing, release fork, and clutch cable. Obviously you will need to cut a hole in the driveshaft hump for the shifter. To eliminate the auto trans column shift lever you will need to swap your steering column to a Mustang one. Or perhaps the column shift mechanism can be removed from your existing column - that Im not sure about. Driveshaft should be the same. Obviously alot of details but nothing insurmountable.

T

[5.0 bird]

Some of this info should be useful.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/576934/10

[Mtrhme]

Hello 5.0 bird,

Checked out the links, was a lot of great information. Thanks for taking the time reply.

Regards,

mtrhme

[Dean_T]

Weren't all LTD LXs floor shifters? I think it's a matter of pulling out the auto trans shifter and fitting the rubber shields and shift boot in it's place.

The Mustang pedal assembly you want is the ones that use the cruddy plastic cable clutch quadrants. If someone is going to charge more for the cruddy plastic quadrants, don't buy the quadrant but do buy the pedal assembly. Then, get an aftermarket cable clutch quadrant and firewall adjuster. I believe '82 through '93 Mustangs had the plastic quadrants.

Another info bit: '83/'84 V8 Mustang T-5s are trash. They are not world class and some internal parts are obsolete.

Happy Wrenching!

Dean T

[Mtrhme]

Hello TWR2003,

Thanks for the info! I know mine has the HO 5.0, but shes getting a little tired about 140,000mi on her now. If you were to look for an alternate engine what would you look for? Mine has the shifter on the floor already, so at least I won't have to mess with changing out the column.....whew......

Thanks Again,

mtrhme

[Mtrhme]

Hello Dean T,

From what I know about them, they are the only ones for those couple of years 84-85. So if you ever run across an LTD that has this, it will probaly be an LX. Unless your a car nut you won't know this, most people don't.

Regards,

mtrhme

[Mtrhme]

what transmission would you recommend?

[Dean_T]

If you plan on severe strip duty, TKO 500 or 600 or even a T-5 with G-force internals.

For street duty, '85-'93 will do fine but I believe the '92-'93s are the toughest of the production Mustang transmissions.

If you want to do some drag launches, I'd recommend a T-5 "Z" transmission. This is the T-5 which Ford Racing Performance Parts sells.

I have a few friends who own LTD LXs. Neat cars. I've also seen them in the wrecking yards once in a while. I wasn't sure since I also run across a few ex-cop LTDs in the wrecking yards. They also have the CFI V8 and auto trans but are column shifters. The cop cars are good finds since they have engine oil coolers, steel battery trays, and a 140MPH Calibration Certified speedometers - they are a direct bolt in to the production LTD and LTD LX instrument cluster. The only variation is the cop speedos have a satin backbground while the LTD LXs have a stripe effect.

I used to be more of a Fairmont quy myself.

Welcome to FEP and let us know if you need help with anything. Oh, and post pictures. We like pictures! :D

Dean T

[Mtrhme]

I have never seen a cop car in the wrecking yard, but a few mercury's. Coming into work the other day I see a Mercury Marquis about my year. I found a guy down in southern cal that had a 140 speedo's, so I bought one. So far my only major upgrade, but I do want to do the tranny swap. I'm now to much into dragging just going quick, and winding roads. Speaking of Futura's my mom had a 79 years ago that had the 5.0. That thing was pretty quick, always liked the body style. Reminded me of a minature T-Bird. I'll get some pics, looks more like a rat rod right now. Lots of ideas, you know champagne taste on a beer buget. Can't complain too much, I picked it up for $500.00. I knew the guy and he didn't want his younger nephew driving it.

Regards,

mtrhme

[Mtrhme]

You don't happen to know a James Peterson do you?

[TWR2003]

Hello TWR2003,

Thanks for the info! I know mine has the HO 5.0, but shes getting a little tired about 140,000mi on her now. If you were to look for an alternate engine what would you look for? Mine has the shifter on the floor already, so at least I won't have to mess with changing out the column.....whew......

Thanks Again,

mtrhme

I guess the LTD LXs did have the floor shifter for the auto trans so that makes life a bit easier in that regard. Is your current 5.0L carb or CFI? If you go with a later Mustang 5.0L are you going to do the entire EFI conversion? Keep in mind that most 87-93 Mustang 5.0L engines out there probably have as many miles are your current engine and have been beat on. What you may want to consider is a complete rebuild of your existing engine.

T

[LTDScott]

Ah, good old James Peterson. Hoarding away LTD LXs one piece at a time because I don't have the resources to. Good guy.

What has been stated above is correct, and the links at the top of this thread have great info. You'll need the transmission/clutch related components (T-5 trans most likely, but there are other options out there), flywheel, pedal set, clutch cable, shifter, shifter mount, and boot. Everything should be a bolt-in with the exception of the shifter attachment (you'll have to cut the trans hump in the floor, and enlarge the shifter hole in the trim plate on the center console). Consider a better clutch cable like mentioned above too.

I didn't do the swap on my car, but after owning the car for 5+ years I have seen every nut and bolt that put it together and for the most part all of the parts look like they belong there. And boy does it make the car more fun to drive. I took my car out into the back country around here last weekend, and just being able to hold a gear or downshift when you want makes the driving experience so much better.

[Mtrhme]

CFI

[TWR2003]

CFI

Obviously this is beyond just converting your LTD LX from auto to 5-speed. You have several options with your 5.0L engine. The easiest/simplest would be to rebuild the existing engine and keep it CFI. All the harnesses, wiring, components (sensors, computer) remain the same. You could install a later SEFI 5.0L but then you must decide if you are going to convert it to the CFI system currently in you car or convert your car to the later SEFI system - which is a bit of work. Not try to disuade you - many have done SEFI conversions - but it get a bit complicated (youll need all new harnesses, sensors, computer, and parts of the fuel systems are quite different, etc). Or you could rebuild your existing engine, or a later 5.0L, and set it up 'old school' with a carb. This would sound simple but it itself has complications when installing it into a car that had a computer controlled engine as now you need to remove alot of the computer controls sensors, etc.

If it were me I would do nothing with the engine you have. Forget the 140K miles as long as its running well (not burning oil, etc). The best thing you can do for performance - in addition to the T-5 conversion your are looking at - is consider a rear axle ratio change. No one single mod has the 'bang for the buck' effect on seat-of-the-pants performance than a rear axle ratio change. Your LTD LXs rear axle is probably 2.73:1 ratio. You should consider a 3.27:1, 3.55:1, or even 3.73:1 ratio. Late (87+) 5.0L Mustangs came with the 8.8 inch 3.27:1 ratio in some models and would be a direct bolt-in swap for your cars existing 7.5 inch axle. Those other ratios would require a gear swap in your existing axle or 8.8 from a recycling yard.

T

[Mtrhme]

Hello TWR2003,

Great info, your probaly rite about rebuilding the engine. They are really picky about smog rules out west here, it would just open a whole can of worms if I carbed it. I was being so optomistic about a newer engine. I want to keep it simple as possible, don't want to have to mess too much with harness changes and computer upgrades. I have been using her as a daily driver, and if I'm real nice I get 22 miles to the gallon. Thanks for all the tips and advice. I'll be checking back here often, and let you know whats up. In the mean time I'll get some pics of the old girl.......By the way does anyone know where I can get some new weather stripping for my side windows?......Its rotting and pretty soon the rains gonna get in.....he he.... and if anyone needs some pointers on changing the heater core out without breaking the A/C lines drop me a note. I've done it. Talk to ya'll soon.

Regards,

mtrhme

[LTDScott]

If you're worried about smog legality, you may have problems running a manual transmission and keeping the CFI. I don't know of any '85+ Fords that had CFI *and* a manual trans. Because of that, a manual trans swap in your car would technically be illegal, but I don't know how much hassle you'd get from your local smog station.

Since the '85 Mustang GT had a 5-speed and carbed engine from the factory, you could legally convert your car to that set up. In my mind, carburetors operate on black magic and voodoo, so I prefer EFI :)

As far as engine improvements go, if you want to keep your CFI you could do what I did with my last LTD LX (now owned by Marz) and swap in a later model (87+) long block. You get higher compression, a roller tappet cam, and better flowing heads. It's not a radical enough change to upset the computer, but would give you a bump in power without much effort. This combo netted 173 rwhp and 231 rwtq (higher than the stock flywheel numbers) on Marz's car.

The LTD LXs came with 3.27 gears from the factory. 3.73 gears really woke up the car, but the sacrifice may be worse gas mileage.

No idea on the window weatherstripping, but my car needs to have it replaced too.

[TR1]

I am putting one in my LTD wagon. The trans shifter base will come though the floor. I am using the enitre drivetrain from an 89' Mustang GT.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/8071/dscn0010zt8.th.jpg (http://img230.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0010zt8.jpg)
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/8578/dscn0012me1.th.jpg (http://img230.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0012me1.jpg)

In the pics I had not cut the floor all the way yet. I was still test fitting. Good luck.

[Marz]

If you're worried about smog legality, you may have problems running a manual transmission and keeping the CFI. I don't know of any '85+ Fords that had CFI *and* a manual trans. Because of that, a manual trans swap in your car would technically be illegal, but I don't know how much hassle you'd get from your local smog station.

Since the '85 Mustang GT had a 5-speed and carbed engine from the factory, you could legally convert your car to that set up. In my mind, carburetors operate on black magic and voodoo, so I prefer EFI :)

As far as engine improvements go, if you want to keep your CFI you could do what I did with my last LTD LX (now owned by Marz) and swap in a later model (87+) long block. You get higher compression, a roller tappet cam, and better flowing heads. It's not a radical enough change to upset the computer, but would give you a bump in power without much effort. This combo netted 173 rwhp and 231 rwtq (higher than the stock flywheel numbers) on Marz's car.

The LTD LXs came with 3.27 gears from the factory. 3.73 gears really woke up the car, but the sacrifice may be worse gas mileage.

No idea on the window weatherstripping, but my car needs to have it replaced too.

Right-o Scott!

OP: Scott had also worked on the exhaust system when he owned the car. He installed 1985 4bbl mustang tubular exhaust manifold with the 85 Mustang 2.5" Y-pipe. But Scott also had that y-pipe converted so it was 3" out... not the normal 2.5". So basically it's 2.5" dual to 3" single all the way to the back of the car (with an Ultraflow muffler) where it has the 2.5" (I think maybe 2.25") dual tips like the stock ones were. It's a little louder than my 85 Mustang GT 4bbl 5 speed and a little slower. But the 3.73 gears in the 8.8" rear along with the shift kit Scott installed really help the car.

[Mtrhme]

Scott,

So the LTD you have now is carbed then or is it EFI?......this is the one that you bought from the ford guy that did the conversion....Theres a guy around the corner from me who was selling a wrecked GT, looks to be around 89-90. Maybe I'll go by and see whats up. Just to let you know I heard from James.

Thanks,

Richard

[TR1]

Scott,

So the LTD you have now is carbed then or is it EFI?......this is the one that you bought from the ford guy that did the conversion....Theres a guy around the corner from me who was selling a wrecked GT, looks to be around 89-90. Maybe I'll go by and see whats up. Just to let you know I heard from James.

Thanks,

Richard

That would be a good idea in my book if you want to do an efi conversion. Having an entire parts car is eaiser then finding parts here and there.

[Dean_T]

Yes on getting a parts car. It's either that or go to the wrecking yards with a grocery list until everything is checked off.

James Peterson, yeah, he's a good guy. I sold him a couple of 140 MPH speedos I've harvested from the wrecking yards. He has a website about LTD LXs and Fairlanes.

Dean T

[LTDScott]

Scott,

So the LTD you have now is carbed then or is it EFI?......this is the one that you bought from the ford guy that did the conversion....Theres a guy around the corner from me who was selling a wrecked GT, looks to be around 89-90. Maybe I'll go by and see whats up. Just to let you know I heard from James.

Thanks,

Richard

My car was converted to EFI by the previous owner and I purchased it that way.

Getting a complete parts car (as long as the engine and related stuff is in good shape) would be a GREAT idea. There are lots of little parts that you wouldn't think you'd need and it's nice to have a car to be a donor.

[frink84]

My car was converted to EFI by the previous owner and I purchased it that way.

Getting a complete parts car (as long as the engine and related stuff is in good shape) would be a GREAT idea. There are lots of little parts that you wouldn't think you'd need and it's nice to have a car to be a donor.

seconded (and technically, thirded) on a parts car. this is how our wagons were done (78 fairmont with 86 stang stuff 5.0/5-speed and a 84 ltd with 89/91 stang stuff 5.0/aod)

[fox4dr]

Just did my drivers door/ manual window rebuild...suffered from forward leaning glass, shuttering when rolling it up and petrified exterior window wipes. Found the plastic window channel guides,for the lean and shutter and a new exterior window wipe. Does not have the OEM steel clips but looks exactly the same.
So far so good.
Will be doing the other 3 doors most likely in Feb some time and didn't take any pics so I will just leave everyone hanging...

BTW- My 85LX is also EFI. Runs MAC 351W shorties, MAC catted H pipe 2.5", MAC GT Cat back (since changed to SS Magnaflow mufflers and behind the tire side exit tails- like a Grand National) Passed the tailpipe emmisions with flying colours..
This was a bolt in. Only mod was adding the 5" to pipes after the H pipe (in the Cat back)and moving turning the external fuel pump.
Do the manual 5 speed conversion. Scott is so right, feels like a different car and is some much fun to drive. You should also be aware of your clutch choice, if you need a new clutch, as the aftermarket ones can give you a stiff pedal. The King Cobra is a good choice . I've got a 91 T5 with a 3.35 first gear and a 3.55 in the 8.8 and it makes 1st gear is utterly useless...and no, 396CI of 10.5 to 1 Windsor has anything to do with it...
You can get the trans info from the tag, find out your 1st gear ratio, and multply it buy 3.27(rear gear?).
Any thing over 9 will work for a street car (mine is 11.89 and I have to shift half way through the intersection)
..end or rambleing

[LTDScott]

Fox4dr, where did you get the window weatherstripping? I'd love to see some detailed photos. Would also like to see your tailpipe setup. The panhard bar on my car makes having standard tailpipes a pain and I wouldn't mind having a setup like yours.

Agreed regarding the clutch selection. I just swapped my orignal T5 with a T5Z with the 2.90 1st gear and a King Cobra clutch. Very nice combo.