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Thread: t-5 86' 2.3 ?

  1. #1

    Default t-5 86' 2.3 ?

    I have a 86' notch with a 2.3L/4spd. Will a t-5 out of 88gt directly replace the 4spd?

  2. #2

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    You are going to need a bellhousing for the T5. I'm 90% sure the T5 has a different mounting pattern then the 4spd.

    After looking at your post again, I see it's a GT T5. The V8 T5s have a larger diameter pilot bearing area on the input shaft then a 4cyl, so if you were to use that trans behind your 2.3, you'll have to run an aftermarket pilot bushing in place of the roller bearing.
    Last edited by Bungy; 11-13-2015 at 06:12 PM.
    80 Fairmont Futura 2.3 4spd (soon to be 2.3T 5spd)
    86 Turbo Coupe 2.3T 5spd
    89 Mustang 2.3T 5spd (WRL Racer)


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  3. #3
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    The other issue you have with using a V8 T-5 over a 4 cyl T-5 is the gear ratios in the transmission are different. The V8 T-5 doesn't have as steep or as low gears as the 4 cyl unit due to the V8 having more power and specifically Torque.

    If you are running a stock 4 cyl IMHO you would be better off installing a 4 cyl T-5 rather than the V8 T-5. Besides if you get one from a donor vehicle you can get all the parts such as bellhousing, etc. that you need at one time if possible.

    Another point is that a 4 cyl T-5 is less likely to be beat on and torn up compared to a V8 T-5.

    Trey
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

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  4. #4

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    thx for the help. I was actually going to do a v8 conversion on my little one owner. i have an 8.8 rear almost ready for installation. i have located a 88gt convertible that im thinking about buying for my donor car. i prefer to do projects one step at a time so i was thinking i could just swap out the transmissions before i do the motor swap if possible.

  5. #5
    FEP Power Member 4-barrel Mike's Avatar
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    It's FAR less work to swap the engine and transmission together as a single unit.

    Mike

  6. #6

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    i would much rather do two separate installs.. have never liked installing tranny and engine together. i would rather swap the rear end one afternoon and be able to drive my car same day. same as the tranny install one afternoon and be able to drive car that day. that way i can get each system lined out instead of several headaches all at once. plus doing it in parts allows me to work on car at my pace and still keep it mobile.

  7. #7
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    I am not saying it's impossible, but that will be quite a feat IMHO to do a transmission CONVERSION from a 4 speed to a 5 speed and be able to drive it the next day.

    I highly recommend you plan well ahead and make absolutely sure you have all the right parts assembled and ready to go for that since this is not exactly a transmission swap, but a full on conversion that are always more involved and always seem to have issues that come up at the last moment.

    The same will be true for your V8 conversion. Again not that it can't be done in a day, but if this is your first one that is a high bar you have set for yourself. I have been playing with Fox Mustangs since the late 80's and I have converted everything from a 4 cyl, a straight 6, and a v6 into a 5.0 or 351W car and I still wouldn't want to put myself under the gun to do one of the above conversions in a day. A long weekend . . . Sure no problem, but a day!

    Best of Luck!

    Trey
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
    1969 Mach 1
    1979 Pace Car now 5.0/5 speed
    1982 GT Stalled RestoModification
    1984 SVO Still Waiting Restoration
    1986 GT Under going Wide Body Conversion Currently

    Current Capris:
    1981 Capri Roller
    1981 Capri Black Magic Roller Basket Case
    1982 Capri RS 5.0/4spd T-top Full Restoration Stalled in TX
    1984 Capri RS T-top Roller
    1983-84 Gloy Racing Trans Am/IMSA Body Parts

  8. #8

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    Quote Originally Posted by wraithracing View Post
    I am not saying it's impossible, but that will be quite a feat IMHO to do a transmission CONVERSION from a 4 speed to a 5 speed and be able to drive it the next day.

    I highly recommend you plan well ahead and make absolutely sure you have all the right parts assembled and ready to go for that since this is not exactly a transmission swap, but a full on conversion that are always more involved and always seem to have issues that come up at the last moment.

    The same will be true for your V8 conversion. Again not that it can't be done in a day, but if this is your first one that is a high bar you have set for yourself. I have been playing with Fox Mustangs since the late 80's and I have converted everything from a 4 cyl, a straight 6, and a v6 into a 5.0 or 351W car and I still wouldn't want to put myself under the gun to do one of the above conversions in a day. A long weekend . . . Sure no problem, but a day!

    Best of Luck!

    Trey
    I agree about the engine swap being more of a weekend project....I was referring to the other systems of the swap being pretty much completed in a day each.

  9. #9
    FEP Super Member IDMooseMan's Avatar
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    What are your plans for the 2.3L? Have you posted a "For Sale" thread? Or are you not going to do that?
    Craig "IDMooseMan" Peters
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  10. #10

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    If you had everything ready, I'm sure you could do a auto to t-5 swap in a day. I did mine in just over two, but I had no idea what parts would work and did a ton or research to find out. It's much quicker and less messy to pull engine and trans together. I had my engine and trans on the ground in an hour on my 87 tbird.

    I think the fuel lines are the only thing that would really slow you down in a 4cyl to 5.0 swap if you had a parts car. Of course, I would also swap brakes and suspension, which could take more then a day depending.
    2 1986 cougars (both 4 eyed and 5.0)
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  11. #11

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    finally getting around to the t5 swap. 4spd clutch has no life left in it so might as well do the swap. I have not done the v8 swap yet so car still has the 2.3L. I did take Wraths advice and scored a 93' 2.3 5spd car. Sold the 2.3L and have the 5spd pulled wanting to go into my 86'. I assume this will be a straight forward swap. Just remove the 4spd install the t5. Is there anything else that will need changed?

  12. #12
    FEP Super Member gr79's Avatar
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    Requires 5 speed driveshaft (41.5") and T5 shifter. Takes 3 qts Mercon ATF or Mobil 1.
    Do not know if 86 4 sp bell has correct trans bolt pattern for a 93 T5.
    That is the key to a simple trans swap or the bigger job.
    Best to reuse the T5's speedo cable end gear or reuse the 4 speeds if the tooth angle matches.
    Backup light harness should reconnect as before.

    Higher ratios of V8 trans would work if 4 cyl car has 4.10 rear end gear.

    Did my conversion 7/1/2002. One full day of work. Everything was staged in advance.
    Did change the fluid and rear seal. Very easy when out of car.
    Upgraded shifter assy 7/12/2015. 100,000+ miles on swap.
    Name:  trans t4-t5 swap1.jpg
Views: 101
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    Already had a '79 RAD trans bell, so nothing was changed in front of trans.
    T5 trans is 1352-000-209/F2ZR-7003BA 1992-1993 Mustang 2.3.
    Driveshaft 1991 Mustang 4cyl.
    3.97/2.34/1.46/1.00/.79

    Other info:
    V8 T5 3.35/1.93/1.29/1.00/.68

    1985-1986 SVO E5ZR-7003EA/1352-000-116 tag
    3.50/2.14/1.39/100/.78
    1985-1986 Tbird TC is 1352-000-114/E5SR-7003AA
    4.03/2.37/1.49/1.00/.081
    1987 Tbird TC has E7SR-7003AA/ 1352-000-155 tag
    3.97 4cyl gear ratios trans.
    Last edited by gr79; 07-07-2018 at 01:45 AM.

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