[MSC58]

I have been looking to get some more out of my 2.3 and switching it out to a manual is on my list. I know in the future I will be swapping out the 2.3 for a 5.0(or something similar) so why not start with the mods now. I was also thinking of the gains a T56 6 speed will get me even with a 2.3L. Like having an extra gear for the highway. It will bost up the MPG and also get the power to the ground better. So the only thing that is holding me back from getting one is the price of the tranny($2400), and the conversion(Auto-Manual). So I was looking for some guidance on what will be needed to convert the car to a manual. And also if the T56 is worth spending the money on knowing later on I'll be getting a V8.Thanks in advance!

[HIPO2.3]

Im 99.9 percent sure that the t56 only comes with a larger 5.0 input shaft, it wont work with a 2.3.

You could just go and get a t5, which will be awsome for you. Switching from a auto to a manual is a very simple straight forward swap. There is only one wire or something like that that has to be bypassed to make the cpu realize its a stick. Im not sure which it is, but im sure someone on this board can fill you in.

Your gonna need a different flywheel, a clutch kit, bellhousing, clutch cable, clutch pedal, and throwout bearing, trans, (obviously) Im not sure if the driveshafts are the same or not, i believe they are.

All in all, even if you can only use a 5 Spd, your gonna like it, my 2.3 5sp gets 50 miles per tank better then my girlfriends 2.3 Auto. Probably even more if it wasnt turbo and so damn fast. lol. Good luck.

[MSC58]

Thanks Hipo, yea I was thinking it would be to good to be true. Thinking about it now I saw somewhere that the T5 in the v8 and the T5 from the 2.3 use a diffrent driveshaft because of the diffrence in length? Yea I'm not to sure on that either. Can anyone else help me out with details. Like what wire needs to be bypassed and if the input shaft is larger on the T56? Thanks again Hipo.

[MSC58]

I was thinking.. Can't I just get a T5 input shaft? How can the input shaft be bigger and still fit into the V8, but not small enough to fit onto the 4 cyl?

[J. Rhapsody]

Up, up, up!
You can use a T56 with a 2.3 or v6 or whatever. You just need an adapter plate sold by a few people. I plan on running a T56 for my 2.3. Unless it's like the T5 with 3rd gear problems I'll use a different 6speed. Also theres something you can git to equalize the output shaft to mate up to the 2.3. Anything is possible, it's a Foxbody. I think what you need is a different output shaft.

[5.0Stanger]

Question: Why would you change the input or output shafts?

The input shaft would only work, if the pilot bearing (in the crankshaft) had the inside diameter required for the V8 input shaft. As for the output shaft: Why not just get the correct yoke for your driveshaft? I think that'd end up being less expensive than modifying the transmission.

[mg man 75]

Here you go. May help. How To Put a T56 6 Speed Transmission Behind a Ford 2.3L

[MSC58]

Well this thread is pretty old. I guess I just had to wait a little while to get an answer. Thanks for the link mg man.

[J. Rhapsody]

Your 2.3 will need decent power to make it worth it. i guess the FI'ed 2.3's 120hp is enough. Saved that to favorites.