[acarter129]

I have read a lot of posts about Transmission swaps on hear, but I still have not read a definative answer to the question I am about to post. I just got a 1989 2.3L mustang to use as transportation. It is currently an automatic car. I would like to convert it to 5-speed, and an 8.8 rear end. I know the 8.8 I have will bolt right up, it just needs a brake line mod, however the question I have is about the transmission. I have extra parts left over from building my 5.0. I have a stock 86 t-5 with pedal assembly, and I have the stock 86 driveline. What do I need in order to put the v8 T-5 behind my 89 4 cylinder?

[sleeper_inc]

to need to machine the input shaft down (where it rests on the baring)

[acarter129]

Is that the only way? Is there possibly a different pilot bearing that I could use? What about the bell housing? Does the V8 bell housing work with the 2.3? I just want to be prepared and have all that I need to do the job before I start.

[b_chandler]

Search for Rapido or Hanlon motorsports. Both sell a pilot bushing that allows the 5.0 T5 input shaft to fit in the back of a 2.3 crank.

It's a bushing, not a bearing, not that it makes any difference.

[sleeper_inc]

The V8 bell housing wont work from everything I keep hearing. Just grab a 4 cylinder one and slap it on the front

[acarter129]

Thanks guys I appreciate it.

[b_chandler]

Sleeper is correct about the bellhousing. The Windsor motors have a different bolt pattern at the back of the block than the Lima motors. There's at least one person making adapter plates to allow the Windsor bellhousing to mate up with a Lima block, but if you're not going to all the trouble of adapting the 4cyl to accept the V8's larger clutch and flywheel, it's pointless.