[Divider]

Hey guys,

My names Mike, I've got a Jet black 1980 Ford mustang with a 4 speed manual trans and a 2.3L unturboed engine.

I have a few questions for someone who has the knowledge.

I want to upgrade my engine, but I want the 4 speed in it.

Changing transmissions is not an option for I am in love with my 4 speed.
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So first what I need to know is, would a 302 mount up to the 4 speed manual? Obviously with the right bell housing and etc. But would it run fine?
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Second, anyone know where to be referred to for a good turbo for the 2.3l? I'm wanting to get a little extra power out of it if I cannot switch to the 302.
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Lastly, My trans is a 4 speed, is there a technical call for that?
What I mean is, i've heard people talk of a T5 Five speed trans, and I was wondering if My trans had a specific name that would make part searching faster.


Thanks, Mike

[heavy metal]

Welcome to the site,enjoy!!!! search the 2.3 tech section,tons of great upgrades and info.

[b_chandler]

Is it that particular 4 speed or 4 speeds in general.

the 4speeds used during that era were crap.
There were two that come to mind. There was the RAD 4speed and there was the SROD. The SROD was found behind V8's then. Keep in mind, that the V8 at the time struggled to produce 150hp.

You're asking to become a sprinter but you want to do it wearing flip-flops.

What is it about the 4 speed that you like so much. Is it the gear spread? Is it the fact that the shifter is in a comfy position in top gear? I've owned cars with those transmissions and I don't think I was ever that enamored with them. I had an older Mustang with a Top Loader 4speed that I really liked. I don't know why, but I liked the clunky Hurst shifter.

[Divider]

Originally Posted by b_chandler

Is it that particular 4 speed or 4 speeds in general.

the 4speeds used during that era were crap.
There were two that come to mind. There was the RAD 4speed and there was the SROD. The SROD was found behind V8's then. Keep in mind, that the V8 at the time struggled to produce 150hp.

You're asking to become a sprinter but you want to do it wearing flip-flops.

What is it about the 4 speed that you like so much. Is it the gear spread? Is it the fact that the shifter is in a comfy position in top gear? I've owned cars with those transmissions and I don't think I was ever that enamored with them. I had an older Mustang with a Top Loader 4speed that I really liked. I don't know why, but I liked the clunky Hurst shifter.

Well, to be honest, it's the gear ratio and the fact a 5 speed is a power hog, i'm not trying to build a car that goes 200, i'm more in it for off the line and acceleration, lets face it, even with a 351 stroker, 5 gear in most cases just doesn't cut it.

I guess I'm attached because of the fact that flooring it in fourth give me the same amount of pickup as first, even with that little 2.3 ive already hit 140 easy, the problem is, the 4th gear is to wide for the little 2.3 to push it any harder.

Thanks for the little bit of help, but different people have different builds, sleepers look like flip flops, until you take them off.

[ethangsmith]

The 4 speed in your car is an "ET" type German-made transmission (hence why reverse is under 1st). It is non-overdrive. It will not bolt to any 5.0L bellhousing. If you want a 4 speed behind a 5.0L, get one of the above mentioned SROD transmissions.

[b_chandler]

Ethangsmith, the ET you're referring to is that the one that has the threaded ring and locking tabs that holds the shifter in place? You push down on the shifter to engage reverse right?

I was thinking that was the RAD, but I've been known to be wrong before

[ethangsmith]

That's the one. The threaded ring and locking tab only appear on the Pinto-Bobcat tailshaft though. The Mustang-Capri version has the 3 bolt attachment type like the SROD. And yes, for reverse you push the shifter down and shift into first.

[b_chandler]

Originally Posted by Divider

Well, to be honest, it's the gear ratio and the fact a 5 speed is a power hog, i'm not trying to build a car that goes 200, i'm more in it for off the line and acceleration, lets face it, even with a 351 stroker, 5 gear in most cases just doesn't cut it.

I guess I'm attached because of the fact that flooring it in fourth give me the same amount of pickup as first, even with that little 2.3 ive already hit 140 easy, the problem is, the 4th gear is to wide for the little 2.3 to push it any harder.

Thanks for the little bit of help, but different people have different builds, sleepers look like flip flops, until you take them off.

If you like it off the line, then you need the T5 I have under my '91. It's out of an early Turbo Coupe. It has a 4.03 1st gear. Combined with the 3.73's I currently have out back, 1st gear is snappy, but done way too quickly. I'm considering a set of 3.45's for the rear axle when I go through it this year.


Good luck with your build. I look forward to reading about your progress and success. Keep us posted.

[Divider]

ethangsmith, Thanks.

Yeah thats the trans. With the crazy reverse in it, so the 2.3 is the largest i could go eh? Well looks like i'm gonna have to find a nice turbo and replace the pistons.