2.3 NA Transmission Compatibility

[breon]

I've seen some articles on how to swap to a T5. But before I decide to swap, I'd like to know what the stock tranny is in the 87-93 2.3L NA. Also what is the rearend? 8.8? 28 spline?

What preformance parts are available for it? LSD/Posi?

 

[Red_LX]

You don't specify which stock tranny...the manual is a T5, the auto is an A4LD. The rear axle is a 7.5. Manual cars have 3.45's and autos have 3.73's. I know you can get trak-loks and probably a spool for the 7.5, but I don't know what else is available.

 

[TMX]

there are gears, and for a limited slip there is t-lok from ford and a Detriot Truetrac which is more than an NA 2.3 would ever need, it works for NA 99+ V6s easily. 7.5 girdles can be found, I've seen them on the V6s.
http://www.drivetrainspecialists.com/categories/ford/ford-75/index.html 7.5 rear end parts. Don't bother with a Detriot Locker, it's great for drag racing, but not good for turning. A ford T-Lok should suffice for an NA 2.3.

 

[breon]

I guess I should have made my intentions a little more clear.

I don't own the 2.3 yet, so I'm not completly sure how everything works or is attached. I will be building this into a Rally car to compete in the Rally America Central Region Championship. There is a provisional period for new drivers, so I have to run the 2.3 until I earn the right to drive more powerful cars. I plan on doing the 5.0 swap when that time comes. in the meantime, I need to figure out how to make the little old 2.3 into a race worthy car.


Since I'm going with the 5.0 later, should I jsut swap the 7.5 out for the 8.8 right now?

 

[Keasbey]

I think the 8.8 could be a good idea..

 

[rd]

The 7.5 will most likely stand anything the 2.3 can dish out, na or turbo. My 7.5 stands 1.9 sixty foots behind a sprayed 5.0, C4, setup. (Yes, I have an 8.8 in the garage)

I would not worry about the rear with the 2.3. The 8.8 is significantly heavier also.

If you go 5.0 with big power, a stick and slicks, yes, you need an 8.8.

 

[Racingboy532]

I'll throw my $.02 in....I plan to run my 7.5 on my rally car, assuming I ever get it put together. I found a decent deal on a 4.10 limited slip for the 7.5 and that made my decision. I don't think you'll experience trouble with it as we won't be hitting the rear with the "sudden shock" loading the way the drag guys do. It's not like there is a lot of traction in the dirt.

 

[breon]

My only problem is, since I'm going 5.0 later in life, I don't want to spend a lot of money on rear end parts (lsd, 4:10, etc) then have to buy all of those parts again when I go 8.8.

I'm sure I can find some used parts on eBay.

 

[Racingboy532]

I plan to run the 7.5 behind a 5.0L when the swap time comes. Becuase of the limited traction we'll face, I can't imagine there will be any issues with a 7.5....

Having said that, I am sure mine will blow up now!