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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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 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!