Can anybody tell me what the differences between out 2.3 5 speed t-5 transmissions and a 5.0 5 speed t-5 are? I know that our t-5's will work in 5.0's, but I'd like to know the differences anyway. Thanks.
Different input shaft
Different countergear (resulting in different gear ratios)
All synchros are weaker brass type vs 3-peice design on the 5.0 WC T-5
Different bearing designs
4-banger T-5 rated for 250 ft-lbs while 5.0 is rated for 265-300 ft-lbs
input shaft is the main difference. to use the 2.3 5spd with a V8 you use the pilot bearing from an 87 saab 900s. To use the V8 trans with the 2.3 you have to machine the input shaft to fit into a stock bearing.
Everybody who's never had a 4cyl 5spd with a V8 (or any jackasses who can't drive) will tell you that they won't hold up. My 351w car ran 7.8's in the 1/8th(mid 12's) and never whined or showed signs of wear.
I took mine apart and it does look very strong. I constantly smash into second gear (and all other gears on occasion) with some frightening noises, and powershift and everything crazy I would never try in a dodge... I went in there because I expected to find things all busted up, but was disappointed. Zero signs of wear, other than a little rounding on the 2nd gear dog teeth.
Machining input shafts and finding exotic pilot bushings is pissing into the wind when you merely have to install the correct shaft by unbolting the front cover.