2.3 to 5.0 swap question?

Definately use the 5.0 tranny. Its stronger.

As long as you drive like grandma with a 2.3 transmission in good condition, you shouldnt have any problems for a long time. 2.3 has a different ratio 1rst gear than the 5.0 stock tranny. But if you want peace of mind for longetivity I would go for a World Class T5 new or a quality rebuilt 5.0 unit such as from D&D. As long as you are not exceeding 300 horses from the motor. You can do it right now or learn/pay more later.

As for suspension, you need to find out what you want out of your car: a good street cornering car or a dragstrip car. Emergency manuevers on the street with your current suspension will not be effective.

yea i would go with a 5.0 T5.

If you would like something that handles well but not too hard, i say Eibach progressive springs (lowers about inch and is stiffer for cornering but not too harsh on street), new shocks all around, 5.0 front (with beefer endlinks) and rear sway bar, and purchase new front control arms (which include new balljoint and bushings(while your changing out springs might as well attack this)), and either caster camber plates or offset steering rack bushings to control inner tire wear from lowering of car). This would be a good start that wouldnt be too expensive. $500-700

Cheapest route would be set of used 5.0 springs (stock ride height) and used 5.0 front/rear sway bars. $50-100

More serious route would be to go with a complete system from one company for all out racing (road/strip) if you really get hooked.

I have on my 91 the first suggestion along with polyurethane bushings. I couldnt be happier driving this around town and touring around in the twisty mountain roads.

Dont forget you may want to address the smaller brake system and 7.5 rear axle (8.8 is strong more durable that comes with 5.0 cars) with the increased power.

one more thing

Labor not included! Install of springs by professional would be recommended due to danger. Replacing the balljoint and control arm bushings on the control arm would be a great time now during the install of springs and will save money. Check for play in balljoints to see if they need replacing.

guehner91lx said:

I bought a 91 2.3 to swap to a 5.0. My question is if I go to a 5.0 can I use the tranny that is in the 2.3 or should I swap to the T5 5.0 tranny. And if I can where do I get the pilot bearing I keep hearing about to make this possible. Also, Do I need to change the front suspention (cant spell) on the 91 lx I have to make the 5.0 work better in there and maybe get the damn thing a little further off the ground. Those lx's seem to point down in the front. Thanks guys, any advise is appreciated seems how this is my first project with a mustang ever.

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If you have a 5.0 T5 use it, and keep the 2.3 T5 as a spare. If you're on a budget, the 2.3 T5 will work, but expect it to fail at some point down the road.

As far as suspension goes, I would at least swap over to 5.0 suspension and brakes. The 5.0's have bigger brakes than the 4cyls. If you are going to drive the car on the street, I strongly suggest getting 5.0 brakes and suspension, or upgrading to cobra brakes or something bigger.

Jeff

thats the beauty of all this. with the aftermarket so huge and the fox car simple to work on you can transform your car the way you want it. Pick up a subscription to the mustang mags, order mustang catalogs, and do some research online. be sure to plan this investment and have goals in mind that are reachable. dont make the mistakes i made with my first car by not building a strong foundation first: Solid drivetrain being first, suspension/brakes being second in your case.