• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

Considering my swap (engine AND trans) options, please make suggestions.

  • Thread starter Thread starter lvin4jc
  • Start date Start date Aug 17, 2018
L

lvin4jc

New Member
Aug 17, 2018
2
0
1
SoDak
Aug 17, 2018
#1
  • Aug 17, 2018
  • #1
Hi all, new to the forum. I had a Canadian version 1984 SVO a couple of years ago, also an '88 Turbo Coupe. I now have a really nice little 1992 Mustang LX Vert. I like the car, the power top is nice and works great, the car handles really well and the body is straight and rust free. However, after my 2 turbo'd 2.3's, this N/A is getting kinda boring as you might expect.

I have the itch to go fast so I considered selling the Mustang and buying something but I really like Fox's and I know if I get rid of it i'll want another down the road so i'm thinking about swapping out the drivetrain and keeping the body.

So... I like the 2.3T, it's fun to play with, easy to make fast and I like catching people off-guard with it. Or... I have a 351W lying around that's in great running condition that could be made pretty nasty. Or whatever you're going to tell me is easier or better or? Keep in mind I would really like to keep it all Ford, if the suggestion isn't Ford it needs a good reason why it's inherently better.

Also, the 'vert is rocking an automatic OD trans which I assume means it an A4LD. So if any power is going to be enjoyed for long that needs to go away also. I'm open to auto or stick. Sticks are great but i'd have to convert it all over, not crazy about that, auto would be easier and I had thought that it would be better on a 2.3T engine because you wouldn't lose boost in between shifts like with a manual but what I read online says they rob too much power and aren't worth it?!?

I'm a little lost here as to what direction to move in, what will work out the best and be the most fun in the end. Please let me know what direction you would go in and why. Thanks!
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,285
17,980
224
Massachusetts
Aug 18, 2018
#2
  • Aug 18, 2018
  • #2
Budget?

Sky is the limit in terms of what you can swap in. Can do a 2.3T, 5.0 351 or even think outside the box with a newer evoboost 2.3 swap.

Really your call here
 
L

lvin4jc

New Member
Aug 17, 2018
2
0
1
SoDak
Aug 18, 2018
#3
  • Aug 18, 2018
  • #3
Sure, I know there's room for lots of options in there. If I were to do say a 2.3T or a 5.8 or even a 4.6 modular. What transmission would you go with in those situations?
 

CarMichael Angelo

my rearend will smell so minty fresh,
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
10,641
8,909
234
Birmingham, al
Aug 19, 2018
#4
  • Aug 19, 2018
  • #4
All three of those engines require a different transmission, as none of them are interchangeable. A 2.3 is relegated to a weak a4ld auto, or a t5 manual designed for that bell housing. A 351 has everything available to it, from a c4-, fmx, c-6, AOD, AOD-e, and a 4 r70/4r70w auto. And a top loader 4 speed, t5, tr 3550' tr3650, tko500/600, 5 speed, and t56 6 speed manual.
A 4.6 modular requires a bell housing specific tr 3650 5 speed, t56 six speed manual, or 4r70w auto.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Considering widening my rear wheels, would like to verify my thoughts on fitment
  • 2000xp8
  • Jul 9, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
29
Views
731
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Thursday at 6:30 PM
AeroCoupe
W
Speedometer and shifting issues
  • wyatt-tetro891
  • Aug 17, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
6
Views
164
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Aug 18, 2026
wyatt-tetro891
W
Ford truck engine swap issues
  • keel
  • Jul 7, 2026
  • Other Auto Tech
Replies
17
Views
452
Other Auto Tech Jul 13, 2026
General karthief
Engine Suggestions on an engine rebuild. Stock cam/GT40Ps or aftermarket on both for a fun weekend driver?
  • MadSquirrelTech
  • Apr 28, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
23
Views
960
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 7, 2026
MadSquirrelTech
B
Where to go from here on my build…
  • B0udreaux
  • Jul 14, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
8
Views
269
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jul 18, 2026
AeroCoupe
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?