I used a 2.3L car for my swap. It has a "lower quality" T5 but has low gear ratios.
Most, if not, all people told me my transmission wouldn't last a day but I managed to kill my timing chain before the transmission last year.
You'll need a V8 bellhousing, clutch cable, flywheel, clutch assembly and a special pilot bearing (Federal Mogul 202 series if I remember). The input shaft is a little smaller at the end, so a stock sized bearing won't work.
For the crossmember you can un-weld the V8 crossmember where the rail slides over the round part (where it sits into the body) and re-tack in the correct position. Or simply get a 5 speed crossmember.
Later on if you find a world-class T5 (from a V8) you just need to change the pilot bearing and T5 which is a pretty easy job.
