T5? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

the_scotsman · 01-31-2003, 21:34

I have an 88 EA MPFI 3 speed auto.
I was considering selling this and buying an EL, but I have decided to keep the EA and spend a bt of money on it.
Withing the next couple of months, I intend to do a 5 speed conversion....I just gotta do it!!
What I want to know is when you guys are alking about a T5, is this a certain type of 5 speed, or just another name for the ea 5 speed box?
I just want to make sure I get all the best parts. I have been looking throug the archives here and found quite a bit of info on the conversion but some posts contradict others.
If anyone who has done the conversion can offer any help on which parts, anything to lookout for etc.... I would be most grateful. I intend to do the conversion myself with a mate.

Thanks!

BLWNEB · 01-31-2003, 21:43

Why dont you just get a few quoates on doing the 3speed up throw in a 3500 converter, with a shift kit and 3.9 gears in the arse, match this with a good 2.5inch exhaust and extractors, then cam and intake, should get a 15.5 out of this setup, maybe less.

the_scotsman · 01-31-2003, 21:57

Yea, thats another route...but I miss having the manual, makes driving a bit more fun.

Martin · 01-31-2003, 22:39

The 3speed with a 3.91 rear will be an absolute PIA on the highway.

Go the 5speed for sure, sits on a nice 2500rpm at 120kmh with the 3.45 diff, rather than 3500+

You want a Falcon T5 from a 6cyl EA-AU, any of which will do

NZ · 01-31-2003, 23:35

Juts pay attention to what box you get. In the EA - ED the EA T5 had a 3.5 first gear ratio and it probably wouldnt be desirable to use a 3.45 diff on that. I think the better one would be the 4.0 box as it had the 3.25 ratio first gear.

the_scotsman · 02-01-2003, 14:08

OK thanks for the info.
I dont know what diff is in the car, how can I tell? So I shouldnt really need to change the diff?
The more info I can get on the conversion the better.

Thanks

WBT56 · 02-01-2003, 14:35

Quote:

Originally posted by Martin
You want a Falcon T5 from a 6cyl EA-AU, any of which will do

You cannot use an AU T5 as it will not fit.(The shifter is 2" further back)

WBT56 · 02-01-2003, 14:39

Quote:

Originally posted by NZinAUS
Juts pay attention to what box you get. In the EA - ED the EA T5 had a 3.5 first gear ratio and it probably wouldnt be desirable to use a 3.45 diff on that. I think the better one would be the 4.0 box as it had the 3.25 ratio first gear.

This is correct. However, a 3.5 ratio box has a closer ratio (lower) fifth also, so is a better package with a higher diff. The 3.28 ratio box has a higher ratio fifth, so suits a lower diff. The 3.28 ratio box is marginally stronger.

the_scotsman · 02-01-2003, 22:06

Ok, thats good info...ive started making a list of notes/parts that i will need to know when I do it withing a month or 2.
How can I tell which diff I have?
I assume the center console doesnt need changed? just the square bit where the T-bar is? Its just that when I imagined a 5 speed shifter there, it seems a bit far forward, like id have to reach to change gear...maybe just me?
Im pretty sure of all the mechanical side of the conversion, but can anyone tell me what changes/additions are required regarding electronics? Wiring etc...and ECU...from what I have read here, I can keep my auto ECU?

Thanks al!

Brent79 · 02-01-2003, 22:28

The diff ratio is stamped on the diff housing, a rectangular plate that may be difficult to read. On an 88 EA id assume its a 2.77 or could be a 2.92.

Brent