My 5 speed on auto tbird 2.3

Applegonebad · Jun 1, 2015

Hey trs. I'm doing my turbo ranger project finally. I have an 87 2.3 tbird engine on a stand in my garage.

My question : will my 95 ranger 5speed trans bolt up no issue? Are the output shaft splines the same? Can I use my stock flywheel? Right now there is still a flex plate on the tbird output shaft.

Bummer I couldn't find a 5spd tbird 2.3. The auto turbo is not capable of the same max boost the 5spd 87 2.3 turbo.

turbo91xlt · Jun 1, 2015

'87-'88 TC 5 speed & auto engines are exactly the same, the difference was that the auto ecu controlled the boost control solenoid (bcs) to not run as much boost as a 5 speed ecu as the auto trans weren't strong enough to handle the full ~190ish hp of the 5 speed cars. A manual boost controller can fix this very simply. Yes your trans will bolt up but you will need a heavy duty clutch that fits the m5od spline count.

Applegonebad · Jun 1, 2015

turbo91xlt said:
Yes your trans will bolt up but you will need a heavy duty clutch that fits the m5od spline count.

Thanks dude! M5od spline. I need a new clutch anyway.

scotts90ranger · Jun 2, 2015

I recommend the Centerforce stock replacement friction disc and the stage 2 pressure plate with the weights, I've been beating on mine for a while and it's been taking it great

For the boost you could try to find a ECM from a manual T bird

Applegonebad · Jun 2, 2015

scotts90ranger said:
I recommend the Centerforce stock replacement friction disc and the stage 2 pressure plate with the weights, I've been beating on mine for a while and it's been taking it great

For the boost you could try to find a ECM from a manual T bird

So why won't my stock clutch bolt up? Go through it with me here.

Cody L · Jun 2, 2015

Stock clutch fits but will be marginal behind a 2.3T. I run a Hays performance clutch in mine and it works great.

Applegonebad · Jun 3, 2015

Normally id just swap the turbo right to my 95 ranger but I want them forged Pistons in tbird block! And I don't think I have the oil return threads on my 95 block ?

Cody L · Jun 3, 2015

They can be added. I debated doing this when deciding on running DIS. Ultimately I went with a distributor since I got a low mileage engine that I didn't want to tear into.

scotts90ranger · Jun 7, 2015

the stock clutch works just fine, until it won't handle the power anymore, I ran a new stock clutch when I put my turbo engine in and it did not appreciate the extra power I was putting to it and just wore itself out much faster than normal. I then switched to the Centerforce I mentioned and it has lasted twice as long and taken 3 times the abuse

Applegonebad · Jun 8, 2015

Looks like I'll certainly need an aftermarket clutch then. For damn sure. I wish I could put the turbo on my 95 block but my accessory configuration is entirely different. Oh and I want forged piston block. Soooo...

Cody L · Jun 8, 2015

You can put the forged pustons in the 95 block. The accessory drive should still be compatible. Plus you get the benefit of the updated design oil pump that removed the dummy dist plug.

Applegonebad · Jun 8, 2015

Cody L said:
You can put the forged pustons in the 95 block. The accessory drive should still be compatible. Plus you get the benefit of the updated design oil pump that removed the dummy dist plug.

Read an article that said my 95 block won't hold the accessory belt brackets correctly. My alternator is on the passenger side and it would be in the way of the turbo manifold. Right side where the alt meets to be moved to is a four bolt pattern for an Ac compressor. 95 block sucks!

My 5 speed on auto tbird 2.3

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