I found a '96 Mustang 3.8L V6 at the junkyard today. The door plate was gone, so I couldn't get any codes to confirm, but I believe it has the T-45 transmission, since '96 was the first year for the T-45. My question is, has anybody ever attempted to swap one into a Maverick? Any differences from swapping in a T5? I have a bellhousing from an SROD that SHOULD fit, if not, its not a huge deal. I'm getting the trans for $60, so I've got a lot to work with. Basically, can I swap this thing in just like a T5, or is it not worth my time? Edit-From what I've been able to read, the T45 only came on the 4.6L models (GT/Cobra), which means the one I found should be a T5. If its a T45, the bellhousing is integral to the Trans, and there currently aren't any bellhousings made to put a T45 behind a 302.
Yes, they continued using the T5 behind the 3.8 because the 3.8 uses the same bell housing pattern as the 302, where as the modular engines had a different bell housing pattern. The T45 does have a removable bell housing, but does not have a removable top cover like the T5. The '94+ T5's have a slightly longer input shaft (and deeper bell housing) due to the increased length of the car, so the shifter will be slightly further back if you use that trans. But it will only be a couple of inches at most. From '94 on, the 3.8 T5's were just as strong as the ones they put behind the 5.0.
So, the 3.8 bellhousing will bolt up to my 302? If thats true then I'm quite glad I took the extra time to pull the bellhousing! I actually pulled everything; trans, bellhousing, clutch, pressure plate, throwout bearing, clutch fork, clutch cable, backup light wiring, even the crossmember just in case I can use it to modify my exising crossmember. Pretty good score for $80. God bless junkyards.
The only thing I can tell you is that the bolt pattern is the same. Weather it will work or not, I really have no idea, though I can't see why they would make the V6 bell any different when it's the same bolt pattern on the block. Try it and let us know if it works.
I plan on doing a pretty detailed write up of the install when I get to it. I also picked up a 3spd toploader yesterday, and that may be going in first, so I can get the car moving on its own again until I gather what I need for the T5. The thought of trying to get the Z bar back in the car though is enough to make me just want to skip ahead and put the T5 in now.
