Curious T-5 swap...

[Terrifson77]

Ok, we've all heard the questions about doing the 'ole AOD to T-5 swap... I've had several stangs with both gearboxes, and had them in and out several times, but never felt the need to exchange one for the other... Until recently. I have a '91 5.0 with the venerable old AOD in her. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the slushbox, except that it is just that... a slushbox.

Having made my decision to swap, I have since done hours of research on the net sorting out compatability issues, and I've come down to one ultimate question... If I use the SN95 style T-5 with the longer input shaft, is that little-bity 5/8 of an inch REALLY going to matter??? The FOX3 5.0s have a 1" shorter bellhousing than their SN95 cousins, so in theory, wouldn't that make up the difference, or is swapping the tailshaft to an older T-5 the only route...? Where would this place the tranny in relation to my crossmember?

I am currently looking at using the T-5 from a 3.8L, since they are VERY available from a local salvage yard and, while a little weaker than the WC, the gear ratios are the same and they're a fraction of the price. I know the '99+ V6 T-5s are pretty stout, but they have a lot of electrics in them, so I might steer clear of them.

Sorry to be long winded, but I have many questions. If anyone has seen or heard of the SN95 T-5 being put in a '93-older car, please let me know if it worked. Thanks for all the help, everybody.

Jeff