Working on 89 mustang lx 2.3efi
 

Well I'm working on a 89 lx with the 2.3 efi and automatic with overdrive. The problem I've got is the trans. I got it and had to take it out and put in a new pump seal and bushing. But a day later the gears went out. I only have park but there is no drive of anykind or reverse. The trans is a A4LD trans out of a 88 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe with the 2.3. Now I'm only paying 500 for the car and can't decide if it is worth spending 800 or more to fix the trans. Or should I try again and rebuild it. I don't know what I'm doing so any input would be helpful. Even if you can tell me what other trans I can use in it from other cars or years. If it's cheaper I'll swap it over to a stick with a 5 speed. Now take into account the body needs work and paint, the interior is in almost perfect shape and the motor runs good with cold air. It's got all the power options and cruise. But thanks in advance.

I'd swap to a 5 speed. There's a zillion stangs being parted out... grab a t5 setup. Don't worry about the computer. Just disconnect the auto and the manual is pretty much good to go. There's minor details that I'll let the others more experienced in fox bodies go over.

So the t5 trans will fit it without having to do any mods? And what would the ecm have to do with it? Thanks again.

the bellhousing and tailshaft housing's are the variable points. The ECU normally has some input on shifting timing, line pressure, etc... may not be a factor on that old a car but it's EFI so I'd bet that there are tuning parameters in the ECU that can be largely ignored.

Well that would be cool if I didn't have to worry about the ecm. But do I have to change out the bell housing to fit a t5 on mine? Or if it only cost 200 for a rebuild kit for the trans I have would it be best to just rebuild it. I hate junking cars and really want to see about fixing it. But i have to finish working on my other project first. Thanks for the input.

Ok just an update. I'm gonna try this one more time. I've got a trans out of a 92 or 93 with overdrive for $200.00 I just have to put it in this weekend. The same person is a power seller on ebay and a alabama state trooper that buys stangs and restoresd them. It's a hobby of his. He offered me a convertible for 600 but needs a motor and trans. If I wanted to do a transplant. He fixes them in a shop he has behind his house. I'm gonna get me one. But I'm gonna try again and if it don't work out I'm gonna get rid of it. Oh he does have a turbo coupe motor and trans from a 88 that's for sale. But it was either go with the auto or get a 5 speed for the same price that I would have to get more money to put in and I really needed a ride so I'm gonna fix it. But thanks for you tips.