2.9 Cologne V6 adapter for T5?

[TABrinn]

I want to swap in a T5 from a 3.8 V6 Mustang I have sitting in my garage into my 87 Ranger STX Super Cab, with a 2.9 V6, A4LD auto, 4.10 Rear, 225/60/16 tires. I figure the gearing should be about perfect for a rev-happy sporty DD.

The 2.9 to BW T5 swap has been done before and an adapter was available through a Sunbeam Tiger forum member who was swapping the 2.9 with T5 into Sunbeams using a Toyo Kogyo (TK aka Mazda) Bell from a manual equipped cologne, and an adapter plate between the TK bell and the T5. Sadly, the guy providing the adapters passed and took the knowledge with him.

There is also an aftermarket Bell available from the UK based Burton Power but it is very pricey (just shy of $1K after tariffs, before S&H). The 4.0 SOHC from the Mustang uses a TREMEC T5, but the bolt pattern from the BW Bell to changed to their own special TREMEC only patten (right?). The 4.0 SOHC Mustang T5 has different gears... and I'd have to hunt one down... The BW T5 is already in my garage.

Does anyone here know of an adapter available to mate the Borg Warner T5 to the Cologne? Anyone DIY'd a bell to tranny adapter plate before? How hard is it?

 

[JoshT]

Was going to suggest the 4.0L T5, but you seem to be aware of it already.

I'm not going to say than an adapter doesn't exist, but I've been looking ino this stuff since the early 2000s and haven't come across one yet. To me that 4.0L T5 is a blessing for us Cologne guys. I plan to use one behind my 2.8L if I ever get around to using it again.

If you change your mind about the 4.0L T5, I have a feeling it wouldn't be as difficult to locate as you think, but I'm also not in your area. I've found them via Car-Part.com at salvage yards in my area and though about going ahead and grabbing one.

When/if the time comes or opportunity arises, I actually plan to buy a full car and thrash it for a few years before parting it. Manual 4.0L V6 Mustang, drop a moddbox supercharger kit on it (or play with turbos), thrash at auto-x or road course type events and maybe try my hand at drifting it. When I part it the motor will be rebuilt for Mom's 2002 Ranger and the transmission will be saved for my 2.8L. Possibly some other bits saved too depending on what's happening at the time.