Transmission swap

[88Vic]

I've been thinkin about it, and I think that when I get the money I want an 84-85 Mark VII. They have the same engine as a Mustang and I think it rides on the fox platform. So my question is this: would swaping in a T5 into a Mark VII be fairly painless, as in not too much modification would have to be made in order to do this? An old Mark VII shouldn't be too hard to find, and T5shouldn't be much more difficult. Anyone know anything about doing this?

[Blaze86Vic]

Would be just about as difficult as putting one into a panther. As the key component is still not there, the clutch pedal. I'm not sure about the cross member for the Mark VII either, ours are easily moved to accommodate the T-5, but I don't know if it's that easy on the Mark VII. Less room to install stuff probably means it would be a little more difficult, but I don't think much more.

[Dave84]

yes 1984 to 1991 lincoln mark 7's all ride on a fox platform and 1986 and up i beleve have the mustang HO engine, i used to own a 88 lincoln mark 7, it was a fun car aside from having to fix the air suspension all the time,,
heres a pic of it,

[Nathan in MI]

If it is a Fox platform, couldn't you just swap in the whole pedal assembly out of a Mustang?

[DuceAnAHalf]

Did the Mark 7's come with a manual? I know the fox T-birds did.

[88Vic]

I don't think the Mark VII ever came from the factory with a T5. It says on wikipedia that Roush built some with a 5.8L and T5. I think i'm really gonna try this, as soon as I get enough money.

[nitroracer]

Look around on fordvschevy.com, lots of MKVII guys on there. Why do you want one of the cfi cars? Around 88 all MKVII's were HO powered and they're just as cheap.

[mrltd]

84-89 Thunderbird Turbocoupe for pedal assemblies and other parts. Need to use a 5.0L clutch cable though. It's been done TONS of times....

[88Vic]

84-89 Thunderbird Turbocoupe for pedal assemblies and other parts. Need to use a 5.0L clutch cable though. It's been done TONS of times....

Couldn't I just use the pedal assembly straight out of a 5.0 Mustang?

[mrltd]

Why not take a few minutes and go search for the info on ford vs chevy and the lincoln forums...Remember, it's been done before...

Here....took me 5 minutes.

http://www.lincolnsonline.com/tech/00140.html

[88Vic]

Well, it looks like lots of work. I hope I can get enough money and time to do this. And here's another question: which transmission usually requires more maintainence, the T5 or an AOD?

[Blaze86Vic]

I'd honestly say the T-5 gets more. I hear way more stories of 200,000 mile AODs than T-5s. However, a T-5 is easier to remove from the car, since you can leave the bell housing, and clutch as well. So really about the same I guess.

[mrltd]

I've replaced at least 5 times the t-5's than AODs.

[gadget73]

84-85 Mark VII had a CFI clunker motor or the not too common I6 turbo diesel engine. The LSC had an HO CFI, which was like 180 hp. The 86-87 LSC only had the HO, but it had the crappy heads and slightly smaller throttle body. It was rated 200 HP. All 1988-1992 Mark VII had the full fledged HO with the good heads and speed density EFI. This is the 225 hp Mustang engine.

To do a 5 speed swap, you need a lengthened drive shaft. Usually its an aluminum custom job that replaces the stock double cardan jobber. Make sure the suspension functions properly if you do this. The double cardan drive shaft was designed so that the air springs can go flat, and the drive shaft won't bind. As long as it holds air, you're fine. I'm not sure the setup for the clutch pedal, but I think most people use modded Mustang stuff. fordvschevy.com or lincolnsonline.com both have folks in the Mark VII forum that have done the swap and can give you all the info you need.

[88Vic]

I heard somewhere that the 84-85 LSC's had a 4bbl HO like the 85 GT. But I guess if they actually have CFI, then forget it, i'll get an 88-92 LSC.