Budget T5 Swap: 1968 Mustang 200 Inline Six

Many posts helped me assemble my budget T5 swap in my 1968 Mustang (200 6-cyl, 3-speed manual, 7.25 rear w/ 3.20 ratio). I wanted to put together a list of costs, links, and part numbers that might help someone else searching for this info one day.

To avoid breaking the bank, I took my time finding the transmission. I collected everything on the list below over the course of several months from September 2024 to January 2025.

The "Budget" T5 Swap List

• $300.00 – T5 Transmission from 4-cyl '92 Mustang (FB Marketplace)

  • Check the metal tag against the list https://mustangnerd.com/technical-info/t5-transmission-identification-guide

• $156.99 – T5 Adapter Plate (CJ Pony Parts)

  • Note: Ensure this fits your specific application; there are different ones depending on your engine block year

• $103.79 – Diaphragm Style Clutch Kit (SACHS K001601)

  • Fits 9” Flywheel (NON-dog dish style)
  • Source: Rockauto (Look up a 1978 Ford Fairmont)

• $96.62 – T5 Crossmember (eBay)

  • I've used this budget style on two T5 swaps without issue.

• $75.00 – Pinion Yoke from an automatic car 7.25” rear end to fit the new driveshaft (FB Marketplace)

• $50.00 – Various U-joints & seals

• $40.00 – Already shortened driveshaft from a ‘69 Mustang w/ snap ring style end caps (FB Marketplace)

  • Note: Unfortunately, my stock 6-cyl driveshaft was just too long

• $29.99 – Aluminum Shifter (Amazon)

• $25.00 – T5 Hardware Kit (Modern Driveline - MD-201-T5)

• $24.99 – Shift Knob 5-spd (Amazon)

• $19.00 – Reverse Light Adapter to T5 (Modern Driveline - MD-700-0001)

• $19.00 – Transmission Mount (Modern Driveline - MD-604-1101)

• $12.81 – Clutch Pilot Bearing (TIMKEN 202SS)

  • Source: Rockauto (Look up a 1983 Ford Ranger 2.2L 134cid L4 DIESEL)
  • Important: The pilot bushing MDL sold me did not fit the 4-cyl T5 input shaft. The Timken 202SS worked.

• $9.50 – Speedometer drive gear

  • Note: Your part # will vary based on rear end & tire size use the calculator here to determine which one you need https://mustangnerd.com/technical-tools/t5-speedometer-gear-calculator

• $105.00 – Slip Yoke to fit my already shortened 1310 driveshaft (CJ Pony Parts)

  • You may be able to re-use yours from the auto or manual trans, but check the spline count and condition.

Total Spent: ~$1,068 (give or take some nuts/bolts)

Tech Notes

• I partially disassembled the T5 to inspect the overall condition and ensure the gears were in good shape. There are several videos available on how to do this properly (including torque specs and resealing).
• I re-used my clutch throwout bearing since I had recently replaced it.
• Don't forget to budget for fluid: I used 3 quarts of Dex/Merc Valvoline ATF. This is the general consensus on what I've found for people to use in the world class T5s.

Part Links

• T5 Adapter Plate: CJ Pony Parts Link
• Crossmember: eBay Link
• Shifter: Amazon Link
• Shift Knob: Amazon Link