Hey guys, 1988 Colony Park, 5 speed swap (m5r2). So I've decided to change out the trans to a mazda 5 speed and the current crossmember is a couple inches short. So, anyone know if a super coupe crossmember could work on an 80s pbody? Since the SC had they're own version of the m5r2, Im curious if the SC crossmember would be a possible candidate without having to reposition the current mounts. Thanks
What do you mean by short? Short framerail to framerail? Short in height? Short in not far enough forward?
short as the crossmember mounting holes are 3 inches too short towards the engine bay for the m5r2's mounting plate to line up. sorry about skipping the details. I haven't even checked height clearances yet, I may have to get a custom member.
If your car had an AOD, there should be a second set of holes for Panthers with a C4 auto, and if not, just carefully drill new ones, or attach a 1/8" steel plate with holes drilled to attach the plate to the mount studs, and holes to match the slots on the crossmember. If there's a press brake available, see if you can make a pair of bends that drops the mount end down in order to match the height of the crossmember.
Could an extension handle 300+ hp without flexing? It did have an aod a while ago, and I do see the other mounting hole you're talking about. But the spare hole is set forward towards the bay. Thankfully a couple of the shops around here are willing to let me use their machinery.
The spare holes allow you to move the crossmember toward the engine. A V8 M5OD is made to fit into Ford trucks, when the crossmember is in the right position, so it stand to reason yours can be moved forward to accommodate this combo.
