Matt,
The t5 was the single best improvement in performance we have done.
We have a 3.20 rear end and a t5 from an 89 4 cyl Mustang. This gearing combination works well, 1st is really low (can you say wheel spin?), and 5th allows the engine to relax at speed.
Steps, Assuming you already have a manual trans and are keeping the zbar. All costs are rough estimates from memory.
1. Read Al's inline pages. Re-read after you have selected your parts. Also check out Cobrasix's web page write-up photos on his t5 install.
2. Select either a t5 for either a 4 cyl or 8, this will determine your pilot bearing requirements. The 4 cyl requires a special smaller pilot bearing Al supplied (forgot the cost but less than $40).
3. Obtain a transmission supprot bracket - about $150? May need new crossmember to car bolts $10
4. Get an adaptor plate Al - $150 to 180?
5. New clutch plate sized to your flywheel splines to the t5 - $40 Do not forget the alignment tool.
6. New pressure plate $? $50
7. Resurface flywheel and use new bolt to reinstall ?$
8. Throw out bearing $20
9. Obtain the transmission. $350 junkyard $600 ebay rebuild, $1200 new
10. t5 output yoke $50, new drivshaft end?
11. Modifiy driveshaft $80
13. New output/yoke bushing $10
14. New universal joint to mate yoke and dirve shaft $20
15. Fittings to the Reverse and netural switches - from the junkyard
16. Trans fluid
18. Clutch Fork boot $25
19. Clutch Fork to fulctrum anti rattle spring $6 we have broken two.
20. Shift lever & ball. We made ours, some a very $$$
This was not a hard or difficult install. The shift lever hump hole may need to be enlarged.
I think that's it. And of course all the small stuff that add another $100 or so. Our total cost was about $1,000 and very much worth it.
Regards, Dave