I stumbled upon a transmission among my racing scrap pile. Feels like a 5 speed.

Tag code reads 859T-MD. Google says it's out of an '88 MERKUR, XR4TI, 2.3L L4 Turbocharged. I know nothing about these cars. My questions are...

1. Is Google right?

If so,

2. Is it a direct bolt up to my 2.3 pinto? Same clutch/flywheel?

3. Is this a strong trans? I know it's not a T5, but will it hold up to aggressive AutoX and Drag racing?

Any info is appreciated.

-Rocky

Rooftop,
 
I looks like Pinto5.0 is right and you have a 5 speed T-9 trans. It is based on the pinto "Rocket Box" four speed. It will have a cast iron main case and an aluminum tail shaft housing. It will bolt up to your 2.3 but may have come with a hydraulic bell housing instead of cable activated one (you can check the bell). I don't believe you can use the hydraulic one in a Pinto because of the crossmember (if I remember right). The Merkur guys convert over to T-5s for more strength as the T-9 is only rated for 200 FT LBS of torque. That being said, if you decide not to use the T-9, I have a T-5 complete with bell I would trade with cash (or I'll pay all shipping) if you are interested. I am looking for a T-9 for my street 2.0L (it takes serious mods to do this).FYI-T-9 rebuilds are in the $600+ range if needed. PM me if you wish.
 
71HANTO

t-9 yeah, so easy to swap in, and if your car is stock to mabe 200 hp, great trany, just dont go over the 200, i love mine, feels original with an extra gear!

The T-9 will fit on your cross member. It's a cable type not hydraulic clutch. The 1987-88 Turbocoupes had the Hydraulic clutch T-5 as for the turbo fours( Do not know about later Mustangs etc). The T-9 can be updated to handle more power, see burton power.com. All in all it's should be a direct built on with no suprises. Except for is the transmission  good..Also you could fit a bigger Mustang T-5 flywheel and give you bigger selection of clutches etc.