Pinto Car Club of America

 I am building a 1940's indy champ car (looks like a sprint car)I will be substituting the offy 4 banger for a  '89 2.3 with a T-5 behind it, I want to put a mid 70's ford 3 speed behind it and get rid of the T-5  it's too long for my project, the shifter is in my crotch LOL. I have a 70's ford truck 3 speed lined up from a trans guy that will work and look period (ie- the trans is only 17" long w/o the bell + the case has the shifter exiting out the top like the old flathead ford trans's did) He doesn't think the t-5 bell will bolt up to the mid 70's truck trans so he suggested using a pinot/bobcat or mustang II 2.3 ltr 4 speed bell housing? If I find a mid 70's 2.3 bell will it bolt up to a 1989 2.3 engine? can I still use the '89 flywheel/clutch ect?  this is a new power plant for me so I am lost with all the swap tips. I work in a machine shop so I can fabricate most anything I need.
any help would be great!
Paul