Ok, I've got 2 or 3 questions.
1) Is there much difference between a 98' and a 96' 2.5L? It appears that a direct drop in would require a 96 engine. Would it simple be a few items or brackets that I can swap off the old engine? The engine I was looking into was not up to what I'm after.
2) the 98' engine I'm looking at now has around 86k miles. The manual trans comes with it. If I go with this engine trans combo, would this trans cause me any installation troubles? I do realize thaqt I would be looking at cables instead of the rods for the shifter. If I get a shifter off a 98-2000, would it fit ok?
3) One last thing. I was considering a 98' SVT shifter that has all the linkage still attached. Was the SVT also a 5 speed? I was told it was a 6 speed, but I doubt that. Are there any advantages with the SVT shifter, such as a shorter throw, or should I just go with a stock shifter.
I would really like to make this work if it won't give me a headache trying. The trans that is currently in the car is at about 167k miles.
Thanks again in advance!!!! Brian...............................

Your current car has a manual transaxle, correct?

The SVT is a 5 speed.

1.) Engine wise, shouldn't be too much different at all. Wiring harness may have changed a little bit but that should be about it. Nothing major.

2.) You would need to use your current transmission. It is *possible* to convert it from rod to cable, but it'd be a LOT of work and not worth it in the end.

3.) See Laminar's response... :) SVT was a 5-spd too...

if you want to swap a late model engine into your 96 you will want to use the mechanicals of the engine only. the wire harness will be different as will the lim/fuel injectors. so use the basic engine and swap everything else over.

Use the wire harness,all engines sensors,fuel injectors from the '96.I'd advise against a swap to a cable shift MTX75 trans as it will need full shifter assy,cables,trans mount,rear roll restrictor etc..plus you will have to mod the floor pan for the cable shifter mount and hole for cables etc...

Thanks. This looks like the info I was looking for. As I said, the engine I'm picking up comes with the manual trans still connected to it.
I figured if It was as simple as just swapping the shifter, I'd much rather use the lower milage trans. So it looks like a lot of mods to make it al fit correctly?? Guess I'll stick with the original 5 speed then.
I did ask the women I bought the car from about the trans, as in any issues with shifting. She said it was working fine when the engine developed the bad knock.
What kind of fluid would be the best to put back in the original manual transmission? It has about 167k miles on it. I think I saw somewhere on here that it was not reccomended to put regular marcon or mercon v in it. Is royal purple the fluid of choice? Is Synchromax for manual trans what I want?
Thanks to all for the input.......................Brian.............................

Guess I'll be switching over all the control stuff on the 98 engine. Thats ok, I really like how clean everything looks on the old 96' engine.......
Any idea as to what I might be able to get for the 98' 5 speed? As I said, its got 87k miles on it. No shifter...

..for the trans Royal Purple Syncromax or Motorcraft XT-M5-QS. I'd keep hold of the spare trans for now until you prove out the condition of the existing unit in the cat.FWIW some of the internal parts from the later trans could be used,should you need them,to repair the 96 unit...

Thanks. Good idea on keeping the trans a little while. That would have been my luck. Getting rid of the newwer trans, then needing parts from it.