I don't have a lot to add, mostly just curious. Is this a ford 2.3 motor? What is your project? I thought a lot about a ford 4 cyl. I think it could do quite well in an 88 inch truck.

As far as transmission, the NV 4500 is an amazing, bullet proof, heavy duty transmission. Much sought after. I am putting one behind my 3.9 L cummins. Others put them behind several hundred horsepower (1000+), high torque motors. There is also a NV 3550 (or something similar) that comes stock on some smaller jeeps (wranglers, etc) that may work for you and be a little smaller. The 4500 is quite heavy!

Good luck with your search and build!