[dcb]

you *might* be able to get a taller 5th gear set (or whole different trans). I got one for my saturn for $20 from u-pull-it. I don't know anything about fords or what cars have what ratios and what interchange.

But it can be a good compromise, 1-4 are sort of "sporty" around town and you wind it out a little bit in 4th getting on the hiway but then spend the bulk of your miles on the hiway in a lower rpm 5th.