The 6 speed delivered in local MX5's is heavy, bulky and not real nice. The Japanese MX5 5 speed fitted to the Duratec in JDM models is worth looking at. MXplus usually have a few - not cheap but. But might fit an auto tunnel.
Depending on what you intend to do with the motor, the type 9 has limited reliability behind a tricked Duratec with decent torque. Clubbie 7 guys chew thru even the h/d type 9 boxes -remember they only weigh 5-600kg as well hence much less strain than in an Escort!
Reckon you are better off sourcing a gearbox of your choice and assoc bellhousing - just my 2.2c worth. The Carrol housing and RX7 turbo box is a nice combo. Will be hard pressed to break one of these. And they fit even in a manual tunnel with a little bit of reshaping.
edit: meant to add, suspect the latter option might be cheaper than the MX5 or Type 9 options.