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By GregDove - 15 Years Ago
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I need some help with what the problems may be installing a AOD transmission in a 56 thunderbird with a 312 y block
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By mongo - 15 Years Ago
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I have seen the adapter setups, not sure about clearance problems.
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By GREENBIRD56 - 15 Years Ago
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Al Frakes - aka Bird55 - has put the AOD in his bird. Take a browse through his blog "Bird Droppings" and have look. He used one of the adapters available - but there are others I believe. http://birddropnz.blogspot.com/
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By rexbd - 15 Years Ago
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anyone know what starter he used with this set up?
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By bird55 - 15 Years Ago
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I just replied with a long post and it got deleted!.
Sorry have to run but I'll try again later.
Starter is supplied with the Bendstens kit and I believe its a scrubbmodel hi-torque mini.
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By MoonShadow - 15 Years Ago
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The starter is a scrub model high torque but has a different adapter on it. (I already had to replace the solenoid). Kit was really a straight up install on my 56 Victoria. little grinding on the bell for starter clearance and I had to have the drive shaft remade with the AOD style front yoke. Also the crank adapter center hole was too tight to fit the end of the crank so I had to have it machined bigger. I'ts not cheap but it worked for me. The extra gear on the highway really is nice! Chuck in NH
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By billy blue - 15 Years Ago
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hi, Greg try calling Bendtsens transmission adapters for ford Y block engines, 272,292, 312.the phone # is 1-763-767-4480. They have everything you'll need for the conversion.I used their set up for my 55' Mercury Montclair and it works great.. Good luck and happy motoring...Billy blue
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By oldcarmark - 15 Years Ago
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Bendsten has a website.The AOD adapter kit is $875.00 with starter supplied.
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By GregDove - 15 Years Ago
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Thanks for all the info from everyone ... great info on both web site ...
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By GregDove - 15 Years Ago
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Alan was going to send me more info ... I looked at his blog but need more info than he give there.
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By bird55 - 15 Years Ago
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GregDove, send me a pm with your questions I have pics of my project and opinions on how it can be done. Engine to trans is no brainer part. Putting it in a bird is more of a unique experience and another whole story.
The 2x4 setup coupled to a an AOD kickdown will be different as well, can't help you there, but any and all AOD trans adjustments and cooling are critical. So I am pretty sure you will have to do as I did and go with a Lokar throttle assembly and a Lokar Kickdown assembly. The geometry on the kickdown / throttle must align perfectly. It is possible to use the stock shifter, it just won't indicate as an AOD of course. 56 & 57 birds have thicker steel in the x member and frame, which should be notched for clearance. Tbird purist have to look away when you do this part. But actually its not bad at all.
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By HT32BSX115 - 15 Years Ago
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Howdy,
The Bendtsen adapter is very nicely made (but not cheep!!) and it's usable with more than just the AOD. Below is my 292 with an E4OD on the back.
If you want complete control over your transmission, do an AODE. If you do, you will need a controller like this one Baumannator TCS™ for Electronic Transmissions Everything is controllable & programmable..... Upshift, downshift, TC lock-up etc....
You will also need a throttle position sensor on your carb. The controller needs to know where your foot is!! (I am using a Holley 0-8007 (4160 type) carb with Holley's add-on TPS)
Cheers,
Rick
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By bird55 - 15 Years Ago
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I haven't tried it, but I'm pretty sure an AODE WOULD NOT fit in a bird, UNLESS you cut out the x member AND the tunnel and started over. There just isn't Much room underneath one of the birds. I would love it if someone could prove otherwise. Cause i've been wrong before. 
Tbird guys don't have all the luxury of space of full size and pickup owners. 
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By GregDove - 15 Years Ago
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I was told to consider a 9" rear end and a 3rd member at or about 2.70 ratio. What do yall think about that ideal?
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By Ted - 15 Years Ago
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2.70:1 ratio is a bit on the low side for an overdrive behind the Y. 3.25:1 would be a better choice in that the engine will be in a rpm band that’s higher in torque and where better fuel economy will result.
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By GregDove - 15 Years Ago
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this was a in lue of a AOD ... to install 9" with the member 2.70
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By bird55 - 15 Years Ago
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If you are trying to help fuel mileage, you can have the gear ratio changed in the housing that you have without the wholesale changeover of a 9". If you want to improve mileage easiest, get rid of the dual carbs! Just sayin' that's the main fuel issue. Hard to have that cake and eat it too!
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By GregDove - 15 Years Ago
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The main reason for installing AOD was crusing down the highway at 70 mph, to take some rpm off the engine ... the gas mileage was extra ...
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By Grizzly - 15 Years Ago
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Greg, Everything in perspective. Before deciding on a ratio, what is the diameter of the tyres you are running/planning to run. You can work out the RPM's at road speed based on the diameter of wheels and tyres, the diff ratio and the outputof the gearbox (0.67). The AOD is basically a FMX with a OD. The advantage is that if you have decent dia wheels and tyres you can have a Low ratio (high numerically) diff for acceleration but still have low RPM at road speed for longitivity and fuel economy. I'm planning on using an AOD (a long term Goal) but I will retain the 4.00-1 rear but I run 2.2 meter Dia tyres. 2200rpm at 100km/h (60mph ish) Cheers
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By HT32BSX115 - 15 Years Ago
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bird55 (7/2/2010)
I haven't tried it, but I'm pretty sure an AODE WOULD NOT fit in a bird, UNLESS you cut out the x member AND the tunnel and started over. There just isn't Much room underneath one of the birds. I would love it if someone could prove otherwise. Cause i've been wrong before. Tbird guys don't have all the luxury of space of full size and pickup owners.
It would be the same for an AODE or an AOD, right? (they're physically the same size case?)
Yeah. In my F-600, I have a LOT of ROOM (2 driveshafts too!!) 
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By aussiebill - 15 Years Ago
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Grizzly (7/5/2010)
Greg, Everything in perspective. Before deciding on a ratio, what is the diameter of the tyres you are running/planning to run. You can work out the RPM's at road speed based on the diameter of wheels and tyres, the diff ratio and the outputof the gearbox (0.67). The AOD is basically a FMX with a OD. The advantage is that if you have decent dia wheels and tyres you can have a Low ratio (high numerically) diff for acceleration but still have low RPM at road speed for longitivity and fuel economy. I'm planning on using an AOD (a long term Goal) but I will retain the 4.00-1 rear but I run 2.2 meter Dia tyres. 2200rpm at 100km/h (60mph ish) Cheers grizzly, i,m interested in how you would use 2.2 meter dia tyres?, 
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By Grizzly - 15 Years Ago
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Bill, They're 235/70-15 check it on a tyre calculator. Oh, Radius, Sorry.
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By GregDove - 15 Years Ago
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 I have ordered the adapter kit ... bought a 1988 Mustang AOD that am having rebuilt ... should have it in the thunderbird in 3 or 4 weeks. If anyone has any input for me please let me know .
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