|
By rexbd - 18 Years Ago
|
|
OK, all research points to having to cut the frame to use the AOD. So, what are opinions on C4 versus Cruiseomatic or FMX? I understand FMX can be made to fit without a converter kit so should be cheaper. Fire away with comments.
|
|
By yblock32deuce - 18 Years Ago
|
|
your research is correct. am presently putting a late model 5.0 injected aod package in a 56 for a client, that had a 289 c4 combo, and had to cut the front half of the x frame because the aod trans is fatter. the c4 requires little except a trans mount pad of some sort. if it had been mine i would have used the c4 also, because have had numerous ones in diff. cars and never had a problem.
|
|
By paul2748 - 18 Years Ago
|
|
If you don't do a lot of highway driving, you probably don't need the AOD. While I am no expert on the Cruiso and FMX, I believe these are not o/d tran's. As far as I know, the C4 uses less horsepower to operate and may be the smallest of the lot. A C4 is a very good transmission and can be beefed up so it can be used for higher horsepower engines.
|
|
By pcmenten - 18 Years Ago
|
I haven't done the FMX conversion yet, but I've collected most of the parts to do it. The FMX tends to get deprecated because it has an iron case, but it's been used behind plenty of stout engines so it's certainly adequate. I understand that with some thoughtful work, it can be made to fit like it was stock, but you'll have to do your research. These forums are a good place to start.
If you go the FMX route, there's two variations; use the stock Ford-o flywheel, torque converter, and front pump; or find a y-block cruisomatic flex plate. I'll be doing the second one because it seems easier and I already have the flex plates.
The FMX option just seems to make more sense to me because it's nearly a stock setup.
Ford did make a few bellhousings for C4's on y-blocks but they're very hard to find.
|
|
By 55Birdman - 18 Years Ago
|
I was having the same problem a few months ago. C4 or AOD. I too didn't want to cut up my car. So, I put in a C4. All I had to do was a trans mount that was added and thats it. Little mod on the shifter but nothing major. Works fine. I drive it everyday on the interstate and local roads with no problems. Put in a C4. Thats my 2 cents 55birdman
|
|
By M_S - 18 Years Ago
|
I am considering a trans swap in my 'bird as well. I was almost ready to go the FMX route when I met Gary Croan at the end of the Great American Race in Anaheim. If you are a CTCI member (you said swap was for a 'bird), look in the back of the Early Bird for his ad. He says that he can modify the Ford-o bell to take the AOD and that no cutting of the X is necessary. During my brief chat with him, I mentioned this forum and he sounded familiar with it so maybe he will see this post and provide more details on the swap. I had researched the AOD swap as well and was told (even by tranny "experts") that the swap was not possible w/o cutting. Mr. Croan told me that the AOD is shorter than the Ford-o and that the swap is straight forward in the 'birds that have the bolt-in tranny x-member. I am planning to visit his shop in Costa Mesa and get more info.
p.s. I just noticed he has an ad on the back of the lastest "Y-Block Magazine".
|
|
By rexbd - 18 Years Ago
|
I will give him a call. I would love to do the AOD but refuse to cut into the car. I won't be taking on this project for several months. In process of cleaning up the body. Wanted to get an idea where to head so I can keep an eye on Ebay and others to source a tranny. Appreciate everyone's advice! This forum is really helpful!
|
|
By bird55 - 18 Years Ago
|
I am currently installing (at a snail's pace) an AOD setUp in my 55 bird. I have nibbled some of the x-member but not too much. Like you, I was reluctant to cut on it. I had limits to what I would tolerate.
As it turns out I think it's going to be OK and fit well. I'll let everyone know with pics and such the farther I go along.
As far as anything structurally being affected - I seriously doubt it. The X-Frame is way overkill anyway. I have removed a couple of inches in length on only the top inside flanges of the I-beams.
IMHO it's going to be worth it TO BE ABLE to do hiway driving and attend various events with decent milage from the better ratios. If you just drive around town -why change the trans at all. The stock will work fine. Mine has lasted forever even with drag racing it.
|
|
By rexbd - 18 Years Ago
|
|
A picture would be worth a lot. If you don't mind let us know how the project ends up.
|