Can a FOM valve body be modified so it will start out in first when in drive,I heard they will take off in first when the gas pedal is put to the floor but the heck with that as I want it to do it like a normal trans.

Butchering up everything I can get my hands on in Dayton Ohio

Try this guy.. He is the only one I know doing any performance mods on older Ford transmissions





http://www.broaderperformance.com/

Jeff:

I don't think the valve body can be modified to do that.  You can change the valve body from a later COM, but the detent also has to be changed, and the case drilled and tapped for a vacuum modulator.  And if the original trans did not have a sprag in the middle of the case, it won't work anyway unless you install a sprag.  Some FOMs had sprags, some didn't.  The link RB gave may be able to be more help than I am.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

I will check out the link but it might be easier to go with a COM or FMX.

Butchering up everything I can get my hands on in Dayton Ohio

So for kicks i sent an email to broader about making an FOM start in 1st.  As john said, they need to modify the transinternally in addition to valve body.  Ive asked for a ballpark cost, waiting for reply. 

I was hoping to find a way to improve driveability without changing stock appearance..oh well!

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL

You can adapt an FMX and the only obvious giveaways would be the vacuum modulator and a couple empty bolt holes in the top of the transmission case upper ears.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

I was going to send them a email asking about those modifications so I will wait and see what response you get,I have found a FMX locally and will be looking at it this weekend.

Butchering up everything I can get my hands on in Dayton Ohio

FYI - they responded that they usually recommend converting a FOM to an FMX.  Send it to them and its $1200 to $1500, including new converter...

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL

I found a FMX off craigslist for 30 dollars so that is what will be going in it and I am thinking about taking a class on automatic trans so I can rebuild it.

Butchering up everything I can get my hands on in Dayton Ohio