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By tarheel - 9 Years Ago
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Guys:
Looking for input on which auto trans to put into my '56 Fairlane. The car is close to stock, came with a 312, I upgraded the intake, carb and distributor and a few other safety/ comfort items. The car has a Fordamatic transmission and the differential has a 3.89 gear set. I like the power that the gear ratio provides but not the RPMs on the highway or the gas mileage. I was thinking about replacing the Fordamatic with a later transmission that has a lock-up torque converter. People have recommended C-4s and C-6s and a couple claim the older AOD is the way to go. I would prefer one that would be easy to install and would use the original shift linkage. I do like a firm shifting transmission but don't plan on doing any drag racing. Any suggestions?
Larry Fuller
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By speedpro56 - 9 Years Ago
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With the 3:89 gears and highway driving the AOD will be the answer. The other auto trans are still 1 to 1 when in 3rd gear.
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By miker - 9 Years Ago
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I've not done an AOD, but I've done a couple off topic autos, gearing from 3.55 to 3.79. No substitute for the O/D 4th gear. Most will also allow for a lock up without computer controls on the TC. There's several members here who have on either the Croan (?) or Bentensen (?) conversion. Not sure about my spelling. Hopefully they'll chime in.
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By 5d6fairlane - 9 Years Ago
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c4's are easy and cheap to rebuild with low parasitic as well easy to convert.
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By Buzz - 9 Years Ago
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I've got a '56 Crown Vic 312+30 Paxton supercharged 4.11 posi, and the best thing I've ever done to the car is going to the AOD. I've got the Croan conversion and it's been working great for 3+ yrs.
It was expensive but as far as drivability it was worth every penny. I highly recommend the switch if it fits in your budget.... did I say it was expensive?
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By PF Arcand - 9 Years Ago
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Gary Croan is in Costa Mesa CA @ 949-722-1122 or garycroan@gmail.com May also go by the name Bristol Services. Don't have details about Benetsen (spelling?) transmission, but someone on site should be able to help
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By dbird - 9 Years Ago
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I have a C4 which seemed like a good choice at the time, three years ago, and hasn't given any problems, but if I were to do it over, it would probably be an AOD. When I put the C4 in I thought I wouldn't put on that many highway miles which turned out wrong, once a year or so we do long weekends of 500-700 miles and the extra gear would be nice. On Thunderbirds, you have to grind a little off the frame for the AOD which worried me, but it is very minor grinding. I can't speak to the trans mount or the shift linkage on a Fairlane, but they were both easy on the 'Bird, drill one hole in the crossmember and elongate another and a 68 Mustang mount bolts right up, a slight straightening of the shift rod was all that was needed to connect the original shifter.
Don
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By MoonShadow - 9 Years Ago
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I went with the AOD and haven't looked back. As mentioned the overdrive is worth it. If you like a steeper gear like a 4:11 for quick take off you can still cruise at highway speeds without over taxing the engine. 3:80's would probably be a good all around gear. Chuck
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By Rono - 9 Years Ago
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I met a guy the other day who just put an AOD in a 54 Ranch Wagon. He showed me a cell phone picture of the adapter plate that he bought, but couldn't remember who the supplier was. I gave him my e-mail addres and asked him to let me know who he got the kit from. Does anyone know of any other vendors for an AOD other than those mentioned? Also, any specifics on which AOD to use?
Rono
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By pegleg - 9 Years Ago
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Ron, MK VII or mustang GT.............
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By GREENBIRD56 - 9 Years Ago
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WILCAP is an adapter manufacturer in Pismo Beach, CA (805-481-7639). They have a way to mount GM transmissions on many different Ford engines. Visit their website and have a look. I only relate this due to the fact - that I, myself - have had much better success with modern GM auto trans technology than the FOMOCO stuff. I started out thinking the Ford AOD would be the way to go but ....... it is very heavy and has a finicky reputation.
The 4L60-E in my Z-28 took an unbelievable amount of abuse (LS-1 / 310 HP) - and the pan and filter looked great when opened for a look at 100,000 miles. Because the shifting mechanism is controlled by solenoid actuation, several of the newer GM "E" transmissions can be reprogrammed to operate with 6 forward speeds. Having ridden many times in my buddies '55 scruby 2dr (he removed a gas hog Turbo 400) - I can tell you the six speed auto is a kick! Spendy change but he has driven the car back and forth to Seattle (from Tucson) several times now without any hiccups (and much better gas mileage from the 383).
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By tarheel - 9 Years Ago
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Thanks, guys. I really appreciate all the information. I believe I'll start looking for an AOD transmission.
Larry
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By DryLakesRacer - 9 Years Ago
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Guys will hate me but 2 shops here in SoCal have installed Turbo200R transmission in 56 Fords behind y-blocks using the Wilcap adapter. One shop fabricated brackets to use the stock pressure linkage to a cable for the 200. Just another thought.....good luck
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By thundercat - 9 Years Ago
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My roadster came with a Scrub engine that I replaced with a 312. I only bought the car because I got a good deal knowning id change much of it. I used the Wilcap adapter and left the 700-R4 auto in car just to see how it worked and was going to change later if I didn't like it. It actually works well. I always had 4 or 5 speed sticks in my cars and this is my first auto.. I checked around to local speed shops and most leaned away from the AOD . This winter I'm switching to the Y-block with 4-71 blower and keeping the 700R4...I'm not a GM guy but this part works for me.. by the way you have to use a Chrysler starter with it..
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