FMX or Cruise-o-Matic On a Y-block.

FMX or Cruise-o-Matic On a Y-block.

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By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

I would like some Information about swapping One of these for a Fordomatic. What is involved in using one of these Transmissions if I want to change mine? Not looking for a Hi-Po do over like the Article shown under"Articles". Both have removable Bell Housings. Can You use the Fordomatic Bell Housing with a couple of Holes drilled in it to match the replacement Transmission. I know a 57+ Flexplate is required. What else is involved. I know these were used on the Y Block but my Chances of finding an exact Match is pretty Slim.I know there is a Kit to use a C-4 which still might be the way to go if an FMX/Cruisomatic is not going to work..

By pegleg - 5 Years Ago

The FMX requires two holes be drilled in the mating face of the transmission to match the Y bellhousing and some work on the cross member for the rear mount. None of this is very difficult. Well worth the trouble. The Trans can be found in 351(C) equipped mustangs and Torinos.

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

What about any other Modifications? If I use a flexplate with Ring Gear from 57+ will Torque Convertor bolt up OK? What Starter is used? Is any FMX useable because they were used on other Cars also. Thanks

By FORD DEARBORN - 5 Years Ago

I can only state what worked for me in a 57 Ford with 312. I started with a COM from a 63 Mercury with 390. It fit the 57 bell perfectly, no drilling required. It's been a very long time ago but I don't remember having to modify the rear mount/cross member either or might have made a simple extension plate? The shift linkage and kick down is where modifications were necessary. I didn't have to buy or add anything, Just altered the existing "grasshopper" affair and the shift arm on the trans. As stated, has been a million years ago but I used the actual shift arm from the FOM in place of he arms on the COM as they were designed for this car. I drilled several holes in the shift arm and it was then a matter of putting the shift rod in the hole that provide the correct throw/range, P-R-N-D-L. There is one extra detant (green dot) with the COM and that wound up being almost at the "D". I knew where it was just by feel and it worked very well. At the "grasshopper" on the intake manifold, I drilled out the threads in the clevis so it would slide up and down the threads on the kick down rod and provided two nuts, one is a jamb nut, and adjusted them to where the rod would down shift when the throttle is floored wide open. Again, this worked very well on a 57 Fairlane 500. In this case, even the input splines were same as the 57 converter. Also, a vacuum line is required. Don't recall if a different drive shaft was necessary but at the time, I had quite a collection of them on hand. It was a modification that really modernized the drive ability and enjoyment of that car. It's also a bullet proof trans. Some of this may or may not apply to you but I'm adding it to the thread in case it does. Hope this helps, JEFF..................

By Hoosier Hurricane - 5 Years Ago

Mark, as mentioned above, it is a very satisfying swap. You will have to match the input shaft and front pump to the converter you use. The FMX converter snout will not fit the Y crankshaft, a bushing will be needed. If the FMX converter studs don't match the Y flywheel, drill to suit. As Dearborn mentioned, the shift and kickdown linkage will need sorted out. The FOM/COM tailshaft and housing can be carefully fitted to the rear of the FMX and the stock mount and driveshaft used. Pay close attention to the tail housing gasket, make sure the lower corner seals. Any FMX will work this way, they are the same except for different lengths and driveshaft splines.

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

Thanx for the Info from John and Dearborn. Doesn't sound like it really matters if I find a good used FMX or C/M. Both very similar to the Fordo. I know both were really modified Fordo's to ad the ability to start off in low instead of 2nd. Never understood what Ford was thinking when they designed the Fordo to start in 2nd.

By DryLakesRacer - 5 Years Ago

I had a shop install a 1962 medium case cruise-o-matic behind my 1956 Ford 292. The owner of the shop knew everything there was to know about cruise-o's since he built them for the automatic T-Bolts in the mid 60's. Mine sounds like frankenstein but really isn't. He used the stock 1956 flexplate, converter bell housing and torque converter by changing the front hub. This kept the air cooled converter and added water cooling to the trans, The kick down (which is no longer pressure) is set just before wide open throttle and the vacuum modulator takes care of the rest. I extended the shifter arm on the column, which I made, to give 6 spots; the 2 drives are now marked with a "white" and "green" dot on each side of the "D".

The only major problem was the speed-o-cable which came in above the main shaft making the speed-o run in reverse. They reused the original 1956 tail section housing by machining it to take the larger bushing needed for the larger yoke. After I changed the rear end gearing, I added an adapter to compensate for the higher gear as the trans already had the highest one.

I like the way it works and performs but if I were to do an installation of a 3 speed at home I would have used a C4 and a Flat-O adapter set up. I got the trans for a good price with the insulation and have been friends with the owner for many many years. They are heavy but very strong.

By darrell - 5 Years Ago

if you had a 56 merc it would be much easier.the fmx and com have a fine spline input shaft you ford doesnt.a merc from 55 up does.you can use the fmx torque converter by using an com flywheel.59 to 62.my last 56 used an air cooled converter and bell.he must have used a merc t.c. or changed the part inside.also use the long tailshaft fmx or youll need another driveshaft.it comes in full size cars and trucks.mustangs, torinos etc have 3 in shorter

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

Hoosier Hurricane (8/14/2019)

John can I use the Pump and Convertor off the Fordo? Compatible with the C/M? The Convertor would remail Aircooled. have a Hookup for the actual Transmission on the Radiator that I installed. Where does an FMX fit in. Same as C/M. Can Parts from F/M be swapped Bell Housing,front Pump, and Converter?

By Hoosier Hurricane - 5 Years Ago

Mark, the answer is yes with a caveat. If your FOM, and hence your air cooled converter have a 17 tooth input shaft, then you would have to swap input shafts as the FMX, and probably a COM, have a 29 spline input shaft. Not as easy as it may sound, to change the input shaft requires a complete teardown of the transmission. If you're going to overhaul it anyway, then it doesn't make any difference. To answer your earlier question, the Y Block starter works with the pre-62 flywheel. A great many parts interchange between the three models of transmissions. When I first started racing my car in stock class, I was required by rule to use the original case. I put all FMX guts in the original case. Later rules allowed transmission swaps, so I just used the FMX and had a stall converter built that was FMX on the back end and Y Block on the front.

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

I have found an C/M from 1965 Model. It does have a Torque Convertor available. If using that Convertor I would need what for a Flex Plate? Looking at Picture online I can see how close they are in Appearance to my F/M. Casting # on Case is C5AP-7006-A. This would be a C/M as FMX wasn't until 1968? Will the Shift Lever on Side Interchange with F/M if this is a Floor Shift Model? Will my Driveshaft still work or is the Output Spline Different and simply needs the Yoke replaced?

By kevink1955 - 5 Years Ago

My take on the tough parts of the FMX swap are as follows

You need a Y Block fordomatic bell housing and need to drill to match 2 of the FMX mounting holes

You need a 58 - 62 Y block flex plate (hard to find) Since the Y used the same starter 56 thru 62 it should work fine

The FMX convertor must be a small block type with a 1.375 pilot and will need a bushing to fit the Y block 1.572" Pilot recess in the crankshaft Note: the FE series engines had a 1.848" Pilot and cannot be used in the swap. Anyone know of an available bushing for this swap??

Rear mount will have to be fabricated as the FMX tailshaft is shorter than the FordOmatic (or swap output shaft and tail housing)

Linkages, kickdown and cooler lines need to be addressed but are no big problem

I have all the parts gathered except for the convertor bushing, anyone know where I can find 1. Finding someone around here to machine 1 is next to impossable

By FORD DEARBORN - 5 Years Ago

For a convertor bushing: Why couldn't a common, inexpensive off the shelf bronze Y-block pilot bushing be bored to the proper size to clear the FMX convertor hub?

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

I am looking at an C/M not FMX.I don't think there is as much required to use the FMX. John will know. Just waiting to hear His response. Dearborn U used an C/M.

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

kevink1955 (8/14/2019)

Did You try Flat-O Products. He seems to have a lot of Stuff for doing Swaps.

By FORD DEARBORN - 5 Years Ago

That message was for Kevink1955 who is trying to come up with such a bushing. I need to learn how to direct a reply to a specific post.

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

I knew that. I just gave Him a Suggestion where He might find One. U did this Swap with a C/M . Your description seems much simpler than using a FMX.

By darrell - 5 Years Ago

as far as using a pilot bushing which is bronze it would be so thin after drilling it would probably break during instillation.

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

kevink1955 (8/14/2019)

That Flex Plate is a hard One to find as I am finding out. B8A-6375-D. There's all kinds of Posts on the Internet with People looking for One. Too bad its not available Repro. The One for 332,352, 430 with COM (B8A-6375-B) is made as a Repro but not the One for Y-Block. I might have to rethink this and maybe look at a C-4 conversion instead.

By Cliff - 5 Years Ago

Why not look for a transmission out of a 61 or 62 ford car? (with a 292) it bolts in as is.

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

Need the Flex Plate (Flywheel). The Transmission I can get.

By Cliff - 5 Years Ago

Same as a Ford truck with a Cruise o Matic up to 1964 with a 292

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

Yes I know that. There are a lot of People looking for One. If You have access to one or more let Me know. Google search has turned up nothing for Sale. Ebay don't have. Even Green Auto Parts which is the biggest Obsolete Ford Dealer in the World don't have either Original Part # or the updated # for Trucks.If they were available as Repro's they would sell Lots of them. Very very hard to find. B8A-6375-D C3TZ-6375-A. Try a Google Search.

By darrell - 5 Years Ago

the fordomatics in trucks had them as well.just sold one that was from a57 this spring and it had one.got a real surprise when i saw it.

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

I just got Email from Green Auto Sales. B8A-6375-D is not replaced by C3TZ-6375-A which was used in 63-64 MD Trucks . The early Ones like You had must Interchangeable. I don't have a Truck Catalog for prior to "63 to check. Still looking. If U find One let Me know.

By kevink1955 - 5 Years Ago

Oldcarmark. Thanks for bringing the trans conversion up

I started collecting parts 5 years ago and was almost ready to get underway when I had some health problems. I have just inventoried what I have and find that in addition to the bushing I also need the flexplate reinforcement ring

I see some available as a 3 piece set but I think they are for the 55-56 new style replacement flexplate, anyone know for sure if the B8 flexplate uses a 1 or 3 pc reinforcement ??

I still will have to have a driveshaft made as the FMX is certainly shorter than the 3 speed stick it will be replacing but that can wait till after the trans is in the car for measurements

Wish I could help with the flexplate but I only have 1 and you are right they are very hard to find

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

kevink1955 (8/15/2019)

Have a look at attached Picture. Last Line under 6A366. Requires One but seems thicker than the Individual Ones. .B8AZ-6A366-A

http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/38da968b-b0fc-4e8d-9420-a9f7.jpg

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

I was looking for more Information on the Webb when I ran across an old Post on the Hamb Site. Apparently there was an Article in Y-Block Magazine regarding using an FMX Valve Body to replace the Stock One in a Fordomatic that makes the Fordo a true 3 Speed starting off in Low and shifting automatically to 2nd and 3rd. The Article would have been prior to 2006. Does Anyone have this particular Issue in their Collection of Y-Block Magazine?

By darrell - 5 Years Ago

i remember that article.it was a bunch of bull someone wrote in.i dont know way bruce even put it in.nothing more was heard of it.

By kevink1955 - 5 Years Ago

Oldcarmark, thanks for the info on the reinforcement plate, now I just need to find 1

As far as the bushing goes I did contact flat o years back and he did not want to sell parts. I did some playing around tonight and found a common peice of 1 1/4 black pipe is not far off what I need

Y block crank recess 1.572 (y block 2 speed convertor I have (purchased in error) measures 1.570)
Black iron pipe OD 1.650 (I am sure if I look at the big box stores china pipe I could find something slightly smaller)
Black Iron pipe ID 1.385
FMX convertor hub (not verified as my FMX is in storage) 1.375

I am willing to bet that if I cleaned up the black iron pipe a little I could make it a tight interference fit and when driven into the crank recess the inside diameter would tighten up just enough to make a perfect fit for the FMX convertor.

Nothing will be happening till winter but does anyone (besides me) think this will work??

Got to do this soon as my days of bench pressing trannys is coming to an end, old age sucks

By FORD DEARBORN - 5 Years Ago

kevink1955 (8/15/2019)

I started collecting parts 5 years ago and was almost ready to get underway when I had some health problems. I have just inventoried what I have and find that in addition to the bushing I also need the flexplate reinforcement ring
If it ends up being the bushing that is the show stopper, I would be willing to try machining something that may work at no charge. I mentioned possibly boring the inside of a standard Y-block pilot bushing, not drilling. I think it will probably be a wall thickness of around aprox. 1/10 inch? I would have to have some accurate measurements of the converter hub in order to plan the machining. There may also be another way to skin this bushing cat and that is to turn a sleeve with an outside diameter that would be a slip fit in the crank and an I/D that would be an interference fit on the converter hub. Steel would for sure, be better in the case of a sleeve on the convertor hub and also would be much easier to install and remove, if necessary. There may be issues with this that I'm not aware of. Or, maybe there's a shop in your area that could do this?

Wish I could help with the flexplate but I only have 1 and you are right they are very hard to find

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

kevink1955 (8/16/2019)

Not sure why they only call for One thicker Plate rather than using several Thinner Ones like the Ones supplied with replacement Flex Plates for 55-56. There is a Set of those on Ebay. I am not sure of the Bolt Pattern.

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

Ford Dearborn there is no reply with your Quoted Post.

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

I am going to keep looking for a Flex Plate but the other Option is to find a good 17 Spline Input Shaft and maybe a Front Pump from a Fordomatic and install it on the Replacement Transmission. Use the Air Cooled Convertor I have in the Car. I don't really want to get those Parts from my existing Fordo that works fine. I can still use the Cooling Lines for the Transmission. My replacement Rad has fittings for Transmission.

By FORD DEARBORN - 5 Years Ago

Mark, that's what happens when I attempt to try a new trick with this thing. However, if you click on "show quote," it opens up. WTH?

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

Once the Quote opens scroll down past the Quote and enter Your response. Just be sure U are at the end of the Quote, Theres a little single Symbol at the Bottom. Go Past that and enter Your Info.

By Hoosier Hurricane - 5 Years Ago

Mark:
If your existing FOM works fine, how important is a low gear start to you? Is your car a daily driver or an occasional driver? If you really want to start in low sometimes, you can manually put the shift lever in Lo and shift it to drive when you want second. Anyway, if you proceed with your plan, I saw a 17 spline shaft in my parts stash yesterday, I probably have a front pump to match.

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

OK Thanks John. I will keep that in mind. Still need a Flex Plate.

By Hoosier Hurricane - 5 Years Ago

Mark, forgive me if I misunderstood you. I thought the 17 spline input and matching pump would allow you to use your existing flexplate and air cooled converter with a COM or FMX conversion.

By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago

You are correct John. Brain Freeze.