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By oldcarmark - Last Month
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I haven't seen this Topic discussed recently. What Automatic Transmissions can be used to replace the Fordomatic? What was the first true 3 Speed Transmission that actually started off in first automatically? What Transmissions can be adapted to Fit Y Block like a C-6 or C-4? Not really thinking AOD.. Any input appreciated.
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By miker - Last Month
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The “replacement “ was the cruise o matic I think. The D1 D2 that started in low (D1.?) and shifted 1-2-3, or D2 and started in second. There were some other visions of that, heavy and cast iron, but I don’t remembered that particulars. Adaptors are avaifor the C4, the C6 is pretty heavy and has more internal loses (read gas mileage)
Someone here (drylakesracer ?) had a cruiso built with some kind of combination case for his 56. There’s a write up, even how to fix the column shift to show the green dot choice and work right.
I don’t do well with the search function, or I’d try to find the links
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By paul2748 - Last Month
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If not interested in a O/D, the C4 is a good way to go. I have done this with my 56 Bird, and I am very happy with it. . I used the Flat-O kit which worked out very well. Converting a sedan, I am sure, is different (column shift for instance) than a bird. One thing in a Bird, and maybe in a sedan, is there is not enough detents in the shifter to access a start/drop down into low. I was aware of this before I made the change so for me it was not unexpected and I do not miss it.. I had no desire to start fooling around with the shifter to see if it could be done. I have a lot of miles on the combo (including a trip coast to coast) w/o any problems.
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By 55blacktie - Last Month
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When using the 55-57 Tbird shifter with the C4 or C5/w C4 valve body & torque converter, the C4 will automatically start out in Low/1st; however, as Paul was trying to say is that you cannot manually shift into/out of Low/1st gear. Depending upon the year and application of the C4/C5 transmission you use, you might want to replace the governor secondary valve with a lighter valve that will allow higher rpm wide-open-throttle upshifts. For example, the C5 transmission that I accessed from an 84/86 (can't remember exact year) Tbird/w V6 upshifted at 3400-3600 rpm. For comparison purposes, the 1966 K-Code C4 wide-open-throttle upshift came at 6000 rpm. Dynamic Racing Transmission has a governor secondary valve kit that contains three different valves that will provide WOT upshifts at 5600, 5800, or 6000. They can also provide a custom valve that will provide WOT upshifts at the rpm of your choice. Downshifts and part-throttle upshifts will not be affected.
Considering that my C5 transmission will go behind a built 292 stroker (318), I don't want WOT upshifts at 3400-3600 rpm, without the ability to manually shift into/out of 1st.
If you use the Flat-O Products kit, you will need a case-fill, not pan-fill, C4/C5. That information is included in the Flat-O Products installation instructions. Another advantage to using the C4/C5 is having the option of using a torque converter with a higher stall speed than the Fordomatic torque converter, in case you intend to use a bigger camshaft.
1970-up C4 transmissions with 26-spline input shafts are the most desirable C4 transmissions; avoid the early "Green Dot", "Select Shift" C4. All C5 transmissions have a 26-spline input shaft, two more clutch plates, better hydraulic circuitry, and a 1-qt. deeper pan. A C5 is just an upgraded C4/w lockup torque converter. The lockup converter can't be used with the Flat-O Products kit; as I've already said, you have to use a C4 valve body and converter when using a C5 with the Flat-O kit.
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By Hoosier Hurricane - Last Month
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The MX/FMX transmissions are the original upgrade of the old FOM. Cast iron case. They start in low, but the early shifters won't allow you to shift manually into low without some rework. By drilling two bolt holes into the top ears of the trans, it will bolt to a Y block bellhousing. The FMX converter can be converted to the Y block crankshaft pilot size with a sleeve installed on its snout, and the '58 or later flywheel with the starter ring gear will be needed. Or, the original converter can be used by using the FOM front pump and input shaft. That would mean a disassembly of both transmissions to swap input shafts. I forgot to mention, you would need to provide a vacuum lint from the intake manifold to the modulator on the transmission.
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By KULTULZ - Last Month
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By Old Ironhead - Last Week
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A Cruisomatic from a 292 would do that but not much of an improvement. The three speed Fordomatic will downshift to 1st gear at low speeds under full throttle and automatically upshift.
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By FORD DEARBORN - 5 days ago
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My personal experience/opinion when I installed a COM in my 57 Fairlane is it greatly improved the driving dynamics and fun factor of driving that car. It made the car very responsive, every time, taking off from a stop AUTOMATICALLY. I know the FOM can be manually shifted into 1st but there is always a slight delay on the up-shift. To me it was an upgrade well worth the effort.
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By paul2748 - 5 days ago
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I feel the same after I did the C4 install.
FORD DEARBORN (7/20/2025)
My personal experience/opinion when I installed a COM in my 57 Fairlane is it greatly improved the driving dynamics and fun factor of driving that car. It made the car very responsive, every time, taking off from a stop AUTOMATICALLY. I know the FOM can be manually shifted into 1st but there is always a slight delay on the up-shift. To me it was an upgrade well worth the effort.
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