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..

Mars , Pennsylvania

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

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

Thanks, guys.  I really appreciate all the information.  I believe I'll start looking for an AOD transmission.

Larry

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). 

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Ron, MK VII  or mustang GT.............



Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

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 

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

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

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

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

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 


Paul

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?



Woodland Hills,Ca