I am finally getting around to the transmission on my tbird project.  I am going to do the FMX conversion.  I am familiar with the other options but already had an FMX laying around and trying to stretch the budget.  One question is around the torque converter.  Of course the 55 has the air cooled torque converter and was wondering if its okay to stick with that converter or are there advantages to switching to a water cooled torque converter?  If there are advantages I assume we would be talking about one from a 56 or 57 Tbird?  Of all the things on the car I know less about the torque converter than anything else so any advice is welcome. 

Less heat in your transmission is always a good idea. Whatever you do changed the flex plate to the later model style.

Transmissions are the one area that really stumps me.  Why the change in the flex plate? 
Is it the tranny that is water cooled and it passes the fluid into the torque converter?  or with the 55 its the converter that was cooled by air and circulates fluid into the tranny?  I know basic questions but am pretty confused about the auto transmission stuff.  Any good website to go to learn and I would be happy to dig and research.

Thanks!
REx

The earlier flex plates has riveted "ears" that the converter bolted to.  These loosened up after a while, sounded like a rod knock.  The later flex plate didn't have this problem because it was of a different design.

You are correct about the air cooled FOM's.  Air circulated around the trans.  In the water cooled units, the fluid flowed to the bottom of the radiator where the water pulled heat out of the fluid and was returned to the trans.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

i have an fmx in my 56 with air cooled converter.it was in the car when i got it.

Unclear on the concept. The FMX converter does not contain the ring gear. The air cooled AND water cooler 1951 to 1957 FOM converter contain the ring gear. The flexplate on the 1958 COM does have the ringgear. Please explain how this all goes together. Thanks Pete

My understanding is that no Y Blocks had the FMX trans. How is this accomplished?
Thanks
Jim

If I go with a automatic in my 55 I am going to use a FMX and use the air cooled bellhousing just to look original and keep the cooler in front of the radiator,I am not going to use the air cooled converter.


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