Believe I found the answer to my universal joint question. It seems the Spicer 5-134X will adapt the Super Coupe slip yoke to the FMX driveshaft. The FMX driveshaft is a Spicer 1310 universal joint and the Super Coupe driveshaft is a Spicer 1330. The Spicer 5-134X adapts the two together.
I have 72 Cougar. Does this also apply to my car?
Pretty much.
Any idea what would be a total cost of the transmission swap, parts and labor, if someone else does it for me? Transmission from a donor car, preferably rebuilt before installation.
At a current day transmission shop, probably $2500-$3000 depending on variables.
Any way you go to get OD in your car - AOD, 5-speed, Gearvendors - figure $3K.
Thx
OK so I realize this thread is a bit old, but the info still seems valid, other than the prices sadly…
I’m prepping to do this conversion and would like to summarize the info I have gleaned in a post here soon, plus some stuff from other sources.
I do have some last questions. If people wish to indulge me by answering any of the ones below, I’ll include them.
I’m converting an FMX on a 69 to an AOD, possibly from an 88 Crown Victoria. I have a mild cam a bit more aggressive than stock. I don’t race. I drive it three seasons in the Northeast, mostly for short trips, but often for an hour or more.
[] At this point is it cheaper/easier/more reliable to do an AOD-E or 4R70W conversion instead, especially if I want to try to just put the thing in with some fresh fluid and filter? AODs are pretty aged now. Not sure how much of a pain the computer is, aside from its expense.
[] Do I need a new shift kit? I don’t think this requires opening the transmission. I’ve read it can modify shift parameters; tran lasts longer. Options include $60 B&M (less control over low gears) vs TransGo ($135)
[] New torque converter – just take off the donor car; get a rebuilt one, or custom (ex: Florida Controls)? Stall speed? I’d like to ease off the line, not burn tires.
[] Do I need an adapter to attach TV cable to stock autolite 2100 carb if I get the Lokar cable? Something like this throttle cable bracket? https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/lok-srk-4000
[] Should I get a transmission out of a car I know it’s working in (88 Crown Vic), but not rebuilt; rebuild one; or spring for a Monster kit (rebuilt AOD with various pieces). I’m guessing I’ll take one that’s known to work and see if it works ok before doing any rebuilding.
[] Confirm flexplate does not need to be changed.
[] Should I add a transmission oil cooler ($125) given I drive in summer in the 90s? I have a new fancy radiator from WCCC.
[] Does lockup increase gas mileage noticeably to make up for less driveability from shifts
[] Selector shaft: Make one or use one of like http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/lok-ata-1000 or http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/lok-ata-1001/overview/
[] I have the 3.0 non-locking (6 code) drive ratio rear end with. I believe 2.42, 1.61, and 1 for gear ratios. Any issues with using the AOD with this gearset? Will I be downshifting out of OD on every hill?
Thanks!
-ms
What are you trying to accomplish? with a 2.75 rear end ratio you don’t need over drive.
The car is revving high when it’s on the highway. I don’t have a tach so I can’t quote it, but the gerbils are spinning their wheels hard in there. An online calculator suggests it’s 2500 rpm at 70mph based on 26" tire height of 215/65R15 and 2.75 rear end. https://www.tremec.com/calculadora.php
I am guessing that’s the gear ratio from an online source that may not be correct. It’s a stock '69 351w 2v 'vert with A/C. I’m not sure I have the warranty plate on the car but I’ll check since that has a designation.
OK so I checked the data plate and it is a 3.0 rear end. I’ve updated the prior post. So RPMs are around 2700 at 70 mph.
I would go for the 4R70W over the AOD. I had looked into these extensively but ultimately went with a 6R80 for the FE 390 motor. If you need an adapter plate budget accordingly. I though some of the small block bolt patterns where shared with more modern trans/Bell housings but I can’t remember for sure.
I am using a US Shift Quick 6 controller but imagine the quick 4 needed for the 4R70W would work well. Never looked into other computer options. A locking converter is almost like another gear and I would recommend going that route.
The expense to get a 4 speed auto rebuilt was one reason I went with a bone stock 6 speed.
Check www.LKQonline.com for costs.
Going to a 28" tire will gain about 5mph. Fyi
I think the only reason to consider the older AOD or plain 4R70 is that they still have a mechanic gear output for the speedometer. One of the many things to consider.
Transmission cooler is a must have these days.
Enjoy the project!
My responses are in bold italics:
Totally agree - Monster is a terrible company that will screw you badly. Don’t buy anything from them. Fair warning.
Great feedback. Opposite viewpoints but my takeaway is that if I want to do a more up to date job I would go with the computer assist, but perhaps starting with a known good AOD tran then rebuilding it when needed may be the best way forward.
Factory A/C cars were 3.00:1 gear. In 52 years, anything could have been changed.
Oh dear the saga continues. Turns out my contact has an AODe not an AOD. A US Shift Quick 4 with all the fixins and Speedo converter looks to run $1200. I’m going to have to do a lot of scrounging to find an AOD in nyc metro area in decent shape or bust my $3K budget starting with a nice rebuilt one. Maybe I’ll find someone who has recently blown their fox body Mustang engine and is junking the car.
I bought an AOD from Monster for a hot rod build for less than $2k. It works perfectly. You have to set up the throttle control with a pressure gauge. People skip this step and then fry the transmission so you have to get this right. I used a lokar kit.
Thank you Bill. I see some others have had less successful experiences with Monster but glad to hear your build worked out well.
Edit: I see the Better Business Bureau has given it an F for lacking a relevant auto repair certification, and it has over a hundred mostly poor reviews that yield a 1.45 out of 5 star rating. That said, they claim to be on the Inc magazine 5000 for highest growth companies for 5 years so they appear to be a growing business that must have sufficient satisfied customers.
You should talk with Mark at Berkshire Transmissions in North Adams Mass. I believe you met him at the Redline Diner on the way to Carlisle. He owns the shop and built my custom AOD for my cougar. He even has made jigs for fabricating parts to fit the stock shift rods. He’s also president of New England Cougar Club. He can set you up on how to do it since he’s done a bunch of them.
Andy