Hey party people! I just picked up an auto trans to replace my three on the tree. My question is, is it a direct swap or do I need to make new mounts ect. I have a 215 manual trans in a 53 customline and the auto trans is out of a 54. I have the flywheel and torque converter for the trans also.
Let me get this straight. You're gonna' take a good 3-speed manual out and put a used '54 Ford-o-Matic in? You're joking, right? If you're serious you're about to discover the true meaning of the word "slow"...
Cool! I spent many years in the Los Angeles area and understand the concept of "low and slow" and can totally appreciate it...
Having been down this road before when I did a rear end swap years ago your 3 speed rear has 3:90 gears with the Ford-O-Matic it will accelerate from a stop quicker but it will not like cruising on the highway as your 215 will be winding up pretty good.Perfect scenario would be swapping in a Maverick or Mustang 8" with the common 3:00 rear gears.If you do the swap your 3 speed column won't play well with the Ford-O-Matic so this is your best bet: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SPE-6423/ it will work well and is a whole lot easier and cheaper than swapping out a column.
The reason I'm swapping the trans out is because I'm loosing my clutch and pressure plate and they are way to expensive to replace it. I do have 3:90s in the rear end and I can't run the freeway anyway till I change out the gears. What I'd like to know is if it is a direct bolt in, as long as I change out the flywheel.
Yep it is direct swap but don't forget to remove the Pilot bearing/bushing from the end of the crankshaft. Regard
Clutch/pressure plate on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Clutch-...t=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Ford-Cl...t=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr New Old Stock Ford parts...
It's a direct bolt in but you must be looking in the wrong places for a pressure plate and clutch set up . They really aren't that costly at all . Then you will have what the car was originally set up for and will run nicely . I know it's your car but that is going the wrong way when it comes to a trans swap . If you look around the cost really isn't that much . Just my opinion ! Jim
You will also need to change the steering column or at least the outer column housing to one from a car which had an automatic transmission with the selector dial. You will need the correct linkage rods from an auto. car and a neutral safety switch. All of this could easily add up to much more than the cost of a clutch and pressure plate. Alan S. Freeman
Even better is to throw in a T5. Adapter and new clutch/pressure plate. then the 3.90s will be a great cruise ratio. Ny 3.73s and a T5 combine for 2,000 RPM at 70 MPH.
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