I've got a 53 Victoria with the 239 flathead and Fordomatic . I want to keep the flathead but would like to change the ****** to a C4 and was wondering how close of a "bolt in" project it would be? Things like crossmember mounts, linkage hook up, driveshaft issues and anything else there might be. Not interested in an AOD, just the C4 version. Thanks for any advice.......Bob
The adapter kit for the C4 is pretty much the same adapter as the AOD and the same cost $950 and you really gain nothing over the Ford-O-Matic because you still end up with a final drive ratio of one to one so highway cruising would be at the same RPM. The AOD's transmission mount is the positioned in the same place as your Ford-O-Matic the C4 would need an extension plate,both the C4 and the AOD use the same front drive shaft yoke and either the C4 or the AOD can use your stock Ford-O-Matic column shift check out this link: http://1954ford.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=2951. So let's compare at 3,000 RPM with your Ford-O-Matic or the C4 you will be going the same speed with the AOD's .67 overdrive the RPM would drop to 2010 RPM which would be a lot easier on the flathead for highway driving. Below is an AOD sitting on the stock 1952-53 transmission cross member. Best AOD donors is the 1989-93's which are non-computer. Here is pictures of the adapter kits and you can online chat with them for advice: https://transmissioncenter.net/product-category/ford/?product-tag=adapters
All good points to consider but I hate auto electronics. The C4 is all mechanical which I prefer and this car is a cruiser not really a long haul driver . Are the non comp. AODs totally mechanical or are there still electronics to deal with?My Fordomatic is an over 60 year old ****** and basically a 2 speed one at that. No one works on them anymore and I want more modern reliability too.......Bob
AOD's prior to 1993 are totally non-electronic actually your Ford-O-Matic is a three speed,they start out in 2nd gear to use all three you shift manually into "L" then to "D" lots of folks always ***umed they were a two speed because they didn't read the owners manual. As far as reliability those old Ford-O-Matics were pretty good but a lot of shops know nothing about flatheads either.
I know that the Fordomatic is a 3 speed auto but what sense does it make to have to manually downshift a ****** to utilize all the gears it has? As for the flathead, it runs good and has that nostalgic vibe to it and there are shops all over that provide performance upgrades for it, something the Fordomatic can't claim. But back to the original Question. Speedway offers 2 kits to put an auto behind the flathead but the AOD version is almost a grand more than the C4 version. That money will buy a lot of gas if the only advantage is a little better mileage. I'm not trying to argue but just get all the facts before I commit to it. Thank you for all your input....Bob
The basic kit is the same price for C4 and AOD. The price changes when you purchase the transmission also. I am sure you could find a good used AOD in your area and just freshen it up.
The C-4 is a good choice if you don't want O/D. The AOD is a much larger and heavier trans and you might run into floor pan interference. It's pretty much a bolt in if you get the install kit.
It is not much larger both Don Allen and I have the AOD in our '54 Fords without floor tunnel mods the modification to the '52-53 tunnel is minimal. Here are the measurement specs on both the two C4's and the AOD http://non-stoptransmission.com/en/info-ford.php A C4 weighs 110 lbs dry W/O converter the AOD weighs 150 lbs dry W/O converter your old Ford-O-Matic weighs in at 223 lbs.
I put an AOD behind my modified Flathead using a used Speedway Adapter and starter which I bought for $150 on Ebay. Bought a new Econline 6 Flex Plate for $30 and new torque converter. Switch went well. Changed the driveshaft length and front universal. Installed a cooler and made a mount plate for the trans. All went well except for the shifting which occurred at the wrong times so I put in a TRANS GO shift valve and all was cured. Very happy with AOD. Be careful of throttle valve pressure. I used Lokar Linkage and stock 3 speed shift linkage with a custom made shift dial. Best to have a pro set it up.
Need to mention that no mods to the floor were needed. Mine is a decent car too. I’m with Jeff, put in an AOD. You will not be sorry. Just make sure you use a Trans Go valve if you are using the stock rear end ratio or you will be very unhappy. My rear ration is 3.90. It is a very inexpensive valve and easy to install with great instructions.
This is the kit, I have a link on file that shows the installation. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/trg-aod-hirev less than $30. This kit is recommended if your numeric ratio is 3:55 or above 1952-54 Fords that had Ford-O-Matics had a 3:31 rear end ratio so you would not need it. I would install this calibration kit: https://www.becontrols.com/aod.shtml
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