Hi all, I have a '56 Meteor Rideau Victoria that one day I'll get back together. I had the automatic rebuilt years ago and then moved onto other projects. Yesterday a fellow offered me an overdrive. The engine is a 292ci with .020 overbore. So which trans would be the best choice for economy as well as fun. The car will be a cruiser so no showing off. All replies appreciated...
My choice for fun and economy is the OD trans. The OD has the effect of raising your rear axle ratio by roughly 30%, thereby improving gas mileage and reducing engine wear. I'm ***uming your axle ratio is around 3.30:1, typical for Fordomatic equipped cars of the era. OD would make it about 2.31:1, maybe a bit tall if you have steep hills. The downside of converting is you'd need to source all the manual trans mechanisms, i.e.: bellhousing, flywheel, clutch, clutch pedal, manual shift steering column, etc.
I would agree about the manual being more fun than the automatic and I had actually considered converting mine instead of rebuilding the Fordomatic. However, I changed my mind after remembering just how original my car still is and I hate to change it up too much. I just bough an old pu with a 3 on the tree for fun and will keep my 56 an automatic (at least for now). I did go as far as buying the 3 speed OD, but am planning to sell it.
Thanks for your reply. As far as converting I know that it isn't a simple swap as I'd need all the other parts as you mentioned. However I'm not sure of the "etc." bits. Could you add them to th enlist for me? I'd appreciate it!
If you have some time, visit my personal website where I go through the entire switch from a Fordomatic to a 3 speed with OD. I flat out love it. I changed the gears in the rear end. (my 55's rear end with original fordo was 3.30, so I went with a 3.79) https://www.hotrodreverend.com/blog/categories/transmission and check out this post concerning the rear end swap https://www.hotrodreverend.com/post/2017/10/02/55-ford-fairlane-restoration-blog-part-23
The entire clutch linkage,(arm, Z-bar, adjuster, anti rattle spring, throw out bearing, pilot bearing). You could probably do away with the arm, Z-bar, adjuster and spring by using a hydraulic throw out bearing. You'll also need the relay and kickdown switch for the OD and the wiring harness, plus the actuator cable and bracket to mount the cable under the dash.
3 speed OD for sure. You wont be sorry if go this route. I love the one in my car. If you need help finding parts let me know. I know someone that may have everything you need.
3 speed OD. Finding the column shift linkage may be the most difficult. Another option would be to locate one of the late 70s Granada top loader overdrives and use the floor shift.
I'm with the 3spd/OD. For one it won't leak like the automatics. I wish my car was a 3spd period. I'm tired of the leaky Fordo it has.
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