T5/AOD with a flathead

Hi!

I´m just wondering how you people who have made the change to a mondern ****** behind a flathead think about it?
Was it worth it, any cons?
Please give me your thoughts!
I´m thinking of putting a T5 behind my stock 8AB in my ´50 shoebox.

 

I have went both ways.its nice sometimes to have newer modern tyranny but I also like original to.im currently running 8ba with original 3speed on column and I love it.its more what your goal is with car and what you prefer

 

I've run C4s & 93 & older AODs behind my Flatheads. Flatheads seem to run good
with these trans & 3.25 TO 3.50 gears = W/C4 & 3.89 to 4.10 gears = w/AOD

 

I'm running an AOD behind my flathead with no issues other than needing more rear gear for the overdrive (going to 4:10 soon). Setting the TV cable correctly is critical, but simple with a pressure gauge. I found the stock throttle travel on my Holley 94 sufficient for the TV cable, just had to fab up the cable and brackets for it.

Flatman

 

I did a T5 swap in my '50 Ford eariler this year. Here's a link to the thread ----> http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=568131


I wouldn't have it any other way, the difference is unbelivable. Definitely worth the time to do the swap!

 

I had a T5 in a flatty powered roadster. You have a gear for any speed, 5 to 95 the motor is in a feel good spot. I love five speeds.

 

Why not stay old, get the 3spd manual with OD that ford/gm/etc sold in the 50's/60's?

 

Thanks for input!

With a C4, how big is the diffrence in highway cruising from the original 3speed?

Sounds like a t5 is a good choice, biggest problem is that it isn´t easy to find one with the manual speedo drive....

 

Hi again!

Can you fit a T85 to a Ford flathead? The car is a ´50 shoebox.

 

I would think it should bolt up to the engine, but not sure about tunnel/x-member clearance. I put one in my '54 Ford with 332 FE and had no problems other than the rear trans mount needed to move back about an inch. Ford built these cars with the BW T-86 OD and it should fit without any h***le, other than finding relay, kick-down switch, etc. Plus the T-86 is usually a bit easier to find than the heavy duty T-85. BTW, there were some T-85's and probably T-86's built for 1/2 ton trucks. I believe their input shaft is longer and larger than the p***enger car.