Hey folks. Ok, I'm a real wet behind the ears newb here, but have been restoring cars and driving 50's Fords for 30 years. My little 53 Vicky is my first attempt at a repower and mechanical update.. I'm looking for a traditional "kids car" look, (think baby moons and trim rings, visor, foxcrafts, rocket lights, and 54 Poncho grille), but I'd like a modern auto overdrive for my wife to be comfortable with and for mileage. I DRIVE my stuff. Alot. Dropping in the 292 won't be an issue for me, gonna stay with the stock suspension setup, but it'll be a bit of a taildragger. Steering to be determined, more because of fit issues than improvements. Any little nuggets of info here? What seems to work better? 700R4 or AOD? I'm leaning toward an AOD because not having to worry about a lockup is one less headache. But I think the 700 is more "universal". The Y block can handle it, it don't look like a lot of oddball fabrication, hopefully OK for a newb in the rod and custom scene. I've done several of these cars, but as stockers that I'd drive to local shows and some regional stuff. Trailers are for putting in your camping supplies and hauling around your smoker, not hauling cars!!! Yeah, I did a search, didn't see anything obvious on this....
It seems unlikely that your Y-block will generate too much torque for either of those transmission choices. Make your choice based on costs, adaptability, and fit. I really like the AOD transmissions in my cars.
Can't speak for the aod. I've run several 700s and like them real well. Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
Nothing wrong with a Ford AOD. If you do decide to go Chevy look at the 200R4 instead of the 700R4. Smaller, no TV cable and still fairly available. Sent from my DROID device using the TJJ mobile app
I have just got an AOD as well to put behind my Y-Block. Do a thread when you do yours and give some of us guys some pointers
Yeah, I'm leaning AOD as well, simply because that without a lockup converter, it's one less electrical thing to worry about... If I do a thread on it, it'll be a learning experience for me as well. I'm a serious restorer, but this stuff is breaking new ground for me. What should be obvious to most, is a problem for me.... Like your 56, by the way.. Nice
Just got a Wilcap 700 r4 adapter. Sitting in the garage unfortunately. If you decide to go that route and I have mine done I'll help you out if I can.
As for the 700, I know there's a kit our rebuilder puts in them that byp***es the electrical and gives lockup automatically when you go into overdrive, so it'll work as well.... So it is all about fit. I did think about te 200R4 as well, but I see no advantage. No room for a 4R100 and no computer for a 4L60E, so the choice is limited. And NO Ddddddodge goes in my Ford. I have to hold my nose enough to think about a GM Trans...
Actually not a Skyliner. Skyliners were produced in 1954, and then from 57-59. 55-56 Gl***tops were officially Crown Victorias with transparent tops...LOL! You really don't want one though... It's like riding in a fishbowl!
I've heard some people have issues with Wilcap's 700 adaptor kit having issues with starter fit and function. Anyone care to elaborate? My 292 is a truck unit with rear sump. Any issues there?
The few issues I have heard of with the starters seemed to be when someone tried to modify a starter for use on there own. I purchased the Mopar mini starter direct from Wilcap which the adapter is designed for. They offer the starter at a discount when you purchase the adapter kit. I haven't installed mine yet but when I do I'm not anticipating any starter issues. If I encounter any I have heard great things about Wilcap when it comes to their customer service.
As much as I'm a proponent for and race 700R4's, the AOD is slightly the better of the two. As far as the weaker 2004R, read this and you will never consider one again: http://www.webrodder.com/article.php?AID=426&SID=6 And if you want the ultimate in overdrives go with a 4L80e.
I actually RUN a trans shop here in North Texas, so I see alot of units through our doors. I've always thought the AOD was a better design, you give up a lockup with the AOD, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. I was more concerned with fit issues than anything else, because as far as building one goes, I'll just do it here. I think the TV setup on the AOD is a bit more critical, but you can smoke a 700 pretty quick too with the wrong throttle pressure... You couldn't pay me enough to deal with the headaches of the 4L80E. It's a good unit, but not THAT good. If you're gonna go that far, use a late model 5R110 and be done with it... The whole idea of the AOD and 700 is the total lack of a computer.
I have a 292 & the Wilcap adaptor for the 700r4 but have yet to actually get that far on that project. I do have a 700r4 behind a carburated big block in a 63 Chev C10. I used a Bowler transmission lock up controller which is very easy to install & only requires a couple of wires to operate. One power & one to the brake light switch. The transmission locks up 8 seconds after it shifts into od & unlocks when the brake lights come on.
Are there any updates on this. I've been contemplating putting the AOD behind my stock 292 in my 64 F100. I have yet to talk with anyone that has any results. Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
Guess I don't understand why the knock against the lockup converter? Lowers trans lube temp, improves fuel economy, easy and simple to do. jacka vines
Put a mustang T5 in it. We put one in my mom's '57 Bird. Used the ford-y-block.com adapter. Super simple and the car is amazing to drive on the high-way. Clocked her cruizing at 70 mph.
That was my original plan but there is very little room in the truck now for my wife and kid. It has the stock 3 speed and cruising at 60 it's just so loud at that RPM. Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
there is a guy in Costa Mesa, CA that modifies the bellhousing on the AOD for a direct bolt up to the Y Block - No adapter, which makes it really clean I think the guys name is Gary Croan and the company is Bristol Services co. Costa Mesa, CA
Found this: Bristol Services Company 396 E 21st St, Trlr 9 Costa Mesa, CA, 92627 (949)722-1122 I called but no answer. Message said it was Gary Croan. Google days modifies transmission, engine ad marine work. Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
A T5 is OK, but the whole idea is an autobox so my wife don't have to shift. Plus, I want to keep the column shifter, which you can't do with a T5.
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