Well I am changing my mind for my T project after getting the opportunity to trade my SBC for a '30 Model A engine. I have a '39 trans and a '40 rear axle with 3.78 gear set. Whats involved with adapting the trans to the A engine? I would like to do a mild hop-up to the engine as in keeping the stock bearings and oiling system and installing a higher compression head, downdraft carb, and better ignition. Anyone have a similar set-up? If so how does it perform? Thanks fellas.
They make an adapter for the banger to 39' trans. Check out the monthly banger meet, great guys with lots of info. Just do a search for banger and read away.
http://www.partsformodelafords.com/store/category.cfm?Category=27&StartRow=31 Very good quality. Bolt up/drill one hole for wishbone adapter.
I did the swap in a afternoon, the trans was ready to go in when I started the project. I used the AC&R kit that replaced the peddle shaft and the park brake handle bracket. EZ. My car had a Float-a-motor mounts and I redrilled the tailshaft bracket the fit the V8 trans torque tube socket, the alloy bracket broke, I found a iron one on ebay and drilled it out and it has worked for years. The bell housing adpt did need some notches ground in to clear the stock wishbone, the lowered springs changed the angle. Your set up many not have the same minor issues I had. I would do it again, but I may go for a overdrive next time or S-10 trans.
I also used the AC&R kit, super nice kit and super easy to install. Best thing I did to my coupe was put that later tranny in, shifts like a dream!
Cragar used to make a bellhousing with the Model A pedal shaft and the bolt pattern of the V8 trans. Don't know if anyone still does, but it was a very trick and easy do.
Here's AC&R's link again. http://www.partsformodelafords.com/store/category.cfm?Category=27&StartRow=31 It says,
Bolt in deal. Came with the bellhousing adapter, wishbone locator, pedal adapet, new throw out bearing shaft with correct arm, and a E brake handle adapter. It bolted right in, no problems. It was pricey (400.00) but well worth it in my eyes. My car has a souped up B in it, so I can really wrap it up and throw the gears.
I never knew about AC&R, very cool stuff! Whats used for the clutch/pressure plate combo? I take it a pilot bearing adapter is needed?
Yep, and just use the stock A pressure plate, disc and flywheel. It is about as bolt in as you can get
Like the direction your goin, but you can also adapt a ranger 5 spd to the banger and convert the axle to open drive. Not QUITE as traditional, but its a VERY nice set up.
Check with Jim at Antique Ford Parts in Rosemead, California (626)288-2121 I found that Jim would just sell you the adapter by itself, not all of the other stuff. At least this is what I found when I bought mine.
Just curious. Do you use the same enclosed driveshaft from your A transmission? And what if your running split wishbones? no hole needed? Whats the top speed of a V8 tranny with an A rear? Kicking back and forth on this whole banger thing. Mine runs excellent in my coupe, but was hoping for more highway driveability.
Yes, I have the stock A rearend, everything works except the split coupling for the torquetube- you gotta use a V8 one. Top speed is still the same- Both trannys are 1:1 ratio in 3rd. But the V8 tranny shifts better and has syncros. Plus there is a bigger variance between 1st-2nd and 2nd-3rd....meaning you don't have to shift it so fast
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