I'm contemplating installation of an AOD in place of the the C6 that is currently in my '56 Merc wagon. The engine is at the machine shop for a re-build, so it would make sense to do the trans swap at this time. My thinking is that the AOD might help some what with mileage. The engine is a 351M ( yeah I know......that's what was in the car when I bought it) . It is equipped with an Edelbrock Performer intake, Holley600 cfm carb, Edelbrock aluminum heads and a mild cam. It has the stock 3.54 differential. From what I have been able to find on the interweb, the dimensions of these two transmissions are similar but not the exactly the same. I have found a source for what is needed to adapt the AOD to the 351M block. I understand that at 4060 lbs this car will never be a gas mizer. I'm wondering what the collective experience/opinion on this trans swap is ?
I might add that I'm especially curious to hear from those who might have done this switch. ( regardless of wether or not it was on an obscure M series engine )
There are a lot of AOD’s installed in our older Fords with many engines. I’ve seen it written on the HAMB some where not to use an AODE but an AOD. Others say setting one up is a pain and to use an aftermarket electronic box with an E. I wanted and needed a higher rear end when installing a 3 speed automatic in my 56 behind a Y and every thing your thinking about went thru my mind. Since I wanted better braking for my car i changed the complete rear end to an 8.8 with bigger brakes. It has a 2.74 gears and works great with a 3 speed auto. I’m not saying an OD isn’t better or worse just a C6 is a heavy duty trans that will never give one of our older cars a problem just a rear end was easier for me an I got the cruising gear I wanted and a transmission that starts in first. Even tho expensive a Gear Vendor OD’s are available for a C6 . . Good luck.
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