AOD tech... any good info?

91LXConv · 04-03-2001, 11:09 PM

From what I've been hearing on this board, I should focus on my AOD rather that any other engine mods for better performance. So... I'm looking for ANY good info on the AOD and AOD related stuff. Mainly torque converters. I'm trying to grasp exactly what it does and what I will FEEL it doing while I'm driving. Can anybody expalin?

1991 LX 5.0 Convertible:
AOD w/ shift kit, Steeda 3-pc. chassis stiffening kit, 4-pt. AutoPower roll-bar, the K&N, MAC shorties and cat-backs, 3.73s.
------------------

[This message has been edited by 91LXConv (edited 04-04-2001).]

[This message has been edited by 91LXConv (edited 04-04-2001).]

Doctor DeBo · 04-04-2001, 01:40 AM

Ill start by saying that the weakest link in a stock AOD is the over drive band,very thin compared to upgraded versions.Ive got an AOD and the overdrive whent on me at around 70,000 miles,I put a FMS hi-ratio gear set in and havent had any trouble.You can go with a higher stall converter but keep in mind the miles that are on the trans.There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to trans upgrades,especially the AOD.What are your plans for the car in the future?Art Car,Level 10,and B&M make some good upgrade stuff for AOD's and could shed some better light on the subject.Like I said it all depends on your future plans,and of course cash flow.Too many times ive said"Damn I should have done that when I had it apart the first time".

Jeff Chambers · 04-04-2001, 06:32 AM

Check out www.howstuffworks.com and their sections on torque converters and automatic transmissions. Both articles are great for the novice. When I started thinking about changing from T5 to AOD, I also did alot of reading on Art Carr's site, Bauman Engineering, PA, Dynamic, Lentech and any other performance transmission specialists I could think of. There were some good torque converter articles on some of the OEM manufacturer sites too. Just do a search on Altavista and you'll have more info than you know what to do with.

------------------
Jeff Chambers
Trophy Stock #3
11.86 Seconds / 113.8 MPH
Chambers Racing Team

89gete · 04-04-2001, 07:33 AM

go here:http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2000/09/converter/index.shtml. I want to install a shift kit to get rid of the short-shifts.

Capri306 · 04-04-2001, 10:25 AM

Here's another good link: Baumann Engineering. Excellent information on upgrading and protecting the AOD. IT's the place I learned how to properly set TV pressure and why AODs commonly fail. Notice that my AOD decided to take a crap a week ago. No warning or anything just POW! and no drive or reverse at all. This will be the THIRD time this AOD is getting rebuilt, but I'm going to make sure it's the last, too.

The OD band and input drum are the weakest parts for sure, which is why I plan on getting that upgraded to a stamped police-duty drum & band. The servo should also be upgraded to the "A" piston & cover for maximum durability.

With converters, you get what you pay for. That's the universal rule with them. If you want a good one get a Precision Industries. The biggest decision you have to make is the stall speed and lockup or not. If you drive it everyday and want mileage (and less heat, number one enemy of automatics), get a lockup. Your camshaft will determine more than anything what stall you need. Hope this helps ya out!

------------------
Capri306, Moderator, The Mustang Works Online
1979 Mercury Capri, 5.0L -- C4 -- 2.73
1987 Mustang LX Notch

04-03-2001, 11:09 PM	#1
91LXConv Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Pensacola, FL, USA Posts: 36	AOD tech... any good info? From what I've been hearing on this board, I should focus on my AOD rather that any other engine mods for better performance. So... I'm looking for ANY good info on the AOD and AOD related stuff. Mainly torque converters. I'm trying to grasp exactly what it does and what I will FEEL it doing while I'm driving. Can anybody expalin? 1991 LX 5.0 Convertible: AOD w/ shift kit, Steeda 3-pc. chassis stiffening kit, 4-pt. AutoPower roll-bar, the K&N, MAC shorties and cat-backs, 3.73s. ------------------ [This message has been edited by 91LXConv (edited 04-04-2001).] [This message has been edited by 91LXConv (edited 04-04-2001).]

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04-04-2001, 01:40 AM	#2
Doctor DeBo Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Newnan, GA, UnitedStates Posts: 83	Ill start by saying that the weakest link in a stock AOD is the over drive band,very thin compared to upgraded versions.Ive got an AOD and the overdrive whent on me at around 70,000 miles,I put a FMS hi-ratio gear set in and havent had any trouble.You can go with a higher stall converter but keep in mind the miles that are on the trans.There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to trans upgrades,especially the AOD.What are your plans for the car in the future?Art Car,Level 10,and B&M make some good upgrade stuff for AOD's and could shed some better light on the subject.Like I said it all depends on your future plans,and of course cash flow.Too many times ive said"Damn I should have done that when I had it apart the first time".

04-04-2001, 06:32 AM	#3
Jeff Chambers Moderator Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Milan, OH Posts: 2,699	Check out www.howstuffworks.com and their sections on torque converters and automatic transmissions. Both articles are great for the novice. When I started thinking about changing from T5 to AOD, I also did alot of reading on Art Carr's site, Bauman Engineering, PA, Dynamic, Lentech and any other performance transmission specialists I could think of. There were some good torque converter articles on some of the OEM manufacturer sites too. Just do a search on Altavista and you'll have more info than you know what to do with. ------------------ Jeff Chambers Trophy Stock #3 11.86 Seconds / 113.8 MPH Chambers Racing Team

04-04-2001, 07:33 AM	#4
89gete Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Duncan, SC Posts: 3	go here:http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2000/09/converter/index.shtml. I want to install a shift kit to get rid of the short-shifts.

04-04-2001, 10:25 AM	#5
Capri306 Moderator Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA Posts: 1,001	Here's another good link: Baumann Engineering. Excellent information on upgrading and protecting the AOD. IT's the place I learned how to properly set TV pressure and why AODs commonly fail. Notice that my AOD decided to take a crap a week ago. No warning or anything just POW! and no drive or reverse at all. This will be the THIRD time this AOD is getting rebuilt, but I'm going to make sure it's the last, too. The OD band and input drum are the weakest parts for sure, which is why I plan on getting that upgraded to a stamped police-duty drum & band. The servo should also be upgraded to the "A" piston & cover for maximum durability. With converters, you get what you pay for. That's the universal rule with them. If you want a good one get a Precision Industries. The biggest decision you have to make is the stall speed and lockup or not. If you drive it everyday and want mileage (and less heat, number one enemy of automatics), get a lockup. Your camshaft will determine more than anything what stall you need. Hope this helps ya out! ------------------ Capri306, Moderator, The Mustang Works Online 1979 Mercury Capri, 5.0L -- C4 -- 2.73 1987 Mustang LX Notch