Transmission...AOD or C-4
 

I'm so close to finishing my 351 conversion but after talking to some friends they told me that my AOD will not be able to withstand the increase in HP from the 351. My 351 will be putting out at least 300HP.
I have a C-4 from a 65 Stang. I heard they are alot stronger. Should I just swap it out or take it easy on my AOD?

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Michael Wigton
1989 351 Windsor
1964 1/2 Convertible

if you are not planning on rebuilding a trans. then the c4 is your better bet if its in good shape.300 hp is possibly a conservative guess for a 351w if its modified. plus the torque. thats what will kill the aod.the c4 is better unless you plan on heavily modifying the aod, which means lots of cash.

Is this going to be a track car or your daily driver? If it's going to be a daily driver I would stick to the AOD. Believe it or not an AOD can be built to handle some serious HP.For $2200.00 you can have a bullit proof AOD with 2800 stall.Sounds expensive but if you plan on any highway driving it's well worth the money.

GER has bullet proof AOD's with one piece input shaft, modified shifting pattern (1,2,3-4), balanced, etc...on sale for $895.00

They have a bad reputation for customer service, but i have one of their AOD;s and have driven it hard for over three years with no problems. Get a stallion converter ($695) anf you have bullet proof AOD for $1600.00



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1993 GT/AOD
'93 Mustang GT

In my opinion, the only reason to go with an AOD is for the overdrive. If it's your daily driver and/or you have to drive significant miles on the highway, then so be it. Otherwise the C4 is:

cheaper
lighter
more efficient
cheaper to rebuild
stronger

Yes, you can build an AOD to be strong. But it will cost at least twice as much. And the AOD will still be a lot heavier and less efficient.

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Craig
Supercharged 93 GT
Basically stock 93 Cobra
"I drive way too fast to worry about cholesterol!"

This is my daily driver. I don't plan on getting on it all the time, I just like to have it there just-in-case.
How hard is it to convert to a C-4?
My other stang, I was planning on putting the AOD in it anyways.
I'm hoping to have this thing on the road by monday.

Pray for me guys!

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Michael Wigton
1989 351 Windsor
1964 1/2 Convertible

Be sure to install a shift kit (Level 10, Art Carr or Baumann) and a decent $350 2500 stall convertor, such as TCI or B&M. With these mods it should handle about 400 hp before input shaft and clutch material becomes an issue.

If it's not a full drag car, then I would go with an AOD. I don't know about AOD's for Ford's. But I have a "built" 700R4, and a buddy of mine has the same tranny in his BIG BLOCK truck, and he's pushing 600+hp, and it's held up just fine, for a long time also!
Overdrive is the only way to go in my opinion, and THERE not that much more. 300-400hp is nuthing for a built AOD. Just get a B and M cooler and a nice stall.

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1989 GT, 3:55's, full exhaust, 4 in. hood, Pro 5.0, All parts for sale now.

2000 Camaro SS-A4 =P

1989 Chevy S-10, EX. Cab-383(500+hp on motor), trick flow heads, trick flow pistons, etc... autometer phantom gauges, "built" 700R4, roll cage, lexan back window, corbeau seats, R.H.S. 5 harnesses, Fuel cell, convo pro wheels, 15x14's with 29x18.5 M/T'S on back, 15x4's on front, nitrous, and so much more!



[This message has been edited by 1BAD89 (edited 08-30-2001).]