5-speed auto transmission options for 1969 Mach1?

steelejay · 03-25-2009

Does anyone have any experience with installing newer 5 speed electronic automatic transmissions in classic mustangs? What are the options?

I currently have a '69 Mach1, 351W, FMX 3-speed and 4:11 rearend - I drive the car quite a bit and would like to be able drive the interstate at speeds better than 60mph without the motor screaming like a banshee. At the same time I don't want to lose the nice punch the 4:11's give off the line.

Any info would be appreciated.

nigel · 03-25-2009

You can use a T-5 WC (world class) 5 speed or a Tremec 6 speed. I have a 4 speed toploader with 4:11 in mine and it does very well.

andrewmp6 · 03-25-2009

Does ford even make a 5 speed automatic?If they do its on the mod motor which won't fit a windsor block with out making a adapter plate and special flexplate.I would get a aod or aode/4r70w for a stick what nigel said is good.

silver69 · 03-25-2009

Hello, the answer is YES and I have done 4 so far with great success. The 4R70W is a 4 spd with OD = 5 forward ratios.
You will need a special trans mount(I make and sell them $50), shorten your driveshaft, and all the usual stuff but you will need a Baumanengineering.com transmission computer and wiring harness. the controller and wiring is usually 4-500$.
Find a local junkyard and get a 98-2001 4r70w from a v6($250 - 450) mustang. they have the small block bellhousing and will bolt to a 289 to a 351C. get the torque onverter and use your original flywheel.
I have one of these for 4 years now behind a strong 351C and I dont drive easy. the trans shifts like a crown vic until you nail the gas and hold on. I had 3.89 gears and turned 2300 at 60 in od with 26.8"tires. Currie enterprises has a website and an rpm calculator you can use for free, your OD will be a final drive ratio of .67:1
Dont let anyone tell you otherwise - I have done it and love it,I did it for both my brothers and a buddy of mine and it is great.
You will have to do some small things but I will help you - message me. It clears everthing but you will have to redo your exhaust.
By the way a 4R70W has a lower 1st(2.84:1) gear than a c-4,FMX or C6

Joe

steelejay · 03-26-2009

Thanks for the excellent suggestions!

Joe - The 4R70W sounds like a great option. To clarify, the 4R70W will bolt up to my 351W with no adapter required (you mentioned your 351C which is a completely different block)?

Do you have to do anything special with the shift linkage for it to line up with the interior console, or perhaps modify the console?

It sounds like I should be able to perform this upgrade for less than $2G after factoring drive shaft, exhaust, mounts, and other mods - does that sound about right?

silver69 · 03-27-2009

Yes Steelejay you can do it for about 1200 depending on how much you spend getting the used 4R70W. You will need to fabricate a sfift rod and the mount and that is all you will have to "make" As I mentioned I can supply a perfect mount and the shift rod is pretty easy too.
Do not get a 2002 and newer trans as there is no drive teeth on the output shaft. you need these teeth on the shaft to spin your speedometer drive gear.
You will have to Flip the gear selector shaft in the trans (very easy takes 3 minutes and is accessible through the oil pan)
You will retain your stock shifter and it will function as normal. D will become (4) and the overdrive is automatic in 4th gear. The trans will bolt to ANY smallblock ford - 289,302,351W,351C.
give me an email address and I can send you a few pics. of my brothers' 302 with the 4R70W bolted on. If you can turn any wrences at all you can do this man.
as I said it shifts hard when you want it and smooth when you dont - you will love it!

andrewmp6 · 03-27-2009

As many people starting to use the 4R70W I'm kinda shocked no one mass production makes a cross member for it.

silver69 · 03-27-2009

I do make a nice one laser cut and strong too, currently in talks with NPD to offer it. All the ones for AOD's and such suck! cant use your stock h pipe or even duals hit theirs and you have to drop your pipes so low to clear them you will lose one on a speed bump.

steelejay · 03-31-2009

Joe - my email is john@net-centrix.com - I'd love to see pictures of the installs you have done.

Player · 03-31-2009

Steelejay, Joe is the man! He's helped me lot...a very cool guy! You'll find his knowledge to be invaluable.

silver69 · 03-31-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelejay

Joe - my email is john@net-centrix.com - I'd love to see pictures of the installs you have done.

No problem John, I will be able to send them to you on Friday.
Joe