I know an AOD will fit a 289, but is it worth it? I hear lots of linkage, vacuum, and settings need to be in exact configuration in order for the transmission to automatically shift into overdrive. Or else you're better/simpler off running a C4? Any opinions or experiences will help. Thanks.
Is an AOD on a 289 worth it?
904dc
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I know an AOD will fit a 289, but is it worth it? I hear lots of linkage, vacuum, and settings need to be in exact configuration in order for the transmission to automatically shift into overdrive. Or else you're better/simpler off running a C4? Any opinions or experiences will help. Thanks.
fot gas reasons, yes...you can't do better. For performance reasons, it's the worst thing you can do unless you spend cash upgrading it. the aod fox mustangs are a full second slower in the 1/4 than the t5 manual mustangs. the aod's suck a TON of power
Depends on how much you will drive the car and how much of that will be hwy. speeds.
I'm converting to an AOD since I will be doing a lot of hwy miles, this will lower my RPM's in OD (engine life) and improve my gas mileage. The bonus is that I have ditched my 2.79:1 peg leg granny gears for a 3.50:1 tracloc unit so I'll have the best of both worlds, quicker starts, lower RPM's and better MPG. Yes the AOD is heavier than the C4 but the C4 takes more power than a manual also.
The linkage isn't hard, similar to a carb linkage and the TV cable needs to be set properly, a trans shop may charge an hour labor to do this at worst + a tow (I wouldn't drive it a mile or less w/o setting the TV cable first or you could burn up the trans.)
Jon
I'm converting to an AOD since I will be doing a lot of hwy miles, this will lower my RPM's in OD (engine life) and improve my gas mileage. The bonus is that I have ditched my 2.79:1 peg leg granny gears for a 3.50:1 tracloc unit so I'll have the best of both worlds, quicker starts, lower RPM's and better MPG. Yes the AOD is heavier than the C4 but the C4 takes more power than a manual also.
The linkage isn't hard, similar to a carb linkage and the TV cable needs to be set properly, a trans shop may charge an hour labor to do this at worst + a tow (I wouldn't drive it a mile or less w/o setting the TV cable first or you could burn up the trans.)
Jon
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I swapped from a 289/C4 to a 5.0L/AOD. I think it's very worth it. 65 mph while spinning ~1800 rpm is great. If you want to go fast, you can do that with a touch of the pedal. With a 289, the only linkage concerns should be the TV cable and the reverse light wiring. No vacuum lines, if I recall correctly.
I suppose if you want to drag race your Mustang, an AOD might not be the answer, but for my weekend fun, and racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday nights, I'll live with the gas savings until I can get the AOD beefed up.
I suppose if you want to drag race your Mustang, an AOD might not be the answer, but for my weekend fun, and racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday nights, I'll live with the gas savings until I can get the AOD beefed up.
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Yeah if its a street car you drive a lot i would do it.
General Click Click Tech - Click Click Racing Forums
Outstanding forum for anything to do with ford overdrive tranny's.
Thanks for the link........
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1966er, what do you mean? I use the 1966 shifter that came with my car originally, and hooked it up to the AOD. What are you asking?:headscratch:
Hi, yes 4th is OD and if you get a lockup converter you will retain the original use of the OD.
There are nonlockup converters but they are more for race only applications as they won't 'lock' into OD on the highway and the conveter will slip to give more power and less MPG and longevity.
So if you're using it on the street and a 'sometimes' track car I'd go with a lockup converter if buying a taller stall aftermarket converter (I'm getting a 2200) the stock ones will be lockup (~1200 - 1600RPM).
"Remember, I am a descendant from "GM" and their ways. Still learning...."
We'll forgive you for your past misguidance as you have seen the error of your ways...:bigthumbsup
Jon
There are nonlockup converters but they are more for race only applications as they won't 'lock' into OD on the highway and the conveter will slip to give more power and less MPG and longevity.
So if you're using it on the street and a 'sometimes' track car I'd go with a lockup converter if buying a taller stall aftermarket converter (I'm getting a 2200) the stock ones will be lockup (~1200 - 1600RPM).
"Remember, I am a descendant from "GM" and their ways. Still learning...."
We'll forgive you for your past misguidance as you have seen the error of your ways...:bigthumbsup
Jon
AOD or not to AOD
The AOD is a beautiful thing on the freeway, I just came back from Lead East 1700 miles ($150 in fuel ) It is correct to say if you want performance you will have to dump some coin say about $2000 but for me it was well worth it. When mine shifts it will snap your neck back. The TV cable must be set up exact (pressure ) or you will toast the tranny in 10 minutes( let a trans shop or tech do it ). There are some issues with the linkage and exhaust, the AOD is wider and the stock linkage will not work and if you have your exhaust set close to your C4 you will have to replace the section from the manifolds to the X if you have stainless exhaust this is VERY EXPENSIVE, you need the shifter adaptor linkage to use your original shifter or you need to make a piece to bring the linkage down abit. The after market cross members will give you a problem with the set up of the E brake lever. You will also need to shorten and balance your drive shaft, you need an AOD flexplate and backing plate, you also need the carb linkage for either Edelbrock or Holley.
Most people seem to say this is an easy swap, I found this not to be true, you can do things right and spend the time and money and be very very happy with it or you can do it half assed and thats how it will run. By the time I finished with everything I was into about $3500 and 3 weeks of my time, but like I said it is done right and runs like a champ.
Ric
The AOD is a beautiful thing on the freeway, I just came back from Lead East 1700 miles ($150 in fuel ) It is correct to say if you want performance you will have to dump some coin say about $2000 but for me it was well worth it. When mine shifts it will snap your neck back. The TV cable must be set up exact (pressure ) or you will toast the tranny in 10 minutes( let a trans shop or tech do it ). There are some issues with the linkage and exhaust, the AOD is wider and the stock linkage will not work and if you have your exhaust set close to your C4 you will have to replace the section from the manifolds to the X if you have stainless exhaust this is VERY EXPENSIVE, you need the shifter adaptor linkage to use your original shifter or you need to make a piece to bring the linkage down abit. The after market cross members will give you a problem with the set up of the E brake lever. You will also need to shorten and balance your drive shaft, you need an AOD flexplate and backing plate, you also need the carb linkage for either Edelbrock or Holley.
Most people seem to say this is an easy swap, I found this not to be true, you can do things right and spend the time and money and be very very happy with it or you can do it half assed and thats how it will run. By the time I finished with everything I was into about $3500 and 3 weeks of my time, but like I said it is done right and runs like a champ.
Ric
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Your stock shifter inside the car will work, just make sure it is aligned correctly before you tighten the linkage. You may NOT have to buy a new driveshaft. I used my driveshaft from my 289/C4. I shortened the yoke one inch and it works great. If you want to rebalance your driveshaft, that's up to you; I didn't. I bought a crossmember from either Ron Morris or Mustangs Plus, I don't remember. I had to work with the E-brake a little, but I don't think it was that much trouble. If you are a decent mechanic, you can adjust the TV cable yourself. I did it myself and I've put over 3k on the AOD with no problems. I wouldn't call this swap easy, but it is well worth it. Challenging at times, yes. For me the most challenging part was getting the linkage hooked up right, so that 'Park' indicated inside the car would correspond with Park on the transmission, and making sure that when I put the car in Low inside, the AOD was in Low. This was just a matter of checking/adjusting the linkage. Very doable, just time consuming. If you have skills, you don't need to spend a lot of money beyond parts.
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