351C Automatic Trans Info
#1
351C Automatic Trans Info
I have a 351C 2 barrel with a 4 Barrel intake & 650 Holley. It currently has a C4 but I'm looking at putting a AOD/AODE for better gas mileage. I'm looking for what others have done and what parts they required.
It's going in a 56 Ford Panel that I want to use strictly for cruising. Probably going to put 275-55 15s in the back with the exsisting 2.75 Ford 9".
It's going in a 56 Ford Panel that I want to use strictly for cruising. Probably going to put 275-55 15s in the back with the exsisting 2.75 Ford 9".
#2
#3
#4
Just in case someone suggests the small-block ZF5, I think it is overkill in your vehicle. I like mine, but it is a truck tranny. It shifts like a truck tranny and makes noise like a truck tranny. Plus, it is BIG. I think a good, well-built AOD is the way to go, but you will probably want/need to change the rear gears. One of the problems with the AOD is its TALL OD ratio of .67:1. That would make your 2.75's the equivalent of 1.84's and your 351 isn't going to like turning that slowly.
#5
Just in case someone suggests the small-block ZF5, I think it is overkill in your vehicle. I like mine, but it is a truck tranny. It shifts like a truck tranny and makes noise like a truck tranny. Plus, it is BIG. I think a good, well-built AOD is the way to go, but you will probably want/need to change the rear gears. One of the problems with the AOD is its TALL OD ratio of .67:1. That would make your 2.75's the equivalent of 1.84's and your 351 isn't going to like turning that slowly.
OBTW I want a quiet cruiser that just so happens to be a 56 Panel, not a truck.
What's a good cruising RPM for a 351C???
Trending Topics
#8
It still has a relatively short stroke so isn't a low rpm engine. But your heads are the same as the stock M heads and your compression ratio should be the same as my 351M. Mine did fine with the ZF5 & 3.50 gears running 2000 at 70. So I think you'll be fine if you can get yours to about 2000 as well.
#10
In the end that might be less expensive. But, if I subscribed to that school of thought then my "stroked M" wouldn't have aluminum heads, intake, water pump, and valve covers. Nor a roller cam, lifters, and rockers. So, I'm not suggesting you stay with the C4, just that you go into the AOD venture expecting to realize you need to change the rear gears.
#12