AOD without a doubt. I have mine built with 4R70W internals to get all the benefits of the later design without having to go to a computer controlled trans. Ford put millions of cars/trucks on the road with AODs...if you hear a horror story about an AOD it's usually due to operator error and not the trans itself.

 

My two cents worth...I like the C4, even the FMX (basically a heavy duty C4) but it's heavy due to the cast iron case, or the C6, but you need to run a rear gear ratio of about 3:00 or gas consumption might be problematic with these. I've heard the stories about C6's using more HP but I am skeptical. The HP loss, if there is one, is minimal, and if you are building a cruiser you won't notice it. The AOD is also a good choice but you have to be careful which one you use and you have that pesky cable detent to deal with. I've heard there were some reliability problems with the early ones. With the AOD I'd run a rear end ratio of at least 3:70...or even higher.

 

Thanks everyone for the input I really appreciate it. Its awesome to be able to get advice without feeling like Im bothering someone. Sounds like the AOD is the way to go. Im going to meet with a local tranmission shop that has a good reputation.

One more question though. Is there only one type of AOD? I did read that theres and AODE which I think Im going to stay away from to keep it simpler.

 

Hey Matt,
The AODE is computer driven. If you are going carb. I'd stay with an AOD with AODE internals where possible.

Here is a site for Baumann Engineering - all the transmission info. you ever wanted.

Baumann Electronic Controls

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

Good stuff. Thanks Ben!

 

What did you end up doing?
I'm researching the AODE option (actually more the 4R70w) controlled by the Compushift CSII. I am intrigued by the ability to have multiple shift profiles. Does anyone have any experience with these?

 

The 4R70W is a great transmission for a swap like this and I have provided these transmissins for swaps into nearly everything you can imagine.

For a daily driven type of vehicle I have heard people say they have decent luck with Baumann controls. I hated their original controller though and haven't used anything from them since. New one is apparently better from what I hear. I stopped using them because of issues with powerful vehicles and that original unit.

For something with more power that needs to retain streetability Both Compushift and Powertrain Control Solutions have worked out awesomely because of the point you made about different profiles.

TCI also has a very affordable controller that is supposed to be literally plug and play and offers adjustability.

There are many options out there. Most of them work well, but some of them are more suited for specific applications than others.

D

 

Thanks for the input & feedback. I know that the Compushift controller has an optional A/B switch for quickly switching between two profiles. Do you know if any of them have something with easy switching between A/B/C?

 

I know on the PCS TCM-2000 there inputs that can be set up in the software to change between profiles when a connected switch is toggled.

Not as familiar with the others.

D

 

As a side comment, if you go with anything but a C4, you will have to make major modifications to the crossmember. I wouldn't trust a trans shop to do that work, that is not their forte.

 

I like having the AOD in the 48. I would also recommend an oil cooler in addition to the one in the radiator and make sure your TV pressure is correct or you will fry the transmission.