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I'm hoping Ken Blythen will jump back in as I'm pretty sure he's done this conversion, but it is now dark "down under". Anyway, he has the experience of both transmissions.
And, one learning I have from him is that with his driving and axle ratio he was essentially unable to use the AOD's overdrive as it was just too high-geared at that point. I'm sure others have different experiences, but Ken's been there, done that.
Is there any tweaking that can be done with the modulator if one chose NOT to use the kickdown?
The original (& some replacement) modulators were preset & not adjustable, but if you have an adjustable one, you can set it to suit your engine/driving.
There is a selection of different color-coded modulators to for different applications (black stripe was the original gas-engined truck one) but if you have an adjustable one this isn't so important - I have an adjustable green stripe now.
The modulator has a short push-rod behind it that operates the valve - these rods can also be changed for different lengths, but I haven't needed to do that.
To see if yours is adjustable, pull the vacuum hose off the modulator & look up inside for a slotted or allen-head screw. Screwing in clockwise will make your upshifts later (higher speed) & downshifts earlier. It also makes them slightly firmer.
I'm hoping Ken Blythen will jump back in as I'm pretty sure he's done this conversion, but it is now dark "down under". Anyway, he has the experience of both transmissions.
And, one learning I have from him is that with his driving and axle ratio he was essentially unable to use the AOD's overdrive as it was just too high-geared at that point.
What Gary's referring to is my having the factory 3.54 axle, 31" tires, & our local 60mph speed limit making OD unusable for me in my truck. It needed to be traveling around 75mph for engine revs to be comfortable.
If these factors were different for someone else it would be OK, but there's still the AOD strength problems with extra hp.