Hello everyone,
I have a 1993 f150 5.0 with the AOD. I am putting in a 351 with the AOD work? should I switch it to a C6? I want to make sure before I order the new to me engine and a different AOD tranny. the truck is all set up for the AOD that why I was planning on sticking with it... I know theres a big debate of which is better... And second What will need to change to go to the 5.8 351. Wiring harness on engine? Computer? Any help would be welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks

 

I take it you are not going to use the original AOD trans. In any case, to mate an AOD to a 5.8 you will need to get a flex plate for a 1989 Crown Vic with a 5.8 (Pioneer FRA-205 from Autozone is one). Also, use the wiring harness from the 1993 truck, you can use the 5.0 ecm. Mine ran fine(1990) Exhaust Y pipe is about 3" wider on 5.8 than the 5.0. If you do a search, there are several good write-ups on this particular swap.

 

Can't use current tranny unless I get it rebult. Slips pretty good.... Ok I have to ask why aflex plate from a crown vic? The one that comes off the 5.0 won't work? Thanks

 

The balance is different between the 5 and 5.8L engines. The Crown Vic is one of the few models that came with an AOD and 5.8L engine. Therefore the reason to source a flexplate for that model/engine/transmission combination.

 

What about the torque converter? Can I use the one I have?
Thanks

 

If you are getting a new trans get a new torque converter. The existing engine wiring harness will connect to a 5.8 no problem, do not attempt to use a different wiring harness. You should use a 5.8 PCM as well, the motor may run on the 5.0 version but it will work better with the correct PCM. You need a complete 5.8 EFI motor for this swap, there are very few parts that will transfer from the 5.0.

 

Will the torque converter that is coming with the transmission work fine? Looking at axle gears from what I can tell I have 3.55 open. The truck has 31/10.5/15 on it should I change gears while I rebuilding this truck? Thanks

 

Will the PCM for the 5.8 throw codes because I have the AOD and not the e4od?
Thanks

 

Yes it will.

 

Not if you get a PCM for a 5.8 and C6 or manual transmission.

 

Keep your factory 5.0 Computerv& Wiring, I'd save the trouble & upgrade your 5.0 with a new camshaft, gt40 or gt40p heads, & a set of long tube Headers, the heads will fit, you may have to slightly ding one tube but you should be fine with short plugs & 90 Degree Plug Boots & Really Route & Secure Your Wires Carefully, then get it custom tuned to make the most of your gains, the heads are the choke point on Ford Engines- especially the 5.0/5.8 which are identical anyway. Don't listen to the horror stories about the heads- it's all in those shorty plugs & boots, & use the explorer intake/TN if you can get one, which you probably can on ebay. As for the AOD vs C6 Dilemma? How much do you use overdrive? Neither transmission requires anything special, and I've switched from a AOD to C6 twice and was very happy with it. I do have a built AOD with Aftermarket Valve Body, Stage 2 Shift Kit & Art Carr 2400-2800 Stall Converter that's an absolute blast, especially with a set of lower gears. And speaking of gears- you most likely have 3.55 gears as most do, you probably have an open Differential too(only one wheel spins), well there's no need to Rebuild it but by running 31x10.50's which are 2 Sizes Larger than what came stock on your truck(235/75/15's are stock) you now have raised your final gear ratio to an effective ratio of 3.31, and if you're going to run 31's you need to go lower to get some major bottom end power & Torque back, it would take "3.81" to have an effective gear ratio of 3.55 with your 31's, so I'd lower it on down to about 4.56, yes I know it sound low but "Don't Fear The Gear", because if you changed to 4.56 that would give you an effective/net gear ratio of "4:25:1", that would work well with a AOD, and I'd highly consider adding a Locking Differential like the Ford Traction-Lok Unit, they're not too rare or expensive as compared to others like Detroit or Auburn, Etc. I know a guy who has a traction lok unit & gears that'll be great for you & I personally can hook you up with a good AOD, or whatever, I have a friend that's an expert tuner who can custom tune your setup from home over the Internet or you can do it by mail. Pm me if I can help out friend.

 

I went on rock auto and found a couple that hit the requirement you suggested, does it really matter which one? As long as it is for a 5.8 and a c6 or manual trans? There are a few with different numbers... Oh does it matter if it for a 250 even tho its going in a 150? Thanks for any help.
Keith

 

The air injection system is different between the F150/Bronco/F250LD and the F250HD/F350. Best bet is a 5.8L computer for a F150 with a manual transmission.