Hey guys, I have been thinking about what to run in my 54 when it comes time, i know i will definitely be going with a big block ford at around 450 hp just don't know if i should go with manual or automatic. i'm leaning toward manual because it seems like the cool factor way to go, but not sure if its a good enough reason to go that way, Could you guys tell me what you are running and why you like it that way. I know it sounds like a school assignment, but its just driving me crazy not being able to decide.
Thanks Ernie

 

302/AOD combo since i am using the original rear-end...and original suspension....

James

 

302 / AOD on my 50 F1; would like to have gone with T5 but you goes with what you got. Maybe later


Tom

 

Generally I find a manual much more fun to drive but unless you are willing to spend $$ for a hydraulic throw out bearing fabricating a good working reliable clutch linkage is a PITA, IMHO

 

I say go with manual. Way too many hot rodders nowadays use automatics, and manual transmissions in general are being phased out. Fight the good fight!

 

Fever -

I get the cool part about manual trannys. Sometimes I miss revving it at a light. That was always cool. And, that was before my left knee got busted up.

But, I run an auto (FMX). And I wouldn't change back. I also remember what a PITA it was to be shifting constantly in So Cal Freeway and stop-and-go traffic.

Since mine is a daily driver, the auto is the way to go for me.

 

289/C-4. No Manual for me. I live in Sacramento and the street lights are thicker than Vermont syrup. Stop and go driving is no fun, and it's even less fun when you are pumping a clutch every 15 seconds. My 68 F100 is a manual and it's a pain. My buddy is building a 55 F100 with an engine that should put out about 1000 hp. He's going with a manual for the strength. Good luck, Jag

 

A manual shift is cool but in my opinion not worth the extra fabrication you have to do to set up the clutch linkage...plus it's built-in maintenance because eventually you will have to replace the clutch, pressure plate, throw-out bearing, etc,..

Vern

 

I considered a manual but the 5.0 came with an AOD tranny and I have done too much fabricationg already. Besides, I like to drink coffee in the mornings!

 

My last rod had 302-4speed. When I'd pull in to a cruise-nite and rev the motor just a little with both hands on the steering wheel, people would take a second look just because that is way unusual around here.............. Wayyyy Cool...
___________________
xfordman
'53 F100

 

I always felt like a manual trans makes a truck feel like a work truck. Too much bouncing around, and doesnt feel sporty like in a car. I have a viper 6 spd setup and thought about using in the 55 for the cool factor, but I wouldnt enjoy the truck at all. also having a big block, with mountains of torque, It would definitley feel like a work truck, Probly woundnt even need to use 1st gear in it. But thats my oppinion

 

I wanted a manual as I grew up around them. My dad's daily driver has to be a manual. It's just the only ford truck 5spds are hydralic clutch (other than heavy duty trannys). They need to make an automatic but is shifted like a manual (have a lever with a shift pattern). None of those useless bumped up or back shifters on the new vehicles.

 

302/C-4 With the stock rear end, I wish I had more top speed, but for how I use the truck an automatic works great, would an AOD give me much better top speed?

 

Automatics for me; the older you get, and/or factored with the amount of congested driving you do, leads one towards the automatic world. Plus, Mama can drive it in a pinch.

 

Packrat -

YES. The 4th gear in an AOD is 0.67:1 (overdrive). It allows you to run a low rear end for zip off the line and still run low rpms at freeway cruise in 4th gear.

Example: my 56 has an FMX auto tranny and a 3.50:1 rear end. At 70 mph, I'm running 3200 rpm. With an AOD, I would be turning only 2200 rpm to do 70 mph.

I'm planning on an AOD in the future.