Anybody try to swap a C6 for an AOD or EAOD tranny? (I'm aware of the trouble in electronics for the EAOD)

I've got an '87 E150 van, kinda wondering if I could expect substantially better gas mileage with OD.

My C6 was replaced with a rebuilt one a few years back. The warranty is out, and I noticed a few times recently that when it's cold it slips for a second or two even though the fluid is fine. I'll replace the fluid but I'm just researching other options at this point.

http://www.becontrols.com/tech/ch9retro.htm

 

Do you mean AODE or E4OD? Either one is going to take a lot of wiring and a computer to make it shift.

With an AOD all you need is the throttle valve cable. You could expect 3-4 MPG better with the overdrive.

 

As I understand AOD is a non-electronic version and E4OD is the electronically shifted version (not supported by a stock computer). I do microcontrollers and might be able to make a shifter module. But the AOD should be OK too. E4OD might be nice in that I could adjust some of the ratios used in software with the shift points rather than having to rework the rear end ratio.

Now would an AOD or E4OD require other modifications to make fit in an '87 E150 van? That page talked about changing the drive shaft length and/or moving crossmembers.

I really wish I'd addressed this question before I had the C6 replaced with another C6...

 

Not quite. The AODE is the computer controlled version of the AOD. The E4OD is a C6 with overdrive, a lockup torque converter, and computer control.

How could you use software to change gear ratios? Gear ratios are determined by the number of teeth on the gears, not by software.

No matter which one you install you will have to change hardware. All of these transmissions are longer than a C6.

 

Well, the computer would select the appropriate ratio (gear). Obviously it doesn't make up new ratios.

Did any of the E-series vans use these? I might be able to get a drive shaft.

My primary goal is mpg. Wouldn't that mean the E4OD be the way to go then, because of the locking torque converter?

Right now I'm at 14 mpg highway. I couldn't actually expect 18 mpg here, could I? Haven't heard of people getting this in a Ford van, but do they use this type of tranny at all?

 

The AOD and AODE also have a locking torque converter.

The E series used all three of these transmissions, too.

I think you would be very lucky to get as high as 18 MPG. 16-17 may be possible.

 

How tough are these trannies in relation to the C6?

 

The E4Od is almost as tough. The AOD/AODE/4R70W are lighter duty.

 

Do you know anything about what would have to change to fit the E4OD into an '87 E150?
This crossmember, does it unbolt? Can it just be ground down to make a little room?
So some E150's DID use an E4OD? Can I find one at a junkyard and salvage the crossmember, driveshaft, maybe computer and just drop those in with the tranny?

 

The C6 is by far a stronger tranny. The E4 tranny has been known to have many problems and the AODE and AOD as well. Pre 88 AOD trannys are the worse. Now one can have any of thesze trannys built to handle good HP and make take a beating like a stock C6 but it will cost you a very good penny to do so.

IMO the money and time spent on such a conversion will take many many miles to recoupe the cost and if the tranny isn't built right you will have more tranny problems than before.

I myself would go with a manual ZF tranny but not sure if any vans even came with a manual tranny to snag the clutch pedals from.

I am not 100% on this but i think the cross member has to be moved back by 4 inches or so.

There's already a company that makes a seperate computer to contorl the E4 in a non E4 car or truck so you don't need to reinvent the wheel on that one.

Haven't seen any one do such a conversion on a van or even ask before and I don't pay much attention to vans at the local junkyard so I can't help much.

I would suggest that you search here for E4OD trannys and you will see that almost daily some one is posting a problem with there E4 tranny.

Not sure what you use the van for but a rear gear change may help some. Do you haul with it and is it driven on the highway alot?