AOD Transmission swap...Thoughts?

[mickphatmac]

I'm running a 302 out of a '71 Mustang with a carb, 3 speed on the floor and I'm beginning to research my Automatic options.

So far I'm guessing that the C4 is going to be the easiest, but I'm kind of leaning towards the AOD Trans. Maybe a little more expensive in the long run but I think I'll get more out of it as well.

What do you all think as far as ease of install, coupled with the bang for the buck between the two? Or is there Any real comparison? Any other suggestions welcome!

[ZOSO]

Depends on axle gearing and tire size. To fully use the AOD you'd need to run deeper gears in the diffs. (4.56/4.88) to keep the 302 in the powerband while in overdrive.

[mickphatmac]

I'm not planning on changing the 3.50's. 32" tires.

I would say that at least 25% of the time will be on the Hwy. @ 65mph.

[sykanr0ng]

With an AOD and 3.50 gears and 32" tires your engine RPM's would be 1600 at 65 mph.
The power band for a 302 is more like 2600 RPM to 3300 RPM
So basically you would have little power in overdrive, and it will downshift on every hill.

Either the C4 or more gear.

[Justin]

Yup. You'll need lower gears to ever use the overdrive.

[sykanr0ng]

Yup. You'll need lower gears to ever use the overdrive.

Or he could swap in a 351W, people say they make more torque at lower RPM's

[mickphatmac]

Thanks guys that's great news!
I guess I was trying to convince myself to choose the AOD instead of the C4 when really all along all I ever wanted was a C4!
Thanks for the good info! Much appreciation!