To AOD or not to AOD, that is the question...

Pearlsnake · #1 (**permalink**) 03-15-2006, 09:36 PM

I am thinking of adding an AOD to my next project, to make things simple; here is what I'm working with:
-1966 Mustang GT, original 289 A-code w/ C-4 automatic, engine and trasnmission are gone, I'm putting in a roller 302 with around 300 h.p., and the car will be used for daily driving
...and here is what I want to know before I begin my transmission adventure:
-what are the advantages to an AOD (I already know most of them, but I feel that there may be a few that I don't know about), what are the disadvantages, what brands of transmissions do I need to consider, what parts am I going to need in order to install one, how do I properly adjust one, and is it really worth the trouble??

... any advice would be greatly appreciated and I thank everyone in advance.

jdean · #2 (**permalink**) 03-16-2006, 07:33 AM

Unless you plan to drive on the highway a lot, then I would stick with the C4. Of course overdrive will drop RPM on highway, and save some gas. C4 in stock form should be stronger than a stock AOD, but you will not have a ton of power anyway. Also, the AODE has stronger parts in it than the older AOD.

Pearlsnake · #3 (**permalink**) 03-16-2006, 08:07 AM

Roughly 2/3 to 3/4 of the miles on this car will be cruising on the highway.

chuckbrandt · #4 (**permalink**) 03-16-2006, 09:05 AM

Setting your TV cable correct is VERY important. Also Lentech is a great resource.

http://www.chuckbrandt.com/redcar.htm

Chuck

Pearlsnake · #5 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 08:52 AM

On a side-note, I was looking for a new transmission, I don't like the idea of having a rebuilt one.

chuckbrandt · #6 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 09:03 AM

So where do you buy a new AOD that bolts to a 302? I'm probably missing something.

I would venture that a newly blueprinted AOD from lentech would be better than a new one if you could get one.

Sorry if I misunderstood you.

Chuck

FrankJohnson69 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 09:14 AM

I got an AOD from Performance Automatic. Warrentee and all. Nothing like the stock AOD in terms of performance. Call Performance Automatic and see what they can do. They're about 10 minutes from my house so I've gotten to know some of the folks.

I've since pulled it out of my mustang and put in a t-5. It's only got 5500 miles on it and it's complete with torque converter if anyone is interested.

Oh Hey Chuck!!! ERA-722 gets the rear installed tomorrow. I need about a weeks worth of time and she's done. Providing I get my backorder parts soon.

Frank
ERA-722
1965 Mustang GT Fastback
1988 Mustang GT Ragtop
1990 Mustant GT Hatch being prepped for a NASA CMC car.

chuckbrandt · #8 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 09:29 AM

You are sure going to have the worlds record fastest build on ERA 722! Beats the heck out of 2 years and counting for ERA 665

Congratulations, can't wait to see it.

Chuck

TonyMadrid · #9 (**permalink**) 03-25-2006, 09:55 AM

I'm running an AOD behind a 351W and love it. I had a C4 and swapped it out for the AOD. The AOD has a final OD gear ratio of .67:1 as opposed to the C4's 1:1. The AOD will drop your cruising revs by a third, e.g., instead of revving at 3000RPM to do 65 MPH you'll rev at 2000RPM to do 65 MPH.

As for the low end, there is really no sacrifice.

I got a TCI AOD through Summit and it comes already equipped with upgraded valve body, clutches, etc.

It is important to adjust the Throttle valve correctly or you could fry the tranny. It really is not that hard to do and the techs at TCI were more than helpful with assistance in getting it set up right.

Good Luck,

Tony

kajun · #10 (**permalink**) 03-25-2006, 01:37 PM

if you want an auto AOD is the way to go. I love mine. Adjusting is very important but when its right its right. TCI had the best price when i bought mine.

nevermind65 · #11 (**permalink**) 03-26-2006, 08:49 AM

An AODE is a better trans. You can go to Baumann Engineering and get a complete independent computer and program the trans to do whatever you like.