ford aod transmission

Greg Curtis · #1 (**permalink**) 12-11-2001, 02:37 PM

anyone out there know anything about the ford aod transmission? Gear ratios and overdrive ratio? I'm thinking about having one installed in a cobra due to a recurring back problem and need to know what you think of its street performance potential with a 351 stroked to 393!

jdean · #2 (**permalink**) 12-11-2001, 05:27 PM

The AOD can be made to handle high horsepower. The main weakness is the input shaft. Art Carr and others make a single piece shaft that works with a non-lockup converter. My brother had one of these in a supercharged 351 mustang that produced 500 horsepower.

Ratios for most Ford trannys can be found at:

http://www.mercurycapri.com/technica...neral/tgr.html

Be conservative in selecting a torque converter stall speed unless you intend to do a lot of drag racing.

jdean · #3 (**permalink**) 12-11-2001, 05:31 PM

AOD 4 speed Automatic ratios 2.40- 1.47- 1.00- 0.67

#4 (**permalink**) 12-11-2001, 05:52 PM

HELLO GREG:

I HAVE A FORD AOD IN MY BLACK EXCALIBUR COBRA. IT SITS JUST BEHIND A 5.0 EFI ENGINE (ALMOST STOCK).

I WAS GENERALLY SATISFIED WITH THE AOD BUT THEN HAD DANA BRISCOE INSTALL A "PERFORMANCE SHIFT KIT" IN IT.

*WOW* WHAT A DIFFERENCE. UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS (NORMAL ONLY FOR LITTLE OLD LADIES FROM PASADENA) IT SHIFTS CLEANLY - ALBEIT NOTICABLY "CRISPER". AND IT SHIFTS WHENEVER YOU LET UP ON THE ACCELERATOR.

HOWEVER - - - - - WHEN YOU PUNCH IT - LIKE IN PUSHING THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR WITH BOTH FEET AND LEAVING THEM THERE - IT WILL SHIFT (LIKE A SMACK IN THE BUTT WITH A LOUISVILLE SLUGGER) EVERY TIME THE TACH REACHES 5500 RPM.

I'M ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED WITH IT AND HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.

I'M SORRY - I CAN'T GIVE YOU THE RATIOS OF THE AOD OR THE NAME OF THE MANUFACTURER OF THE "PERFORMANCE SHIFT KIT" BECAUSE ALL OF THAT DISAPPEARED WHILE MY HOUSE WAS CAUSING ME TO EARN A CITATION FOR ATMOSPHERIC POLUTION.

I WILL CALL DANA TOMORROW AND TRY TO GET THAT INFO FOR YOU AND RE-POST IT. IT'S DEFINATELY SOMETHING THAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER. I'LL CHECK ON THE PRICE ALSO. BEHIND A 393 ENGINE IT WOULD BE DEVASTATING.

THERE IS NO WAY THAT I COULD SHIFT AS QUICK AND AS SMOOTH AND AS ACCURATELY AS CONSISTANTLY WITH A MANUAL BOX. (AND I'VE BEEN PUSHING MANUALS ALL MY LIFE).

MEANWHILE, -- Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY,

BLACKJACK

Greg Curtis · #5 (**permalink**) 12-11-2001, 06:33 PM

thanks jdean and blackjack! I'll be purchasing a new superformance at the olthoffs and am sure dennis will know what to put into it to make perform right. But I'll talk to him about it just to be sure he knows what I want. Did'nt know what the stock ratios were as I was driving chevys at that time and not mustangs or ford trucks. Thanks again for your input, it is very much appreciated!!!!

paul cass · #6 (**permalink**) 12-12-2001, 11:00 AM

hey greg
because of a bum left knee i chose to use the aod when i built my cobra in 96. after several experiments i found what i feel is the best combo for me. if you do use an aod pick a late 80's model and beef it up internally. the solid input shaft is a very good idea. if you want more specifics on my set up i can be reached at fia28950@aol.com.
paul

Coloradocobra · #7 (**permalink**) 12-12-2001, 05:10 PM

I was doing some research for a local club member and came across Baumann Engineering. They have a very comprehensive discussion about AOD vs. AOD E and also go through enhancements, ratios (stock vs FMS), important upgrades for durability, etc. The guide is found at http://www.baumannengineering.com/pguide.htm and the home page is baumannengieering.com.

If you do look for a late '80s transmission, note that the Lincoln unit is almost 2 inches longer than the Mustang GT version. You may want to post for Parts Wanted on CobraForum in the event that someone wants to get rid of their donor car transmission. Pay special attention to the PV cable setup.

Hope this helps,

Gary