General Goals - Transmission

General Goals - Transmission

Links

Home

Ford's C4 three speed automatic transmission is well known for its dependability, ruggedness, and simplicity. I considered keeping it but have decided to install the later AOD (automatic-overdrive) transmission instead.

The AOD was used in late model Mustangs through 1993. It has the advantage of overdrive with a final ratio of 0.67:1, whereas the C4 final ratio is 1:1. This allows the engine to run at lower rpms during high speed highway cruising.

Mustangs used the AODE transmission starting in 1994. It is a later version of the same basic AOD design but is computer-controlled and has several mechanical improvements to address weaknesses of the AOD under extreme duty.

To use the AODE, I would have to come up with a way to control it electronically. A 1994/1995 Mustang EEC-IV computer is an obvious solution but I'd prefer to use a 1993 computer instead because I already have one plus its matching engine wiring harness.

Baumann Engineering makes a computerized Transmission Control System (TCS) specifically designed to control the AODE. It has been getting rave reviews. Its chief disadvantages are cost and the complexity of installing an additional computer.

Performance Automotive and Transmission Center also has some interesting products. They sell an improved AOD called the "Dominator Jr." They also offer a transmission called the "A O Dominator" that consists of the AODE internal parts installed in a non-electronic AOD case. Very nice.

Initially I intend to install a stock AOD with a shift improvement kit as I have located a low-mileage used one that I can obtain for almost no cash outlay. The A O Dominator or similar may get installed eventually as it is a relatively simple swap.

The Falcon uses a steering column shifter with the C4. A floor-mounted B&M Racing Quicksilver floor-mounted shifter is planned for use with the AOD. The existing steering column shift collar (where the shift lever attaches) will be replaced with a collar (no shift lever opening) from a 1965/66 Mustang.