Hi, I have a 65 coupe (was originally a 6 cyl car) with a 302 engine and a C4 auto trans, and 6 cyl 7 inch rear. I have to replace the tranny and was looking for suggestions. I thought about a T5 swap but without the clutch pedal it may be alot of work. Any suggestions on another automatic? How are the aftermarket AOD trannys?

I also have an 8.8 rear from a 66 V8 stang that I want to put in my car. Can anyone tell me how much horsepower these rearends can handle?

Thanks for any advise and info!!

Steve

 

The 8.8" rear should handle mild horsepower between 350hp to about 450hp. I wouldn't go any higher than that with an 8.8" rear, but who really needs over that? Just get some 4.11 gears to go in it. As for the tranny, that's the one thing I try to stay away from myself. Autos are a pain to work on.

 

8.8"? are you sure it is not an 8"?... those were the rearends commonly found on small Fords in the 60's and 70's.

The 8" can handle quite a bit of power.. unless you are making more than 500Hp, I see no reason for a 9".

Go with a t-5 converstion... there are a few conversion kits out there for that application and I believe the clutch pedal has to be modified in either case. I believe you can purchase the pedal setup through the Mustang resto places like the Paddock.

 

Hi Yeah it is the 8' rear, it was originally on a 66 stang. Ill just get that one rebuilt I think. Thanks for the responses guys!

 

The swap to a manual is not all that difficult. You will only have potential header clearance issues to address and there are plenty of options for clutch setups now from cable to hydro. GT350Clone will now see this and probably offer better advice since he just did it...

 

Actually a very easy swap. You can either buy a new clutch pedal, or you find them used on ebay or other places all the time. Many choices for clutch linkage - hydraulic was my choice - a little more expensive, but NO clearance hassles, and clean installation.

The overdrive makes a WORLD of difference - 70 mph cruise dropped from 3100 to 2000 rpm, picking up 5 extra mpg. Not to mention, making the car so much easier and comfortable to drive. I've done over 3000 miles in the last 2 months.

You can piece a setup together, or even buy complete kits. Cost can range from $1000 - $3000, depending on how you do it!

My T5 Swap Page

 

Before you swap the tranny, you really need to get rid of that 6 cylinder rear end though. Make sure you do it at the same time....

 

Are you still running the 6 cylinder supsension too? This is not a very wise thing to do. Before spending money on that transmission, you need to bring the other components up to par with the motor's weight AND increased performance.

6 cylinder brakes still on there? Everyone likes to spend the money on motors and wheels and let those brakes get by with a couple coats of red high temp paint... :nono: