Ford Racing AOD upgrade

[mightymidget]

Ford Racing sell a "AOD wide ratio/upgrade kit
which puts 1st gear at 2.84 and second at 1.55.
I was wondering if any one has tried this set up.
My mustang is a 1988 GT convertible with 2.73 rear end.
I was planning on 2000-2200 stall with a fresh stock crate motor,
good speed density cam and not sure what I can do on
heads yet with usual bolts ons
Main purpose in life is freeway blaster. (150 miles per day)
but it is a real dog from stoplight now.
I would appreciate any input, suggestions

 

[lang williams]

i have a tranny with that gear set that needs rebuilt, i've heard it makes a big difference, u can run a 3.55 gear for hiway an get off the line pull like 3.73's. if i were u i'd def go with a gear swap first, an maybe a shift kit, to get the most bang for the buck. i swapped 273's for 327's an a shift kit an it was a big improvement over stock.

 

[mightymidget]

Yea I know

I been debating the 355/373 issue for a year now.
I know its the smart move. but most of my driving is at 70 mph
and I am pleased with MPG so I am trying to keep the gear
I have in final drive.

 

[macx]

That wide ratio you mentioned is about $600 from Ford. That's the same parts that's in stock later model 4R70Ws which you can pick up for around $200.

Here's some info on beefing AOD's.

http://www.lincolnsonline.com/article111.html

Here's a calculator for comparing wide ratio like 4R70W and close ratio like AOD gearsets

http://www.smokemup.com/auto_math/index.php

The AOD has a 2.47 1st and the 4R has a 2.84 1st, so a wide ratio gearset with 3:55's has about the same overall first ratio gear as an AOD with 4:10s

Here's some more info on 4Rs

http://www.lincolnsonline.com/article80.html

 

[mightymidget]

Wow

you tha man! I have now enter another world "Transmissions" Gees louizee.

 

[willys1]

I been debating the 355/373 issue for a year now.
I know its the smart move. but most of my driving is at 70 mph
and I am pleased with MPG so I am trying to keep the gear
I have in final drive.

373's at 70mph puts you at 2250rpm!! It wont affect your mileage much,I had em..A 2000 or 2200 stall wont do much for you,the stock is 1800..If your getting a cam I wouldnt go any lower then a 2800,thats what I have..It was a "little" to big (with the stock cam )but when I installed 1.7 roller rockers it cured the problem I had my stall installed when I had my 273's still in and it made a "HUGE" difference,youll like it

 

[bjgt2]

sounds great