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C6 Conversion to AOD

14K views 11 replies 7 participants last post by  customblackbird 
#1 ·
I have read threads here concerning a C6 to AOD conversion versus installing a Gear Vendors Overdrive Unit.

The cost of the GV unit can be anywhere from about $1,200 (Used) to $3,300 (New).

I get varying prices for an AOD & AODE units.

I am a mechanic and I can pull an AOD or AODE unit from a salvage yard and do a rebuild myself. I pay very attention to detail, so it is not beyond my ability.

The question is this:

Is it TRULY worth the time (not a real factor since I do all my own work) and the expense compared to the REAL fuel savings?

I am not deluding myself, a 460 IS a thirsty engine. It will drink all the fuel you want to pour down the carb. But it is a torque-y engine and great for towing.

Is there truly a happy medium for these engines?

I am running a C6, Dana 60 with 3.54 gears and the stock LT235/85R16 tires.

Thanks for the help.
 
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#2 ·
Since you mentioned a Dana 60,I assumed a truck.With those gears and tires,either the Gear Vendors or the AOD would be a waste of time IMO.With AOD,let's say truck only,no towing....90 mph at 1900 rpm in OD,downshifts on every slight incline.Towing a 6000 lb trailer,headwind,some hills,won't pull it,always downshifting so you leave it in D.No fuel savings in either scenario.Not worth the time and money.I think the rear should be bumped to 3.70's or even 4.10's for OD to be effective.
 
#3 ·
WEll Im in the process of doing the same thing but Im going to use a GM 2004R. My C6 and a 3000 stall on my 521 is killing my cruising and MPG for no reason. Decided I would swap in an OD unit to help and I might even go EFI if funds permit.

Quick52 did the same thing but went with a 7004R which is another good option and Ive built those in the past. I just dont like the 7004Rs first gear which is too steep and will cause traction issues with lots of tq (521 :p ) not to mention the large jump from the 3.06 gear to the 2nd gear can cause bogging/ kill acceleration. But i have expereince with them and they are good trans and can handle 675hp pretty easily.

Now the AOD is not a fav trans for me, they take alot of money to make them strong enough to handle any real power. My friend has one in a fox body with a mild 302 and a 100hp NOS hit and he's killed the AOD twice with performance rebuilds.

THe 2004R is a weak trans but can be built to handle 1000hp with money. It offers better gear ratio than the 7004R and takes less power to operate than all of the above (much less than a C6). Im building it myself and picked up a used 2004R from a monte carlo for $125, tore it apart and got a $1,400 rebuild kit with lots of goodies and billet steel 4340 hard parts to make it live. Basically you replace the input shaft and forward drum plus the overdrive planitary and your good for about 800hp/tq. Comes with all the clutches, Largest billet servo and shift kits/recalibrations. I got it from CK performance, I purchases a Huges Deep cast aluminum pan and a electronic speedo converter and I'm about 75% done with the trans rebuild and has taken me about 3 weeks so far due to time. Im hoping to have less than $3K into the whole swap and it will make a huge difference driving around!

GV unit is nice and strong but still doesnt give you that ohhh so great lockup feature that you'll get with the OD trans. It really helps lower engine RPM and trans heat. GV unit doesnt really help as it increases leverage on the trans causing the converter to still stall at stall speed while cruising. So I hit 60mph at 3000 rpms now since my stall is 3000 and with the GV i would prob hit 3000rpms at 70MPH maybe if Im lucky but i would still generate a whole $hit load of heat due to the non lockup converter.
 
#4 ·
I'm planning on doing the 200R4 swap, as well. Like stated, the 200 has better ratios, and can be built STRONG (my brother has a 10 second Grand National, and his trans has been in that for over 10 years with NO issues). I hated the AOD in my 5.0 Mustang, had to shift from 1st to Drive and back to 1st to lock it in 2nd, and always, always, downshifting. I hate putting GM parts in my Ford, but I already have HEI, GM power steering pump, and Chevy style rods in my 552. The 700R4 is a good trans, too, but the 200R4 is actually the stronger of the two...at least that's what the Buick boys tell me. AODE is going to be a pain for you because of the electronic controls, you'll need a stand alone controller.

Lucas
 
#7 ·
I didn't say that the AOD couldn't be made into a good tranny, but you have to adapt it anyway, and a 200R4 or 700R4 are a better, cheaper, more viable option. And there's easier and more available parts out there, plus more people know more about them, so easier to find someone to build it properly. 4r70w is a good option as well (I have one in my truck), if you've got the room.

Lucas
 
#10 ·
well guys I have a overdrive trans a 700r4 it does lower the rpm at cruise but the gas mileage isn't that much better get 12 on the eway and 8 to 10 in city... does quiet thing down a lot with the rpm lower and the lockup is very nice at speeds over 50mph... im running a 4500 stall with lockup and a 3.89 gear with 30 tall tires 70mph is 2100 rpms
 
#11 ·
Im not really following how your MPG hasnt increased a substantial percentage?

The 700r4 is a good trans and ive built 2 of them to handle 650hp, and the .70 OD and lockup converter as you stated drops your RPM to 2100 with no converter slip. How did you MPG not increase the known 30%? Unless you dont spend alot of time on the highway? The .70 OD compared to a C6 1:1 is a substantial difference and then the lockup makes even more difference. What was your MPG before the 700R4 swap?!
 
#12 ·
On a side note, I literally just finished my 2004R rebuild tonight. Now I just gotta order the converter and get the BBF out of the car to get the C6 out.

I did find out that the Stock 2004R dipstick hits the TCI adapter plate and cant be bolted through with the bellhousing bolts like stock.
 
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