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Drivetrain Tech / C5 worthwile? Hearing AOD horror stories.
86 T-bird 3.8 originally. Rather than just ask a generic "Which AT is the Bestest?" thread I'll throw some info out. Search showed many threads saying to use the search and a great many threads on AT-MT conversions, so I apologize in advance if this has been discussed ad nauseam or is simply common knowledge. Other than rebuilding a big I6 for the work truck I'm Ford ignorant, especially when it comes to piecing together a Franken-Ford as this has quickly and unexpectedly turned into. Short-ish version as follows, figure more info can't hurt..
Have the 87 3.73 8.8 and disks in, AL 3.5" dia shaft from a Vic ready to be chopped once motor and trans are in when proper measurement can be taken, 351 is finally built but waiting some paint and top end assembly, FI wiring harness and controller appears set to go, glass cowl hood is painted. Trans has not been selected or purchased let alone worked on.
I'm wanting to retain a column shift auto (already have a rail-riding fast 2 seater w/manual, 73 Opel GT with GM 60* Turbo V6 6-Speed and BMW IRS blah blah blah, so I'm ready for something different with that relaxed feel.) Was planning on dropping the C5 for an AOD, but there seems to be quite a bit of negative feedback on the AOD and I surely don't want to start installing downgrades or sidegrades.
Any input on trans selection, negatives and positives, would be very appreciative. Seems to me the only limit on my choices are durability, as bellhousing fitment and flexplate availability should be a non issue. Using a late model tranny with comp controls is not out of the question (trans computers dependency on the engines computer may be an issue, however.)
I'm thinking a C4 is out of the question, as I have a C5 in my shop, the AOD appears to be a dog when there's more than just a little bit of power. Should I go ahead as planned with the AOD, go for redoing the C5 (search showing a few AOD to C4/5 swap threads is making me second guess,) a C5 w/ C4 VB, A4LD (bell incompatibility, right?,) does the 4R70W match, try to snag an older FMX and bell, maybe a newer 5R44/55/110W? Am I way off track here or overthinking the whole thing? Welding, torching, cutting, wiring and parts shipping are not taboo. Money is a concern, but value is king. Again, any info is much appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
-Apple