So I noticed that some years could get a 3.8 with the C5 or the AOD, while other years only came with the C5. Does anyone know why Ford went back and forth with them?
My guess would be that they used whatever they had at the different plants.
I've heard about the "used what they had available at the time rule" but that usually applies for gas tanks, different sizes and such. But take 85's for example: a T-Bird could have the 3 spd or 4 spd with the 3.8, but a Cougar could only get one with a 3 spd.
Actually, I bet it was a probably a scheme to get buyers to get the Cougar with the 5.0 since the V8 is more in line with the Cougar's image than a T-Bird's
the aod was optional on the v-6 until 87. I had a buddy with a 3.8, completely loaded that had a 3 speed, and I've seen other 86's at the junkyard with either or.