Transmissions

[Kingair02]

I have a stock 1955 thunderbird with a stock 3 speed transmission. I believe it's a T-85. I'm trying to install ALL of the options available in 1955, so I've found a T-86E 3 speed overdrive transmission. I'd like to find out just how tough this conversion would be and if it's something that's even possible. Any suggestions?

[Florida_Phil]

My 1955 TBird came from the factory with a 292 and a 3 speed manual O/D transmission. My car has a T86 transmission with an R10 O/D unit. The T86 transmission is a light duty top loader transmission used behind the small Y Block motors. The T85 transmission is a heavy duty side loader transmission and was used in 1957 TBirds and behind big blocks. There is a lot more to installing O/D than the transmission. You will also need all the relays, wiring and linkage. Here is a link that should help you http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flat ... _trans.htm

[paul2748]

If you have the electrical installation manual, it will show you what wiring is needed. You also have to get the cable and mount

[Florida_Phil]

This is a lot of work, but a worthwhile upgrade. When I first got my car I didn't appreciate the O/D. Once I understood how it worked and the benefits, I love it. My car has 3.70 rear gears, so it pulls hard down low. Once you get rolling, you let off the gas and the RPM drops down. Very nice in today's traffic. Ford O/D was years ahead of it's time.

[voltron]

A T-85 O/D transmission won't fit in a '55 T=Bird without altering the floor pan. The transmission hump/tunnel is larger on '56-'57 T-Birds.

[Florida_Phil]

Unless you are going to drag race or drive like a 16 year old, a T86 is strong enough for most street Y Blocks.