I have found an automatic transmission from a 1955 T-bird that I'm hoping to put in my '57. I'm not a stickler for originality so this will work for me.
Other than the cooling set up, are there any other issues I should be concerned with? Are the physical dimensions the same as a '57 Ford-O-Matic re: trans mount, etc?
Appreciate any and all help.
Cheers, Greg
Air Cooled Trans vs Liquid Cooled
Moderator: Joe Johnston
Re: Air Cooled Trans vs Liquid Cooled
What was the size of of the motor from the 55 was it a 292. your going to mate up with your 312 engine right.What about the gear ratio from the 55 tranny, I'm not an expert in transmission's you need to investigate further.
1956 Thunderbird Sage Green
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
Re: Air Cooled Trans vs Liquid Cooled
The final gear ratio in high (3rd) gear is 1 to 1 in both transmissions. Maybe slight differences in 1st and 2nd gears. I thunk the water cooled transmissions are the better of the two and recommend you repair yours or get a late 56 or 57 trans.
1956 Fiesta Red 312
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
Re: Air Cooled Trans vs Liquid Cooled
Problem is, I don't have a core to rebuild.
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klogsdonjr
- Posts: 389
- Joined: Fri Aug 14, 2020 8:14 am
Re: Air Cooled Trans vs Liquid Cooled
EDIT .... Mistook this as a mention of fuel pump core. So removing post . (Last research found hills resto seemed to have some for purchase. If you do please let us know your experience! It's on radar to find a solid source.)
Last edited by klogsdonjr on Sun Nov 21, 2021 7:45 am, edited 2 times in total.
Ken
'56 Thunderbird 312 black/tuxedo
(originally sold in Louisville, KY)
'56 Thunderbird 312 black/tuxedo
(originally sold in Louisville, KY)
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55blacktie
- Posts: 1142
- Joined: Sat Sep 05, 2020 2:43 pm
Re: Air Cooled Trans vs Liquid Cooled
Considering the difficulty in removing/installing a 55-57 Tbird transmission, I wouldn't install ANY transmission in an unknown condition. Either the engine has to come out, or the transmission has to be removed/installed in pieces. I don't recommend the latter. At the very least, I would have the transmission thoroughly checked out before installing it. You might be wise to purchase a transmission from a licensed shop, and let them install it. If there's a problem, you won't be paying twice.
The 55-56 transmissions use a 90-degree speedometer-gear drive. The 57 transmission does not. The cables and speedometer driven gears are also different. 55s also have a bolt-on rear cross-member, whereas it's welded in place on later cars.
If originality is not important, there are better transmissions to consider-FMX, C4, etc. A built C4 transmission will be replacing my 55 air-cooled Fordomatic. An AOD transmission will also work, but like the C4, will require an adapter. The AOD also requires notching the frame for clearance.
The best advice I can give is DO IT RIGHT ONCE!
The 55-56 transmissions use a 90-degree speedometer-gear drive. The 57 transmission does not. The cables and speedometer driven gears are also different. 55s also have a bolt-on rear cross-member, whereas it's welded in place on later cars.
If originality is not important, there are better transmissions to consider-FMX, C4, etc. A built C4 transmission will be replacing my 55 air-cooled Fordomatic. An AOD transmission will also work, but like the C4, will require an adapter. The AOD also requires notching the frame for clearance.
The best advice I can give is DO IT RIGHT ONCE!