T5 or built C4?

Topic: T5 or built C4? (Read 6161 times) previous topic - next topic

T5 or built C4?

August 08, 2011, 03:47:58 AM

I'm starting my 5.0 swap in my 87 cougar next weekend and I'm stuck when it comes to the transmission choice. The car will just have an 89 gt motor with a cam and a few bolt-ons, and will only see about 50 miles of driving a week. It will mostly just be an around town toy, and something for me to wrench on (so I don't lose my mind from working 70hrs a week). However, I sure would like to have OD, in case I wanted to drive to the track that's over an hour away, or go cruise w/my buddies around Louisville.

I like the durability of the c4, but the 3000rpm cruise is crampin' my style.
Opinions?

T5 or built C4?

Reply #1 – August 08, 2011, 06:29:53 AM

I think you answered your own question. The 5 speed is what you need. With fuel at 4 a gallon that OD in the 5 speeder is GOLDEN.

T5 or built C4?

Reply #2 – August 08, 2011, 02:32:15 PM

Yeah I think you're right. I've already got a c4, and I really didn't want to go through the trouble of swapping a t5, but that looks like the only plausible choice.

I guess I'll just have to deal with the weak t5, I'll just baby it when I add nitrous to the mix.

T5 or built C4?

Reply #3 – August 08, 2011, 07:41:06 PM

You are correct about the T5 its definitely on the Weak side for sure. Good luck on your swap!!

T5 or built C4?

Reply #4 – August 08, 2011, 08:44:16 PM

Why not an AOD? I love the overdrive in mine. With 3.73 gears it will cruise all day at 75 or 80. And I think they are stronger than the T5.

T5 or built C4?

Reply #5 – August 09, 2011, 02:33:41 AM

I think I have to agree with you randy. It was my belief that the aod was a worthless piece of junk, simply because I've heard horror stories of them burning up behind stock mustang motors. However I spoke with my brother today, who is a strong advocate of the aod, and he convinced me that an aod can be upgraded to handle an impressive amount of power with just a shift kit, servo, and alto red clutches/koleen steels.

I don't know why I never realized it, but he uses an aod in his 89 lx mustang which has a 331 stroker. He said he's never had a problem and he runs 11.40's all day with a trans he put together in his kitchen.

T5 or built C4?

Reply #6 – August 09, 2011, 05:46:07 AM

Basically a good AOD can handle app 250-260 LBS OF TORQUE (300 HP APP) Not very good to say the least. These numbers are close to any stock T5. (some T 5 Trannys can handle (305 FT/LBS) Naturally you can build any Tranny to be Stronger but it costs BUCKS. I am not a fan of the AOD but then again i am a stick GUY. Most of the OD autos of years ago were pretty sloppy and weak. This is just me could be wrong but i would go 5 SPEEDER. I LIKE DRIVING A STICK. Just me. Good luck either way. Thanks! The 5 speeder, also gets you an extra GEAR!!!

T5 or built C4?

Reply #7 – August 09, 2011, 01:26:51 PM

Your car should have been an AOD car to begin with. Seems like the way to go to me.

T5 or built C4?

Reply #8 – August 09, 2011, 02:20:19 PM

Quote from: TOM Renzo;364827

Basically a good AOD can handle app 250-260 LBS OF TORQUE (300 HP APP) Not very good to say the least. These numbers are close to any stock T5. (some T 5 Trannys can handle (305 FT/LBS) Naturally you can build any Tranny to be Stronger but it costs BUCKS. I am not a fan of the AOD but then again i am a stick GUY. Most of the OD autos of years ago were pretty sloppy and weak. This is just me could be wrong but i would go 5 SPEEDER. I LIKE DRIVING A STICK. Just me. Good luck either way. Thanks! The 5 speeder, also gets you an extra GEAR!!!

Tom, an AOD can be built to take power and torque that a T5 would spill it's guts over...a lot of folks here are running modded AOD trans with 275-300 HP and up engines...it's all in the convertor, clutches, cooling, and last, but sure not least, keeping the TV cable adjusted properly...with that said, I'm not knocking a stick, it's what I prefer, but for weight vs reliability, I'd pick and AOD if I was laying down some good numbers, and needed the cruising gear. A C4 would only be an option if it was a track only car.

Just my thoughts :)

T5 or built C4?

Reply #9 – August 09, 2011, 09:58:09 PM

here is my 9 year old AOD tci shift kit, and b&m 3000 converter. I also drive it like this on the street,lol I think it has around 400hp to the wheel

T5 or built C4?

Reply #10 – August 09, 2011, 10:30:30 PM

Tom, an AOD can be built to take power and torque that a T5 would spill it's guts over.

SO CAN AN ALUMINUM POWERGLIDE!!!!!!! All i was saying was any tranny can be built strong. All It takes is MONEY. The T5 is not strong and a stock AOD is not also. With that said the T5 has an extra gear over the AOD. If an auto is your thing GO FOR IT.

T5 or built C4?

Reply #11 – August 09, 2011, 10:38:12 PM

* 2.40:1 first gear ratio, 1.47:1 second gear, .67:1 OD.
* Rebuilt front pump and governor.
* Comes with B&M shift lever or stock Mustang lever for use in late model Mustang applications.
* All new B&M high performance friction plates.
* New overdrive band.
* New low roller clutch with lube hole in inner race.
* New filter.
* Recalibrated valve body.

$1800.00 without a converter and shipping extra

T5 or built C4?

Reply #12 – August 09, 2011, 10:49:00 PM

This transmission comes with a high performance Superior Posi Shift Pac for firmer shifts and more holding power. Extra clutches are added to the direct clutch drum (Alto Red Eagle Power Pack). This is 40 to 60% more than stock. The direct clutch is the weak point in the stock AOD transmission. The stock overdrive band is replaced with a Carbon Fiber band. The intermediate roller clutch snap ring is replaced with a spiral plus locking ring. This snap ring is pr0ne to jumping off on hard high speed 1-2 shifts. We install a super hard input shaft because the stock input shaft is bad about breaking with performance / heavy duty use. The Dominator Junior transmission comes with the #14 performance torque converter with your choice of 1800, 2500 or 2800 stall speeds. No trade-in needed on this one, the core charge is in the price. This transmission fits all small block Ford motors. Good for motors up to 550 horse power using pump gasoline, see chart below. Add torque converter upgrade if needed. Very good for towing in overdrive because it has an A+ overdrive servo with more holding force on the band. The A+ servo is 11% larger than the largest AOD servo Ford ever made.

This transmission can be shipped to you for $2070.00. Compare all of these features to any other performance / heavy duty AOD on the market. Why pay this much or more without getting all of the good parts? Update your ride to an overdrive for a 30 to 40% increase in mileage on the road over a three speed transmission. The freight runs from free to $140.00 after freight discount in most cases.

So as i said a STOCK AOD is good for 250-260 HP according to this.

T5 or built C4?

Reply #13 – August 10, 2011, 02:30:10 AM

Last I knew, an AOD had 4 forward speeds...

Comparing a 'Glide to an AOD is apples to bull balls. A 2 speed vs a 4 speed. Yeah, the AOD is big and heavy. It also has more gears, so the powerglide isn't an option for a street car. With that said, I again reiterate: there's folks here with mildly modded AODs and 300+ horsepower....it takes money to run fast...if I needed an auto trans, I wouldn't downgrade to a C4, let alone the 'glide...I'd pony up and get the beefed AOD. And not everyone has a raging hard-on for a T5 either....same thing: I'd ante up for a TKO or even a T56 if I HAD to have more power handling capability AND the money to purchase said TKO or T56...

Talk to me about weak factory 4 speed auto trannies....what's your thoughts on your favorite automaker's own 700R4? Not much (if any at all) better than a stock AOD. I've got one in my '88 K1500, yearly fluid and filter changes, and so far, knock on wood, it's still strong and shifting good...but nothing lasts forever.

Also, the Tbird/Cougar AOD has less clutches than the Stang's AOD...just food for thought.
My thoughts are this, personally, it's not worth it to swap in the pedals, clutch cable, and related parts to gain a gear. Unless it's what you're dying to do and your AOD is about to shiznit the bed.

A lot of us aren't wealthy, professional BBC chevy builders, so we make do with what we have. Whether it's a mostly stock AOD with a shift kit, or a T5 with carbon blocker rings...it's all the same. Money talks, and bullshiznit walks.

Cheers :)

T5 or built C4?

Reply #14 – August 10, 2011, 02:52:16 AM

Quote from: ThunderbirdSport302;364885

Last I knew, an AOD had 4 forward speeds...

Comparing a 'Glide to an AOD is apples to bull balls. A 2 speed vs a 4 speed. Yeah, the AOD is big and heavy. It also has more gears, so the powerglide isn't an option for a street car. With that said, I again reiterate: there's folks here with mildly modded AODs and 300+ horsepower....it takes money to run fast...if I needed an auto trans, I wouldn't downgrade to a C4, let alone the 'glide...I'd pony up and get the beefed AOD. And not everyone has a raging hard-on for a T5 either....same thing: I'd ante up for a TKO or even a T56 if I HAD to have more power handling capability AND the money to purchase said TKO or T56...

Talk to me about weak factory 4 speed auto trannies....what's your thoughts on your favorite automaker's own 700R4? Not much (if any at all) better than a stock AOD. I've got one in my '88 K1500, yearly fluid and filter changes, and so far, knock on wood, it's still strong and shifting good...but nothing lasts forever.

Also, the Tbird/Cougar AOD has less clutches than the Stang's AOD...just food for thought.
My thoughts are this, personally, it's not worth it to swap in the pedals, clutch cable, and related parts to gain a gear. Unless it's what you're dying to do and your AOD is about to shiznit the bed.

A lot of us aren't wealthy, professional BBC chevy builders, so we make do with what we have. Whether it's a mostly stock AOD with a shift kit, or a T5 with carbon blocker rings...it's all the same. Money talks, and bullshiznit walks.

Cheers :)

Well said. My brother just hooked me up with a mark vii aod, which is said to be the best car aod made. I'm going to have to agree with the majority here and say that an aod is my best bet. I can say that my brother built his aod for around $1k (including converter), and his car hauls balls and shifts like a mofookie.