3 to 4 speed conversion
#1
3 to 4 speed conversion
Thanks for all the input. I've decided to go with a simple 4 speed and may have one located. My question now is this; How many different 4 speed trannys did they put in the 66 mustangs? Will I be safe buying a Borg-Warner T-10 and hoping it will bolt up? There is another tranny available locally but the guy says it's not a B.W. He says its for the small block. My wife is gonna really get upset if I bring home something that doesn't fit!! Helpand thanks for any help, Ford
#2
RE: 3 to 4 speed conversion
There are2 common and2 uncommon 4sp trannys that will work for you.
The standard T10 will work...if it's out of a Mustang. The tailhousing and I believe the bellhousing bolt pattern as wellare Ford/Mustang specific, so something out of a GM or a Fairlane won't work.
The standard Ford Toploader 4sp is the other common tranny. Pretty much indestructible but slightly slower to shift than a T10 due to beefier internals. Again, has to be out of a Mustang to get the proper tailhousing with the shifter mount in the right location. This is pretty much the staple 4sp for Ford back then. They only used the T10's when they started running out of Toploaders.
There are alsoclose ratioSuper T10's and close ratio Toploaders out there, but both are in relatively high demand ($$$)for performance use and probably won't be the best choice for your daily driver due to the steep 1st gear.
The standard T10 will work...if it's out of a Mustang. The tailhousing and I believe the bellhousing bolt pattern as wellare Ford/Mustang specific, so something out of a GM or a Fairlane won't work.
The standard Ford Toploader 4sp is the other common tranny. Pretty much indestructible but slightly slower to shift than a T10 due to beefier internals. Again, has to be out of a Mustang to get the proper tailhousing with the shifter mount in the right location. This is pretty much the staple 4sp for Ford back then. They only used the T10's when they started running out of Toploaders.
There are alsoclose ratioSuper T10's and close ratio Toploaders out there, but both are in relatively high demand ($$$)for performance use and probably won't be the best choice for your daily driver due to the steep 1st gear.
#4
RE: 3 to 4 speed conversion
There are a few things to keep in mind, there are early and latetype four speeds. The early four speeds have a smaller bolt pattern where they bolt to the bell housing. The front of the trans appears square where it bolts to the bell housing. The one you want is the the one that looks like it has ears. Also the tailshafts can be different. The mustang shifter bolts to the back of the tail shaft. If the shifter bolts to the front of the tail shaft then it is for a falcon and will not work.Also there is a difference between big block and small block input shafts. The small block is longer. You will need to messure your input shaft on your three speed to ensure you buy a small block trans.
#5
RE: 3 to 4 speed conversion
Here is a pic of an early toploader. You don't want this one. Notice the squarish bolt pattern where is bolts to the bell housing and how the shifter is bolted to the front of the tail shaft.
[IMG]local://upfiles/27838/CA0B6DCACAEC4BF58A36A563412A1BF8.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/27838/CA0B6DCACAEC4BF58A36A563412A1BF8.jpg[/IMG]
#6
RE: 3 to 4 speed conversion
Here is a pic of the one you want. Notice the ears where is bolts to the bell housing and the shifter boltsto the back of the tial shaft.
[IMG]local://upfiles/27838/B88983CDF2DD43B4B3C15E501AE98C68.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/27838/B88983CDF2DD43B4B3C15E501AE98C68.jpg[/IMG]
#9
RE: 3 to 4 speed conversion
Easy way would be to get an adaptor plate to mount onto your factory bellhousing (requires some drilling/tapping). Another method is to use the late model bellhousing and convert to a hydraulic or cable clutch. Both methods require a conversion crossmember and possibly shortening your driveshaft.