thunderbird transmission

[5.4MarkVIII]

been doing some reading but hasn't seemed to make the decision for me. seems to be a lot of opinions on either side, so figured I would get some local opinion

1964 Thunderbird, stock 390 (might throw a cam and intake at it, not sure about heads yet)

do I rebuild the stock Cruse-o-matic or find a c6 doner

or something newer.

car is not a resto just something to fix and then enjoy, would love to get cruzing with the kids.

will getting into something with over drive make a noticeable difference on fuelÉ


crazy question

I still have the fully rebuilt 4Rw???? out of my 94 Mark 8 just sitting in the garage collecting dust.
iirc thats an electronic controld trans right?
so not worth the attemt?

adaptorr plate may be lots cheaper than rebuilt or new

[5.4MarkVIII]

anyone know the going rate for a transmission rebuild anymore?

I did find a stand alone controller to run the 4R70W trans in a non computer controlled car and I found an adaptor kit to bolt it to the 390

looking like $1500 American give or take.

is the over drive worth it?

[ZR]

Difference in how it runs and performs with just an aftermarket intake and carb is dramatic (make it a bolt on EFI kit and it's that much again). Add to that a set of heads and a torque oriented cam and it's night and day again.

[ZR]

FI Tech and Holley are not ridiculous money any more. Stay tuned for real world results as we are installing both one of their kits plus a Holley this summer.

[ZR]

If gear same or similar to Glen's, it won't even want to be in o'drive so no not money well spent. Go with a C6 n be happy.

[ZR]

Really want to make yours drive sweet as hell, pm Glen and ask about the difference in his after a steering box etc mods we did.

[ZR]

Any idea what gear it has in the rear?

[CON VERT]

Probably 300 like mine !

[fast Ed]

Keep in mind too if you have to alter the shifter linkage for anything other than a C6, you may loose your swingaway column feature.


cheers
Ed

[5.4MarkVIII]

of course it was almost all for naught after supper.

was cutting the drivers side quarter off. and apparently a mouse had made a nest down in the quarter well and all up around filler neck he had it crammed full of paper and dried grass.

sparks when I cut threw lit it up like the dried old flammable stuff it was

smoke got a little thick followed by flames up from inside the trunk.

my 6 year old. 'um dad , is it suppose to be on fire like that? those flames are awesome!"