The Definitive '39 Trans to Model A Engine Thread.

Ansen Automotive also made an adaptor, looks a lot like Cling's. I have one of the Ansen kits in my 29 rdstr. I also picked up NOS one a couple yrs. back.
 
So far nobody has discussed the different gear ratios available for the "39 transmission."

Suggest anyone who is interested go over to the Ford Barn Early V8 forum and search "transmission ratios." There's quite a bit there, and any discussion about the benefits of using an early V8 transmission should include gear ratios as well as the synchros.

(For those thinking about the swap, be aware that some later cases have reinforcement ribs on the bottom ... "supposed to be superior", but aren't ... the rib interferes with the wishbone adapter and grinding may be required.)
 
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Are the ratios better than a Model A trans?

Do you get a top end speed increase with the gearing of a '39 trans or is that based purely upon your rear end ratio?
 
I do not notice any more top end but when touring with stock model a's, I have way more 1st and 2nd gear than they do.
 
What I meant by way more first and second was you don't have to shift so fast, the is more travel between shifts.
 
The biggest problem I have with this is the amount of fab it is going to take to put the early 29 e-brake handle on this. I have no intentions of using the later handle. It would be nice if they offered a bolt on mount for this. Rod
 
My truck has the shifter in front and I plan on running a v-8 trans in it also so looks like I will be fabbing up some new brackets for it. Would be nice if they offered both though.
 
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