Upgrading to T5 vs AOD Automatic

Ehlien

Ehlien

Member
I'm looking to upgrade my 49 Merc flathead with overdrive transmission to either a T-5 or AOD automatic. I have seen both conversions but not sure what the advantage and disadvantages of either are for both assembly and performance. Any feed back would be appreciated.
So I'm dropping a 49 Merc flathead 8 into a S -10 chassis but looking to upgrade the Merc overdrive trans. I have seen both but don't know the plus a minus of going to a T-5 or automatic both assembly and performance wise. Any feedback would be appreciated.
 
If it's an s10 chassis to begin with the T5 is the logical way to go., that's what was in the S10 to start with it if was a stick shift. AOD is a great transmission, but it is big and it is heavy and will most likely require a lot of modification to the chassis to get it to fit. Also the AOD is picky about the TV adjustment and it would take some work (not that difficult, but has to be done) to adapt to the flathead carbs.
 
Depending on the type of adapter you use the T-5 is a much cheaper install and works great. Use the Ford or late 92 up GM T-5 I have a friend with a 38 ford PU on S-10 frame with flathead and Toyota 5 speed. This adapter was made form a Ford steel bell housing.
 
I just saw a TV episode on Wheeler Dealers where they put an automatic in a 53 ford pick up with a flat head and in the end it ran great but there are no details on which trans or adapters were used.

Is the C4 a better way to go if your thinking automatic?
 
C4 is a non-overdrive transmission, the AOD is an OD transmission. I would want the OD. The T5 manual is a much better way to go unless you really want an automatic.
 
I agree the overdrive is a big plus. One concern in this project is that I'm starting with a bare S-10 chassis and Studebaker cab so I do not have any of the clutch/pedal components for the conversion so going auto would be a lot simpler.
 
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