F150 trans or 39 Ford trans for banger?

[AL in NY]

JT1930; I did the F150 in my CCPU myself. Looks like you know what it takes to do the machining, so that makes the F150 a better choice then the 39 trans because of the OD. Go with the F150 and you won't be sorry. Cost for that conversion when you DIY is very reasonable. Good luck..

[JT1930]

Originally Posted by AL in NY

JT1930; I did the F150 in my CCPU myself. Looks like you know what it takes to do the machining, so that makes the F150 a better choice then the 39 trans because of the OD. Go with the F150 and you won't be sorry. Cost for that conversion when you DIY is very reasonable. Good luck..

Thanks Al ! I was going to use a model AA bellhousing but didn’t feel like fabbing up the shaft for the pedals. Getting the cast bellhousing from macs speed shop with the throw out bearing kit and the rear plate to mount the ujoint clam shell. That should get me going fairly quick.

[AL in NY]

Does Mac's offer any guidance as to how much the shorten the driveshaft, radius rods and torque tube when using their bell housing and adapter plate? The reason for the question is I have a friend in our Model A club that's been thinking about doing the F150 conversion. I said I would fabricate the rear adapter plate for him. Mac's plate would be a much easier build.

[JT1930]

Originally Posted by AL in NY

Does Mac's offer any guidance as to how much the shorten the driveshaft, radius rods and torque tube when using their bell housing and adapter plate? The reason for the question is I have a friend in our Model A club that's been thinking about doing the F150 conversion. I said I would fabricate the rear adapter plate for him. Mac's plate would be a much easier build.

Not sure. But I’ll be finding out soon. I know it is a 5/8” plate that bolts directly to the rear of the trans and then you directly bolt the clam to it. When I get it set up I’ll shoot you some measurements of what I’ve got.

[Chris Haynes]

This from Dave about his transmissions,

Complete bolt in kit, no cutting of your car, rebuilt transmission,u joint ,t.o. bearing. Chrome shift lever, clutch disc, bell housing petal and emg brake mounts, gaskets , driveshaft. Torque tube, radius rods, (these have been shortened and are exchange items) $3800.00+ shipping . thanks

[Synchro909]

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I'd love to have a car with the F150 coghouse but they are not available here - to say nothging of a kit to fit them. Even if I were to be able to get ahold of one over there, I couldn't fit it. The kits you are talking about were poorly thought out. It would have taken VERY little more to have made them work RHD as well.
All that said, I have a car with the Mitchell O/D and their synchro gearbox. I use a cable shifter on it as Daveymac29 mentioned. I figure that is about as close to a T5 as I will ever get. My other As have the standerd gearbox and the Mitchell O/D. A standard driveline is too slow these days, IMO.

[JT1930]

Originally Posted by Chris Haynes

This from Dave about his transmissions,

Complete bolt in kit, no cutting of your car, rebuilt transmission,u joint ,t.o. bearing. Chrome shift lever, clutch disc, bell housing petal and emg brake mounts, gaskets , driveshaft. Torque tube, radius rods, (these have been shortened and are exchange items) $3800.00+ shipping . thanks

You sold me at the chrome shifter..... 3800 bucks is nice for someone who wants to plug n play on their car. I like to fab and do it cheaper and then have an appreciation of what I’ve done. But that’s just me.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by JT1930

You sold me at the chrome shifter..... 3800 bucks is nice for someone who wants to plug n play on their car. I like to fab and do it cheaper and then have an appreciation of what I’ve done. But that’s just me.

Some of us have those skills. Those of us who don't pay the piper!

[wensum]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

I'd love to have a car with the F150 coghouse but they are not available here - to say nothging of a kit to fit them. Even if I were to be able to get ahold of one over there, I couldn't fit it. The kits you are talking about were poorly thought out. It would have taken VERY little more to have made them work RHD as well.
All that said, I have a car with the Mitchell O/D and their synchro gearbox. I use a cable shifter on it as Daveymac29 mentioned. I figure that is about as close to a T5 as I will ever get. My other As have the standerd gearbox and the Mitchell O/D. A standard driveline is too slow these days, IMO.

The MACs bellhousing makes the conversion relatively simple with the original pedals mounted left or right sides and the hand brake simply mounted as per the attached photograph. I have opted for an open prop shaft, but I believe that MACs has a conversion kit for the torque tube. The clutch is the one minor hiccup and once again MACs can supply a suitable unit, or a clutch from a turbo charged 4 cylinder Mustang will do (not the current model)

[Pete]

Originally Posted by JT1930

JUST WANT TO BE CLEAR.......

- I know what it takes to put a f150 transmission into a model A. I know many are helping with information on putting the trans in the car and I thank you but it is not needed. Original post was asking does the 39 trans have a better gearing ratio to go faster over the A trans. Thank you.

I know everyone is trying to put input on how to f150 trans or 39 trans into a model A but i don’t understand how many can just disregard the original posts question and start stating other information and snowballs from there.

It is called "thread hi-jacking". Quite common on this forum.

To answer your question, the f150 will go faster because of the overdrive, IF,
you have enough horsepower to pull the higher gear. (4th)

There is one thing you should know that has NOT been mentioned and that is the gear ratios in the f150 are very poor. Much worse than the stock A transmission. BIG rpm drop between 2nd and 3rd. Super annoying if you drive in hill country much.

[AL in NY]

Pete there is not much difference between the F150 trans ratios and the Model A 3 speed.
F150 Model A
3.25 3.12
1.92 1.85
1.00 1.00
.78

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by wensum

The MACs bellhousing makes the conversion relatively simple with the original pedals mounted left or right sides and the hand brake simply mounted as per the attached photograph. I have opted for an open prop shaft, but I believe that MACs has a conversion kit for the torque tube. The clutch is the one minor hiccup and once again MACs can supply a suitable unit, or a clutch from a turbo charged 4 cylinder Mustang will do (not the current model)

Thanks for that, Wensum but what is that crossmember? I'm not interested in cutting or replacing the crossmember. There are too many legal/engineering problems in getting it approved and on the road.
I noticed also that you moved the accerator pedal over to the right.

[Juggler]

Another alternative is a close ratio gear set in the original transmission

Belchers in the UK offer two sets:-

18T/29T

1st = 2.592 - 1

2nd = 1.543 - 1

Top 1-1

Total ratio 1.61-1


or

20T/27T

1st = 2.173-1

2nd = 1.293-1

Top 1-1

Total ratio 2.609-1

Price is £785 which is just over $1k right now, plus shipping etc

Solves the problem of the big jump between 2nd and top. No synchro or o/d but no cutting or altered appearance. Price is enough, but got to be cheaper than an adapter and a good used/rebuilt 39 or F150 trans. I don't have a set (yet) but have passengered in a car with them fitted and it makes a hell of a difference to drivability. All positive feedback so far as I am aware.

[JT1930]

Wensum looking good. I bet with the torque tube adapter it would be minimal if any cutting of the cross member but for me I don’t care. This car is not a stocker.

Also the stock A trans and f150 trans are very close like stated above. With having a Winfield 6.1 head and other mods it should power through the gears fine.