The Ford Barn

dabirdguy · 02-24-2011, 02:13 PM

Hi guys...
I am not a Ford guy so bear with me.
I am building a custom '55 Merc wagon. I have the original 292 (stuck) with the automatic tranny that came with the car when I purchased it.
http://glennsplace.com/55_merc.htm

I have also obtained another nice free turning 292 with a stick shift tranny. The 292 going in will be basically stock with 3 94's mostly for show.

The condition of either tranny is an unknown at this time.
Pics:
http://glennsplace.com/da_y_block.htm

I am not adverse to rebuilding the automatic tranny in hand.
I have the pedal setups an linkages from a parts car I scavanged a while back, so I can go either way.

Are there any OTHER tranny options that are available that will bolt up to the 292 I should consider?

What are the merits/problems associated with either of the above?

All help appreciated!

Glenn

34pickup · 02-24-2011, 04:31 PM

If you can find one of the Ford T-10 4 speeds with the early bolt pattern,you could use that.They changed the pattern in 64 so it needs to be earlier than that. Or check out http://www.ford-y-block.com/ 'there is a lot of information on that site.

Ole Don · 02-24-2011, 07:12 PM

If you plan to go far or fast, its sure hard to beat an overdrive. I like my five speed.

raceron1120 · 02-24-2011, 07:28 PM

Got a toploader 4spd out of a '66 Comet in my '56 w/292.

paul2748 · 02-24-2011, 10:29 PM

If you want an automatic, I suggest the C4. Not a bolt up, but its a nice conversion. Flat-O-Matic is one of the best.

darrell · 02-25-2011, 07:17 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

theres nothing wrong with your fordomatic except they start of in second.the fmx is a cheap way of going.go to www.y-blocksforever and you can look at all these set ups.

rusty59 · 02-25-2011, 06:51 PM

You can upgrade to a T5 ford 85-93 but you will need a truck 3 speed bell housing that will need to be modified. More info at www.ford-y-block.com

dabirdguy · 02-28-2011, 02:00 PM

Looks like I go with the stock tranny.
$900 for an adaptor kit plus another $800 for a tranny is too much.

raceron1120 · 02-28-2011, 07:24 PM

Wow, that seems mighty high for a T5 estimate.

Of course it's your call, but I've seen them on Craig's List for much less than $800. Admittedly one's taking a chance with a used one but I've seen several in the $300-$400 range.

My son got lucky & found a late model good, correct-coded T5 to put behind his 351W for cheap, had it 'gone thru' by a good tranny guy, all for under $400 in it.

NOTE: If you haven't already done so, you may want to go over on the HAMB & check in with the '52-'56 Fords social group for some more info/advice. There's a great bunch of folks over there with lots of 'tech-spertise' on Yblocks and setups, etc.

Link: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/g...hp?groupid=332

Ron

junkyardjeff · 03-03-2011, 08:06 PM

I am going with a FMX when the 292 goes in my 55.

Noswal · 03-04-2011, 09:15 AM

The FMX is probably the easiest to install. Drill two holes in the bellhousing. Change the front pump for the cruise-o you take out and use your torque converter. Presto!!

darrell · 03-04-2011, 09:54 AM

i dont know why everone wants a c4.it cost peanuts to put in an fmx and thats a nice tranny.

frank long island · 03-04-2011, 03:57 PM

i have an s10 5 speed in my 55 monterey wagon along with an explorer rear 250.00 for the trans 200.00 for adapter and 175.00 for the drive shaft works great

dabirdguy · 06-16-2011, 07:12 PM

Where did you get the tranny adaptor, Frank?

LOWRIDER · 06-17-2011, 07:16 AM

John Mummert sells the T5 adapter for 199.00 over at Ford-y-blocks.com. Has all the info you need also. John's a good guy to talk to if you run into problems. You dont need a truck bell housing if you are installing it in a passenger car.

FMX is a great choice for your Merc.

ken1939 · 06-26-2011, 07:43 AM

So is the Fordomatic that large a piece of crap?

I have a nice drop out 292 from a 62 Galaxie for my next 32 project and planned on using the stock tranny.

phartman · 06-26-2011, 08:37 AM

Just do whatever John Mummert tells you to do.

Very helpful guy. I have a T5 and his adaptor sitting in my shop, waiting on me get off my big be-hind.

Lots written about the T5 on Jalopy Journal site. It pays to do your homework. Seems like a match made in heaven between that transmission and these older motors. I've never spoke to anyone who wasn't thrilled with the results.

Gerry · 06-27-2011, 03:56 PM

The FMX is probably the easiest to install. Drill two holes in the bellhousing. Change the front pump for the cruise-o you take out and use your torque converter. Presto!!
And use the same tail shaft. Saves speedo geer trouble, and drive shaft issues. But yes a simple and clean set up... Gerry

Ole Don · 07-03-2011, 07:11 PM

A full sized sedan is rather heavy. The T5 is easy to break when you stand on it a few times. I tend to stand on it from time to time. Two of the Mustang parts vendors told me the same thing about a T5 behind a stout Y block in a 55 sedan. Dont do it. I stepped up to a Tremec 3550. It does cost a bit more, but it has been in there for years with no problems, and yes, it still does get stood on a few times every year. I use a stock aluminum drive shaft from a crown vic with a 302 and AOD with a C6 front yoke and the stock rear flange hooking to a Ranger 8.8

ken1939 · 07-04-2011, 07:46 AM

Old Don read my emails to Fox Auto Salvage

Since I did not find out why Fordomatics stink, I started looking into the T5 Conversion for my stock 62 292 out of a Galaxie. When he quoted the price for the T5, he said they are not for racing! I agreed and figured that normal driving with the stock engine would not be a big deal, and it should hold up for that. It was rated at 170 hp.

I also decided on a Mustang 8.8 with 3.73 gears.

(The car its going in is not a 62 Galaxie)

02-24-2011, 02:13 PM	#1
dabirdguy Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: St.. Peters, Mo Posts: 10	School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... Hi guys... I am not a Ford guy so bear with me. I am building a custom '55 Merc wagon. I have the original 292 (stuck) with the automatic tranny that came with the car when I purchased it. http://glennsplace.com/55_merc.htm I have also obtained another nice free turning 292 with a stick shift tranny. The 292 going in will be basically stock with 3 94's mostly for show. The condition of either tranny is an unknown at this time. Pics: http://glennsplace.com/da_y_block.htm I am not adverse to rebuilding the automatic tranny in hand. I have the pedal setups an linkages from a parts car I scavanged a while back, so I can go either way. Are there any OTHER tranny options that are available that will bolt up to the 292 I should consider? What are the merits/problems associated with either of the above? All help appreciated! Glenn

02-24-2011, 04:31 PM	#2
34pickup Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Huntsville Al Posts: 1,526	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... If you can find one of the Ford T-10 4 speeds with the early bolt pattern,you could use that.They changed the pattern in 64 so it needs to be earlier than that. Or check out http://www.ford-y-block.com/ 'there is a lot of information on that site.

02-24-2011, 07:12 PM	#3
Ole Don Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: St. Michael, Minnesota Posts: 1,713	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... If you plan to go far or fast, its sure hard to beat an overdrive. I like my five speed.

02-24-2011, 07:28 PM	#4
raceron1120 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ellsworth Michigan Posts: 1,807	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... Got a toploader 4spd out of a '66 Comet in my '56 w/292.

02-24-2011, 10:29 PM	#5
paul2748 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Midland Park, NJ Posts: 3,982	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... If you want an automatic, I suggest the C4. Not a bolt up, but its a nice conversion. Flat-O-Matic is one of the best.

02-25-2011, 07:17 AM	#6
darrell Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: p.e.i. Posts: 1,060	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) theres nothing wrong with your fordomatic except they start of in second.the fmx is a cheap way of going.go to www.y-blocksforever and you can look at all these set ups.

02-25-2011, 06:51 PM	#7
rusty59 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Nor-Cal SF bay area Posts: 144	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... You can upgrade to a T5 ford 85-93 but you will need a truck 3 speed bell housing that will need to be modified. More info at www.ford-y-block.com

02-28-2011, 02:00 PM	#8
dabirdguy Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: St.. Peters, Mo Posts: 10	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... Looks like I go with the stock tranny. $900 for an adaptor kit plus another $800 for a tranny is too much.

02-28-2011, 07:24 PM	#9
raceron1120 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ellsworth Michigan Posts: 1,807	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... Wow, that seems mighty high for a T5 estimate. Of course it's your call, but I've seen them on Craig's List for much less than $800. Admittedly one's taking a chance with a used one but I've seen several in the $300-$400 range. My son got lucky & found a late model good, correct-coded T5 to put behind his 351W for cheap, had it 'gone thru' by a good tranny guy, all for under $400 in it. NOTE: If you haven't already done so, you may want to go over on the HAMB & check in with the '52-'56 Fords social group for some more info/advice. There's a great bunch of folks over there with lots of 'tech-spertise' on Yblocks and setups, etc. Link: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/g...hp?groupid=332 Ron Last edited by raceron1120; 02-28-2011 at 07:31 PM.

03-03-2011, 08:06 PM	#10
junkyardjeff Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: dayton Ohio Posts: 243	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... I am going with a FMX when the 292 goes in my 55.

03-04-2011, 09:15 AM	#11
Noswal Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Manchester, TN Posts: 186	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... The FMX is probably the easiest to install. Drill two holes in the bellhousing. Change the front pump for the cruise-o you take out and use your torque converter. Presto!!

03-04-2011, 09:54 AM	#12
darrell Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: p.e.i. Posts: 1,060	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... i dont know why everone wants a c4.it cost peanuts to put in an fmx and thats a nice tranny.

03-04-2011, 03:57 PM	#13
frank long island Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: westbury ny Posts: 854	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... i have an s10 5 speed in my 55 monterey wagon along with an explorer rear 250.00 for the trans 200.00 for adapter and 175.00 for the drive shaft works great

06-16-2011, 07:12 PM	#14
dabirdguy Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: St.. Peters, Mo Posts: 10	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... Where did you get the tranny adaptor, Frank?

06-17-2011, 07:16 AM	#15
LOWRIDER Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kingman Az. 86409 Posts: 419	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... John Mummert sells the T5 adapter for 199.00 over at Ford-y-blocks.com. Has all the info you need also. John's a good guy to talk to if you run into problems. You dont need a truck bell housing if you are installing it in a passenger car. FMX is a great choice for your Merc.

06-26-2011, 07:43 AM	#16
ken1939 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 271	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... So is the Fordomatic that large a piece of crap? I have a nice drop out 292 from a 62 Galaxie for my next 32 project and planned on using the stock tranny.

06-26-2011, 08:37 AM	#17
phartman Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 339	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... Just do whatever John Mummert tells you to do. Very helpful guy. I have a T5 and his adaptor sitting in my shop, waiting on me get off my big be-hind. Lots written about the T5 on Jalopy Journal site. It pays to do your homework. Seems like a match made in heaven between that transmission and these older motors. I've never spoke to anyone who wasn't thrilled with the results. Last edited by phartman; 06-26-2011 at 08:42 AM.

06-27-2011, 03:56 PM	#18
Gerry Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lake Forest, Southern California. Posts: 148	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... The FMX is probably the easiest to install. Drill two holes in the bellhousing. Change the front pump for the cruise-o you take out and use your torque converter. Presto!! *And use the same tail shaft. Saves speedo geer trouble, and drive shaft issues. But yes a simple and clean set up... Gerry*

07-03-2011, 07:11 PM	#19
Ole Don Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: St. Michael, Minnesota Posts: 1,713	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... A full sized sedan is rather heavy. The T5 is easy to break when you stand on it a few times. I tend to stand on it from time to time. Two of the Mustang parts vendors told me the same thing about a T5 behind a stout Y block in a 55 sedan. Dont do it. I stepped up to a Tremec 3550. It does cost a bit more, but it has been in there for years with no problems, and yes, it still does get stood on a few times every year. I use a stock aluminum drive shaft from a crown vic with a 302 and AOD with a C6 front yoke and the stock rear flange hooking to a Ranger 8.8

07-04-2011, 07:46 AM	#20
ken1939 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 271	Re: School me please on 292 Yblock tranny options.... Old Don read my emails to Fox Auto Salvage Since I did not find out why Fordomatics stink, I started looking into the T5 Conversion for my stock 62 292 out of a Galaxie. When he quoted the price for the T5, he said they are not for racing! I agreed and figured that normal driving with the stock engine would not be a big deal, and it should hold up for that. It was rated at 170 hp. I also decided on a Mustang 8.8 with 3.73 gears. (The car its going in is not a 62 Galaxie)