replace a 3 speed manual trans for an automatic on a '66 Mustang?

Question

I have a '66 Mustang show car and would like to get some info on how to switch the 3 speed manual for an automatic (C-4) trans. ANy additional parts needed? problems or difficulties in doing this? Need to know from "A to Z"... Thanks, Frank

Answer 1

Additional parts needed.

1 New Radiator with transmission cooler built in or a separate transmission cooler of very large size.

2 Floor Shifter from a near year automatic car. (All cable, connections and adapters you can get for it)

3 Transmission Lines from Transmission to radiator.

4 Yoke from Drive shaft that will fit new transmission (to adapt old drive shaft)

5 Flex Plate to mount torque converter in place of originally equipped Clutch mounted flywheel.

6 (May need) modified exhaust system (Auto is wider than standard transmission).

7 Gear ratios in rear end are different in Auto vs stick. (Check with local speed shop for suggestions)

8 Transmission Mount Modifications required. (VERY DIFFICULT on a uni-body platform).



Need I mention removal of the old pedal assembly and repair patch the firewall?



Difficulty rating scale 1 to 10 for experienced tech is 10, for novice mechanic scale 1 to 10 this job rates a 25

Answer 2

I own a V6 Mustang with an automatic. I disagree that a manual is more difficult to drive. It is more involving to drive, and it requires more work on the driver's part, but it's not harder. What you can't do while driving a stick is text, or play with the radio, or try and wipe a crying child's nose, or eat a hamburger, or all of those things you're not supposed to do while driving ANYWAY. The reasons I own an automatic are: 1. I don't care about balls-to-the-wall performance. I don't drive this car aggressively, I don't spin the tires for fun, and I don't take it to the track. If I cared about getting the "most" out of the car I would have bought a stick. 2. I live in an area where driving a stick is maddening due to traffic. The traffic lights aren't synchronized, other drivers don't use their turn signals, and worst of all, they ride their brakes a lot. 3. The differences between a manual and automatic with regards to fuel economy are negligible for the model I own. I just want to put the top down, crank the radio, and cruise on a sunny day. That makes an automatic transmission a better choice than a manual.

Answer 3

Alex E. hit the nail on the head. This swap is NOT going to be easy. As he stated, an experienced mechanic will be hard-pressed to do this perfectly. Your best bet would be to get an automatic '66 and just transfer EVERYTHING over on it. The donor car will need its an entire drivetrain swapped into your car for you to run it successfully. This includes, transmission, center-console, dashboard components, differential and everything else that differentiates the manual from the automatic model.



Good luck with your swap.

Answer 4

This isn't something anyone could list off from the top of their head.



Judging by the knowledge shown in your question I would have a professional do it.



If you plan on doing it anyway just start into it.. you'll know what parts you need as you need them.