AOD in a 280?

[Capt_Zorro]

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the forum but have had a '77 V8 280Z for about 15 yrs. Started out with one of the Aluminum Buick V8's but changed over to a Ford 302 with C-4. I was never happy with it as it was geared to low with the stock Z rear end. Was considering changing it to a 5 speed but a buddy of mine put one in his ZX and had clutch problems. He has finally retired so we may take it out soon and see what is wrong with it.

I have a friend of mine building an AOD for me now. What problems will I run into changing out the C-4 to the AOD? New driveshaft, different yoke, crossmember, clearance, flexplate, linkage, TV cable, speedometer cable? any or all of these.

 

Adios Amigos,

[Guest V8Juice]

I have a 302 with a C-4 transmission. Ran into the same problem with the 3 speed trans being geared too low. Already took out all the manual trans stuff including the clutch pedal so going back to a stick was not an option, besides I really wanted an auto, so I considered the AOD unit. I would first of all have to re-do the linkage, then the exhaust to clear the pan, then move the trans mount to the rear another 5" and somehow reenforce the bottom of the frame to be able to fasten the mount to it so that it would hold up, shorten the drive shaft again, and then have a perfectly good C-4 on my hands that I already have put money into. That would be an expensive paper weight!. Going to 3.36 rear gear ratio would not be enough of a change to make the difference. So there was another option that would allow me to keep everything I have without re-modifying everything again. That is to go with an overdrive unit that attaches to the existing transmission. Its called a GearVendors Unit. It will give me 6 forward gear ratios insted of three. I attached a link to their web page that talks about the advantage of putting it on your C-4. The Home page is:

http://www.gearvendors.com or just go to

http://www.gearvendors.com/hrford3s.html

 

Dan

[Capt_Zorro]

Dan,

Thanks for the prompt reply. I talked to the guys at gear vendors at the Street Rod Nats South. They have a nice product, but a little pricey for me.

I've already got a C-4 sitting in the back of the garage so I guess I'll have "bookends" next.

I was primarily concerned about clearance problems, I hate to have to take the plasma cutter to the floorboards. Building the trans. mount and drive shaft shortening aren't a big problem as I've been working on Street Rods for about 15yrs. and have a fairly well stocked shop. There are a couple driveline shops here in town that will shorten and balance a drive shaft reasonably.

I picked up an AOD shifter at one of the Mustang specific wrecking yards yesterday. They had an aluminum headed "trick flow" 5.0 engine for sale. The owner offered it to me for $1,500.00. It has 105,000 miles on the odometer. Has been hit in the front but doesn't appear to have damaged the engine any. He cranked it up and it doesn't smoke or knock, only has a little valvetrain noise. He said that it had roller rockers that was causing the noise. What do you guy's think, should I pick it up or let it pass?

 

Adios Amigos,

[buZy]

I would think about passing it up. Roller rockers shouldnt make any more noise than the typical stock stamped steel ones. I replaced my stock stamped steel ones in my 71 401 amc javelin with rollers. This is the exact same rocker used in the small block chevy motors. The engine was just as quiet as before or even better. So that tells me something else is making the noise you are hearing..... I'd pass. When buying a used engine knowing its History is everything.