Auto Trans Options for 1957 Custom with a 223

[Anonymous]

I am currently running the stock 2-speed a/t on my 1957 Custom with a 223. I don't believe it's ever been rebuilt and there is a major leak along with some performance issues.

Is there an auto trans out there that is a relatively simple swap that will give me a little more in terms of performance? What mods will be needed to make the swap?

Thanks! This is a fantastic forum.

 

[Colonel Flashman]

You will only be able to 1 of 4 things,
1) Re-build the Trans you've got, as the Ford/Merc-o-Matics are Rather Reliable Trans, be they Single Range 3 Speed (P R N D1 L, D1 is 2nd & 3rd, L is 1st, but by using the Kick-down linkage while in D1 drops you into 1st & that's what makes it a 3 speed) or Duel Range 3 Speed (P R N D2 D1 L, D2 is all 3 speeds, D1 is 2nd & 3rd, L is 1st), the FoMoCo 2 speed w/ integral bellhousing didn't come out till '59.
2) Replace your Single Range Ford/Merc-o-Matic w/ a Dual Range Ford/Merc-o-Matic or a Cruise-o-Matic.
3) Find the Bellhousing the came w/ the last of the 223c.i.ers in '64 when it was Mated w/ the 1st of the C-4s the came out that year.
4) Contact 1 of the Trans Adaptor Companies & have them Make an Adaptor for you to Mate a C-4 to your 223c.i.er or other Trans of your choice.

The 1st 2 require few to no changes what so ever & the 2nd 2 will require different Linkage, Moving the position of & Making New Trans Mounts.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the information! I will probaby just have mine rebuilt. Based on your description, mine is the single range 3-speed. It actually shifts pretty well, but has a MAJOR leak somewhere near the front. It's definitely not the pan gasket because I replaced that just in case. I'm losing a quart of fluid in about 80-100 miles.

Performance-wise, I pretty much max out on the highway at about 70-75mph. This could be engine or trans, and since I started having engine problems recently, it might be that.

We'll see. I'm going to start digging into things this weekend.

 

[Daves55Courier]

I just finished my 55 Ford Courier 223 project not long ago and also found that its top speed is about 75mph with the fordomatic. I talked to another fella thats got one and he says thats his top end too. Suprized me. I always ran a Y-block V8 in my 55 Ford sedan and it will do 120 easily and has excellent accelleration for getting on hiway ramps. You gotta be a little more careful in the 223, cause it just dont take off as well, but it runs great. But with the little Holley 1904 wide open, thats just all the faster she will go.

Your leak problem may just be the front pump seal. Rarely it could be the convertor o-ring seal. Both easy to fix yourself if you are inclined to pull the Ford-o-matic.

 

[Anonymous]

Here's what I found for trans seals so far:

1. Front pump (converter) metal clad seal
1951-1967
C3AZ-7A248A
$12.00

2. Converter O'Ring (For a split converter)
1952 up
B3A-7963A
$7.00

3. Converter & Impeller Hub O'Ring Set (For a split converter)
1952 up
FO-13
$10.00

Now, do I need 2 & 3? /i'm thinking I just need #1 for the pumpand #2 for the convertor. Anyone know what #3 is? The parts guy couldn't really tell me and I don't want to order something I'm not going to use. Also, I saw a timig cover seal kit on Ebay that hasa cork gasker and o-ring. Someone mentioned that this is thesmae thing as one ofthese listed above. Is that right?

Sorry for the goofy questions. I'm ready to get this car back on the road!