All Small Six Overdrive trans for 1966 Mustang 200

[Mattsmall1972]

Internet search is inconclusive.

I am upgrading my rear end to Ford 8-inch with 3.50 gears. I have a nice-performing 200 with large log heads, headers, Schneider cam and will be going turbo. I’m running a green-dot c4. I don’t want to lose drivability on the highway.

What automatic transmission fits my need?
How can I easily tell which bell housing pattern I have if it’s in question?

Thank you!

 

[frozenrabbit]

There is no bolt on automatic overdrive option for an early 200. I believe you can only get overdrive with a T5 manual conversion.

 

[powerband]

unfortunately as mentioned, there does not seem to be a usable OVERDRIVE automatic tranny for the small block six. The somewhat rare late 70's early 80's 'low mount starter' 200 that was used in Fairmont and Mustang did use a partial small block V8 bellhouse pattern but I don't know of any successful uses of later OD automatic.
,
'61 Comet 250 / V8 T5 Overdrive 5 spd / 3.80:1 rear gears.
'63 Falcon 170 / V8 OD Overdrive5spd / OEM 3.50 rear gears.
'74 Maverick 250 / V8 Overdrive 5 spd / 2.79:1 rear gears / Vortech Supercharger.
.
... from an advocate for the Overdrive use with 'modern' driving speeds in cars designed for pre-interstate travel.
.BTW - the 4 cyl. T5 has gearing for 4cyl's higher neede RPM power output and less deep overdrive, and the V8 T5 is more suitable to the small block six's low RPM torque (powerband) .
.
T5 comparisons

.
.

have fun

 

[bmbm40]

One option that might interest you is this:

7

All Small Six Post in thread '1963 Falcon wagon 200 six Gear Vendor overdrive I-80 freeway California foothills'

Apr 26, 2023

That is great performance for a stockish? 200 and as you stated keeping in the powerband with six gears. What are the details of your exhaust/muffler system?

The sound is coming from a microphone in the air cleaner. Exhaust is a 68 2" outlet exhaust manifold which goes into a 2" pipe. From about the trans mount back over the rear end is 2-1/4". The muffler is a 2-1/2" turbo with a 2-1/2" tail pipe.

• 78_200_C4

•