Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: 3.8 v6 trans to 5.0? (Read 2189 times) previous topic - next topic

3.8 v6 trans to 5.0?

I really want to put a 5.0 in my bird, but I always figured the transmission wouldn't hold up to the power of a 5.0 HO.

coolcats claims that very generally speaking, a v6 and 5.0 v8 transmission can be used interchangeably...

Can I use my 88' v-6 transmission if I wanted to install a 5.0 HO? I assume I'd need to be careful obviously, but I know my transmission is good in my car.

Thanks.

Also, has anyone used a v6 transmission to a 5.0?
-'88 Tbird 3.8
-2012 Altima 2.5 BASE. 
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

Future: Budget 5.0 300 HP.

3.8 v6 trans to 5.0?

Reply #1 –
Quote from: RunninWild;299404
I really want to put a 5.0 in my bird, but I always figured the transmission wouldn't hold up to the power of a 5.0 HO.

coolcats claims that very generally speaking, a v6 and 5.0 v8 transmission can be used interchangeably...

Can I use my 88' v-6 transmission if I wanted to install a 5.0 HO? I assume I'd need to be careful obviously, but I know my transmission is good in my car.

Thanks.

Also, has anyone used a v6 transmission to a 5.0?


I would bet that they are the same.  I'm assuming AOD.  Bolt up, drive away.
Armed Forces Car Club
Eastern Sierra Chapter, California
WEB:  armedforcescarclub.com

3.8 v6 trans to 5.0?

Reply #2 –
I am running a c5 (obviously not a AOD)) behind my 302.
Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly.
:birdsmily: :birdsmily: :birdsmily::birdsmily: 
  [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
:birdsmily: :birdsmily: :birdsmily::birdsmily:
1983 base model,1969 302 (originally a v6),upraded c5,currently 30,441 original miles.

3.8 v6 trans to 5.0?

Reply #3 –
He said he has an 88 and I assumed that it was an AOD.  I have a 92 with an AOD and an 86 and a 82 with C5s.  All these V6 tranny's are the same p/n as the V8 trannies unless the H.O. uses something else.  Either way it's a bolt in operation but I think he was wondering if the V6 tranny would withstand the H.O. power.  I think they are the same.
Armed Forces Car Club
Eastern Sierra Chapter, California
WEB:  armedforcescarclub.com

3.8 v6 trans to 5.0?

Reply #4 –
I was curious about the same thing not too long about. The internal clutch sizes are different, the v8 one has heavier duty ones. I was only trying to match an 88 v6 tranny up to an 87 SO(thunderbird) 5.0 So it's only 150hp. Where the v6 was rated at 140 in 88, that probably would have been okay, as long as you don't pound the shi* out of it all the time.

To bolt a tbird v6 tranny up to an HO motor, It'd be careful. It will bolt up but the added power of the HO might kill it.

3.8 v6 trans to 5.0?

Reply #5 –
v6 tranny is the same with less clutches.

v8 is less then crown vics and mustangs

v-8 in the 94 up mustangs has the same tranny with a 10" clutch. The v-8 has 11".
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

3.8 v6 trans to 5.0?

Reply #6 –
AODs for V6 & V8 are NOT the same... Yes they will interchange without issue but there are less clutches inside the V6 box... Pickup and Super Coupe AOD's are the strongest...

If you don't beat on it too badly it can live, but will not take a bunch full throttle shifts, brake stands, etc... I'd HIGHLY recommend installing a shift kit or buying a valve body with one already installed...

3.8 v6 trans to 5.0?

Reply #7 –
Thanks guys, I really appreciate it.
-'88 Tbird 3.8
-2012 Altima 2.5 BASE. 
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

Future: Budget 5.0 300 HP.

3.8 v6 trans to 5.0?

Reply #8 –
Quote from: TurboCoupe50;299428
AODs for V6 & V8 are NOT the same... Yes they will interchange without issue but there are less clutches inside the V6 box... Pickup and Super Coupe AOD's are the strongest...

If you don't beat on it too badly it can live, but will not take a bunch full throttle shifts, brake stands, etc... I'd HIGHLY recommend installing a shift kit or buying a valve body with one already installed...


Learn something new everyday.  I think I was looking at casting number.  Makes sense.
Armed Forces Car Club
Eastern Sierra Chapter, California
WEB:  armedforcescarclub.com

3.8 v6 trans to 5.0?

Reply #9 –
I realize I'd need a shift kit, but where do you go to find one of these? I'm a novice at car tech stuff..
-'88 Tbird 3.8
-2012 Altima 2.5 BASE. 
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

Future: Budget 5.0 300 HP.

3.8 v6 trans to 5.0?

Reply #10 –
Quote from: RunninWild;299439
I realize I'd need a shift kit, but where do you go to find one of these? I'm a novice at car tech stuff..


Here
1979 Ford Fairmont
[/B]
5.0L/4R70W/8.8"/5-lug/3" Exhuast

3.8 v6 trans to 5.0?

Reply #11 –
Quote from: 32VFoxBird;299443
Here


That's pretty  slick...:bowdown:

3.8 v6 trans to 5.0?

Reply #12 –
Quote from: TurboCoupe50;299450
That's pretty  slick...:bowdown:



x2
Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly.
:birdsmily: :birdsmily: :birdsmily::birdsmily: 
  [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
:birdsmily: :birdsmily: :birdsmily::birdsmily:
1983 base model,1969 302 (originally a v6),upraded c5,currently 30,441 original miles.

3.8 v6 trans to 5.0?

Reply #13 –
I still have the factory V6 AOD behind my 5.0HO.  The trans has over 100K, I put a Transgo (shift kit) in it before I bolted it to the 5.0HO.  It's still going strong, but I don't beat on the car that much.
1988 Thunderbird
306 HO w/ A9P processor
AOD w/ Transgo Reprogrammer
Full Digital Dash w/ twin Cyberdyne A-pillar gauges 
245/50/16 Tires on Snowflakes
Engine swap - CA smog compliant
 

3.8 v6 trans to 5.0?

Reply #14 –
Quote from: 32VFoxBird;299443
Here


Hahaa thanks smartass. :hick:
-'88 Tbird 3.8
-2012 Altima 2.5 BASE. 
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

Future: Budget 5.0 300 HP.