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Joined: Jul 2011
I own two old Fords (and one new) , I've got a 1972 Q-code Mach 1 with a 351cj. (4 spd). I also have a 1969 Mercury Cougar. I know this is a Mach 1 forum, but the cars are very similar in terms of drive train. The Cougar is my daily driver, it's set-up with a 351w 4bbl. and FMX auto trans. My wife won't drive the Mach 1 'cause of the 4- spd. On the other hand she enjoys driving the Cougar. The FMX, like the rest of the drivetrain, is original. In the long run I want to do some Horse Power upgrades to the 351w. The only transmission performance parts (shift kits) I see on the market are for either the C-4 or C-6. Is anything available for the FMX? I've been told that FMX's weight close to 100lbs. more than the C series trannys. The FMX is, if nothing else, reliable.
I look forward to any and all feedback.
Thank you,
Keith1562
Posts: 1,330
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I thought Transgo offered a shift kit and one or two other parts for the FMX. I've seen torque convertors from Hughes Performance. I've read in other forums where people use this place for FMX parts.
http://www.oregonperformancetransmission...disp_order
The FMX is a tough transmission. It was never seen as a performance trans. I've personally seen a stock FMX trans take a beating with a couple years of street racing without any issues. I would think a rebuild of the FMX with a shift kit would be more than suitable for a stock daily driver. If you want to change to something else, in stock form, the C6 would be a step up in strength. The C4 in stock form is not as tough as the FMX. That's why the FMX was installed with 351W's and the C4 was installed with 302's and 289's. If you do change it out keep all the original parts.
Regards,
Mike
Posts: 4,181
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Joined: Jan 2011
Another interesting comparison with the FMX vs C-4 vs C-6 is the amount of power lost. If I remember correctly the C-4 was least, the FMX a bit more and the C-6 considerably more.
The FMX parts are out there but they are a bit harder to locate.
Another consideration might be the use of a AOD.
Here's an article worth reading:
http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/transmissio...nsmission/
Posts: 1,330
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Joined: Feb 2015
I had thought an overdrive trans might be suitable for that car. This is only my opinion based on my experience. I am not a fan of the AOD trans. I simply had bad luck with two AODE trans in a 1994 Mustang. The AODE is the electronic version of the AOD.
If going the 4sp auto overdrive trans route, most people favor the later model 4R70W. It's much stronger, more reliable and consistent than the AOD or AODE. I know somebody makes a stand alone controller for it. I don't recall the mfg off hand.
If you have time research the auto trans installed with 351W motors. Throughout the life span of 351W motors Ford always installed larger stronger auto transmissions than with 302's or 289's.
Regards,
Mike