Mach 1 Club
Auto to manual conversion - Printable Version

+- Mach 1 Club (https://mach1club.com)
+-- Forum: Mustang Mach 1 Forums (https://mach1club.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=5)
+--- Forum: 1969 - 1970 MUSTANG MACH 1 FORUMS (https://mach1club.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=6)
+--- Thread: Auto to manual conversion (/showthread.php?tid=6915)



Auto to manual conversion - Tom W - 09-19-2019

Hi all,
I have a 69 “R” code with a C6 transmission. I will be converting it to a top loader 4 speed. My question is: close or wide ratio in the top loader? I believe the current rear end gearing is 3:91 but I may be changing that to possibly a 3:50. Also does anyone make a conversion kit for the top loader that includes everything? I see plenty for 5 and 6 speeds but nothing for the 4 speed.
Thanks. New


RE: Auto to manual conversion - 1969_Mach1 - 09-20-2019

David Kee Toploaders carries every part you will need for a Ford Toploader 4 speed, even new cases.  He makes parts that are no longer available as well and has complete conversion kits to switch a wide ratio to a close ratio and visa-versa.

I run a close ratio toploader behind a 351W in a 69 Mach 1.  The rear axle gear is a 3.89:1.  The close ratio toploaders have a fairly tall first gear, I think it's only a 2.32:1 ratio so you need a rear axle gear like your 3.91:1 for the car to launch fairly good.  With a wide ratio toploader the first gear ratio is 2.78:1 so a 3.50:1 rear axle ratio is more suitable.

How do you plan to drive the car?  Long leisurely drives, then the wide ratio toploader with a 3.50:1 rear axle ratio would be more suitable.  Occasional "spirited" driving around town only, then the close ratio toploader with your current 3.91:1 rear axle ratio would be more suitable.

http://4speedtoploaders.com/store/4speedparts.html


RE: Auto to manual conversion - Tom W - 09-20-2019

Thanks for the reply. I have checked out David Kee and will probably get my new trans there. I was hoping someone had a kit that included the tranny, bell housing, cross member, etc. Everything up to the pedals. I think I’ll just have to find a list somewhere and start collecting. I don’t plan on a lot of highway driving so I might just leave the 3.91:1 rear end and go with the close ratio. I tend to have a little bit of a lead foot sometimes and will want that 428 CJ to be readily available. 
Thanks again.


RE: Auto to manual conversion - 1969_Mach1 - 09-21-2019

Oh, If you are looking for a one stop shop for all the components you need, call Perogie Enterprises in New Jersey.  Their website isn't that great, so you need to call.  Early mornings seem to be the best time to call them.  They know these cars extremely well and have a huge inventory of used original and NOS parts.  Tell them what you are trying to do and they should be able to set you up with all the components you'll need from pedals to transmission without you having to do all the research yourself.

http://www.perogie.com/


RE: Auto to manual conversion - Tom W - 09-21-2019

Thanks. I’ll do that.