Ford Overdrive Transmission Swaps

By Jim Smart

Most enthusiasts remember the days when reasonable overdrive options were not readily available for performance cars. Sure, you could get bolt-on planetary gearsets to achieve an overdrive final-drive ratio, but enthusiasts were slow to embrace the extra hardware that was required to accomplish that task. Not only do overdrives save fuel on the highway but they also allow performance enthusiasts to use more aggressive gears in the differential. This results in reduced quarter-mile times and improved acceleration. Overdrives are the best of both worlds.

Finally, in the 1980s, most car manufacturers recognized the value of overdrive transmissions and began to offer them as original equipment. Ford released the 4-speed Automatic Overdrive (AOD) in 1980, and the first manual overdrive transmissions followed shortly thereafter. Since many Ford muscle car fans wanted to retrofit the newer overdrives into older vehicles, the swapping industry was born.

In Ford Overdrive Transmission Swaps, author Jim Smart shows all of the options for automatic and manual overdrive swaps into vintage chassis. The kits and transmissions that are available are covered, including their dimensions, the necessary modifications to accommodate the swap, and the peripherals (shifters, clutches, driveshafts, and electronic controls) to make these capable newer transmissions work seamlessly with older applications. Various third-party manufacturers, such as Tremec, are also covered extensively. Now, first-generation Mustangs, Torinos, Cougars, trucks, and more can enjoy the benefits of an overdrive transmission.

Even if you don't plan to do the work yourself, this book is valuable to those who are curious or those who plan to farm out the work. Add this book to your Ford library today.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1613259050
• ISBN13: 9781613259054
• Release Date: February 2027
• Publisher: Cartech
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.5" x 11.0"