Obviously this trans is not the best choice for performance. But lets say I wanted to be "different" and stick with it. Are there any mods or parts that I can get a hold of that would strengthen this little manual transmission. How much HP/TQ can they support? And did the come with different gear ratios in different years? Besides the bell housing is there a difference between a straighgt 6 version trans and a V8 trans? Anyone consider them self "Mr. 3 speed manual guy" that I can speak to? Thanks! -Dan
The early six tranny didn't have a synchronized first gear and was a lot weaker. In The '70s the switch was made by Ford to use the synchronized tranny in all applications. If you have the full synchro 3 spd your are fine. It eas used in even 390 cars with 3spd tranny.
Just to give you an idea of how strong they really are. All of the IMCA guys around here that run Ford engines use the 3 spd man trans. They are very strong and will hold a $hit load of torque.
The 3 speed in Mavs was just a Toploader 4 speed less a gear... We all know how strong those were. These trannys were put in big cars, trucks, and behind big engines. I don't see an issue with strength. If you want different gear ratios, I am pretty sure your only options are: Keep the 3 gear. Toploader 4 with wide ratios. Same top and bottom gears as the 3 speed. Less rpm/powerband drop as 2nd gear is broken into 2 separate gears in comparison to 3 speed. Toploader 4 with close ratios. No good comparison to 3 speed ratios. This tranny is not best for street driving as it requires a lower gear for best results. 3 speed overdrive. Hybrid of Toploader 3 and 4 speeds. Same first 3 gears on both trannys, with an overdrive 4th gear. If you like 3 speeds, this tranny makes the most sense. You get the boost in economy from the O/D. I consider this tranny to be the "ultra wide" ratio toploader. Cool if your engine or driving style can take the sharp drops between gears. Dave
damn i didnt know those little 3 spds are so strong...guess its true im learning something new everyday
Thanks guys for the info on the 3 speed trans. I think I'm going to use it along with a low gear out back like a 4.10 or similar avaliable gear set for an 8" rear. Hopefully 3rd gear won't be too much of a slouch on the 2-3 shift. -Just a note. Since its been a while since I've been here, I forgot that I had already signed up as a member. So yesterday I signed up as fmandan and later remembered that I was aready a member with the handle Fordmandan. Opps...I guess that what happens when you belong to like 7 car forums. By the way...this is a GREAT SITE! -Dan
I have one of those 3 spd trannys if anyone needs one. It was running when it was pulled - according to my son. I traded him an old Borg Warner T-10 for it, well , I geve him the T-10 and he left the tranny here. It is in Seattle. I could use a bell housing for the large ring gear in exchange...
