Automatic Frog

"dwight" wrote in news:65idnSfhaP6pn7TYnZ2dnUVZ snipped-for-privacy@comcast.com:

dwight, I've explored this topic quite a bit, and as with most everything, I've found that you get what you pay for.

In short, you can go from a fairly standard rebuild with a few "extras" (e.g., shift kit, springs, etc.) to a real nice street-strip unit that will give you full control over all gears, including that "invisible"

Here are a few links that might help:

BTW, the AOD in my LX was rebuilt by a local Ford Dealer several years ago (with a warranty); they basically threw in a mild shift kit, so the AOD is a half-notch above stock. Street driving is perfectly mild- mannered with a negligble slight bump on the upshift, but still not bad when you punch it.

Joe Calypso Green '93 5.0 LX AOD hatch with a few goodies Black '03 Dakota 5.9 R/T CC

Thanks, Joe. That's exactly what I (think I) want. Obviously, the engine hasn't been touched, so I want somewhat better than stock performance out of the trans. Certainly nothing drastic, and I don't care about the strip, but something a bit more "authoritative" and more fun.

CFrog's got pretty fair acceleration, with its weak point at launch and (of course) no overdrive. In fact, shifting throughout, at the moment, is interesting - I hold it in 1st and manually shift to Drive when the RPMs build up. 2nd to 3rd is pretty smooth, but takes a while. And downshift, forget it. That doesn't exist right now. Just having the tranny overhauled would be an improvement, but I'd like a bit more control over the shifts.

I've looked around, so I know there are plenty of aftermarket alternatives available. I'll have to have a sit-down with the guy, and find out just what his thinking is, and what parts he intends to use, what my options are.

Naturally, I don't want to spend a lot on CFrog, but an improved automatic and a new top are the two areas I wanted to tackle this year.

(My daughter and I are arguing over the top - she thinks it should absolutely be another black top, while I'm wondering what a grey top would look like, to match the titanium ground effects...)

:()

"dwight" wrote in news:BdidnXB70sWJgLTYnZ2dnUVZ snipped-for-privacy@comcast.com:

As for the top, who's paying for it? Case closed. ;)

Sounds like you need a straight rebuild with a shift kit. And don't forget the cooler. I'd guess it'll run you around $1800 or so. You still won't have a manual 2nd, but that'll run another grand, give or take ($ estimates are totally off the cuff). Throw in some nice subs and 4.11s for another grand and you've got a real fun ride.

Best of luck with whatever you do. Let us know what happens...

Joe Calypso Green '93 5.0 LX AOD hatch with a few goodies Black '03 Dakota 5.9 R/T CC