The Kapsa Thunderbird was a great car but a 3-speed petrol eater. It was always pulling left…….To get to next petrol station.
The Car: 64 Ford Thunderbird
390 FE engine
3.7 diff ratio on 275/15 tyres
Approx 15 miles to the gallon
3-speed MX trans
3000rpm @ 100kph
X fordamatic, not only was petrol consumption high, but the 390 FE was rev’n at about 3000 on the motorway. No way to care for the big block engine. The three-speed was okay around town, but this daily driver just lacked top-end economy and comfort.
Economics and fear of unnecessary engine wear was one thing, but it just took something away from the drive, and we knew that there was more the T-Bird could offer. With plenty of power and the potential to be a great town driver and open road cruiser, we knew the solution was simple; a 4 speed trans with lock up and endless shift control options. Unfortunately, there was no 4 speed to match to the big block FE… a problem?
The Solution
Adaptor kit to bolt up to an AODE transmission
Modified AODE
Mechanical Diod Oneway Clutch Upgrade
Alto High pack Friction upgrade
Shift kit
Modified friction packs
The Converter
Furnace Braised
Modified Stall
Upgraded Lockup
Fully Programmable stand-alone control module.
2 programmes
endless shift options
Mode 1: Sunday Cruiser
Smooth Shift feel
Lock-up in 3rd and 4th
Medium kick down
Extended 1-2 shift timing
Overdrive on/off switch
Mode 2:
Ramped up line pressure
Hard shift feel
No lock-up until 4th at 100kms
Late shift timing to maximise the Rev of the 390FE
Overdrive on/off switch
ALL THESE CHANGES AT JUST A PRESS OF A BUTTON
The installation all done in house, including mount fabrication
THE RESULTS
IncomparableApprox 30% fuel saving
1200-1500RPM at 100kph
Engine running quieter and cooler and most importantly
Even more of a pleasure to drive