I am rebuilding a 351W mild cam 4v inlet with C4 trans for my Edsel it has a 9 inch rear with 3.56-1 diff The car will be almost a daily driver so looking for best options on economy gearing without fitting an AOD, i also will tow a 2000 pound travel trailer on odd occasions to shows whats the tallest gears i can go or am i best stick to what i have Advise welcome
how fast can you travel on the motorways? Is the speed limit 70 still? been a while since I was over there. Also does it have 14" tires still?
Hi Squirrel , Yup still 70 on motorways (60 Towing trailer ) but there is so much traffic and roadworks your lucky to do that I have 215/75/14 tires so think reasonable gearing would work even towing , dont want to over gear so thinking on low 3s , at the moment the 223 6 pot 2 speed revs when towing in top on motorway with 3.56-1 and drinks petrol (14 uk gals Pm ) when towing, dies on hills so drops into low and revs its tits off
I think you might end up with gears in the low 3s, but I suggest you get it all working, and see how you like it with the stock gears. If you can get up hills at speed in high gear, while towing, then consider dropping the gear ratio some. 3.0 or 3.25 would be likely choices. 3.25 will still give you some revs at higher speeds, though. Whatever you do will be a compromise, unless you go with overdrive. you just have to decide for yourself whether you want to spend more time at lower rpm on the flats but downshifting for hills, or spend more time at higher revs.
The math is pretty easy. With a 215/75R14 (26.5" OD) tire and a 3.56:1 gearset, you will be running about 3150 RPMs at 70 mph. That is a bit higher than I would want to spin a 351W for long on the highway. Of course at that RPM (depending on cam and engine configuration) you could pull a battle ship behind that Edsel as you should be close to peak torque. I would be putting an AOD in there. Use 3rd gear (1:1) for pulling if needed and have a good cruising RPM (2200) in 4th.
A 3 flat would be the best all-around choice IMO, low enough to allow towing but high enough to keep the revs down on the highway.
I am on the lookout for a AOD they do come up occasionally over here , if nothing turns up at least now i have the C4 to fall back on The 351W and C4 is going to be loads better than the 223 - 2 speed what i have now Thanks for the replies
What is the 1st gear ratio in the C4? With a performance cam, depending on the specs, you may need a stall converter and more gear than you'd like.
When you say the speed limit is 70 to 60, is that MPH or KPH? Either way I'd think you'd be fine with the 3.00 or 3.25:1 axle gears. Comparing apples to pears, but the '64 Galaxie I had with a warmed over 352 pulled the biggest U-Haul 2 axle enclosed trailer from Detroit to Kansas City loaded with all my stuff in it without a problem. The Galaxie had 3.00:1 gears and the original CruisOmatic tranny. -Dave
Since you posted this thread under 'customs' what custom modifications are you planning? I gotta see that! I will be watching
Its MPH , my classic travel trailer weighs 2000 pounds , that's encouraging to hear how yours performed when towing Not sure on the C4 1st gear ratio will have to look on the tabs , it came out of a small block mustang , I will only be using a mild stage 1 cam Nothing radical on the custom front , just lowered all round and possible rear fender skirts , will have to make my own as the Edsel has modified 59 Ford rear wheel arches
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