Anyone running an AODE/4R70W?

[jecsd1]

I recently aquired a good used 4R70W. I am planning on using it in the unibody build. It's from a 2001 4.2L F150. I'm going to be putting it behind a 375-400 hp 351W.

My questions are:

The torque converter that came with it has the orange paint code and I've been told that means it has a "165K stall factor"....what does that mean?

I've also been told that the converters are only good to about 5400 rpm before ballooning. Is that true?

Has anyone has any experience with the TransGo AODE-3 (manual function) kit? I'm debating manual operation versus an aftermarket controller.

If I did go with the manual kit I'll still need to wire up OD and TCC, correct?


Thanks for the help!

[jhewitt]

In a 65F100 behind 5.0, the valve body shifting is too dang harsh even in the down shifting, I would NOT recommend to anyone. IF the transmission which has some age lasts to the spring I'm removing the TCI valve body

[Fanatic]

I am running a 4R70W but my Uni is fully wired with the EEC-V and controls for the trans. Works good but don't know the specs.
This company seems pretty up on this trans
http://www.becontrols.com/

[jecsd1]

jhewitt, what combo do you have. What shifts too harsh, the stock setup or the TCI manual valve body?

Fanatic, What year is your combo? How are the street manners versus when you drop the hammer?

Sorry for the questions guys but I'm trying to see how these trannies behave

[Thunderboy]

It could be made to work, as long as it fits. I know 4.6 and 5.4L engines' trannys have a longer input shaft, and maybe a different bellhousing pattern? Not sure about the 4.2L. I would check case fitment first.
There is no real optimum AOD for a 351W, but I understand the easiest to swap is one behind a Mustang 5.0, but if your engine is that powerful, it will need some beefing up/updating to work with that combo ($$$).

[bluebolt]

It could be made to work, as long as it fits. I know 4.6 and 5.4L engines' trannys have a longer input shaft, and maybe a different bellhousing pattern? Not sure about the 4.2L. I would check case fitment first.
There is no real optimum AOD for a 351W, but I understand the easiest to swap is one behind a Mustang 5.0, but if your engine is that powerful, it will need some beefing up/updating to work with that combo ($$$).

The 4.2L is the Essex V6 and has the small block Ford pattern, it will bolt up fine with the right flexplate.

[jecsd1]

Thanks for the info guys. I already did a bit of research before I picked up this tranny. I knew the 3.8 and 4.2 engines share the SBF bolt pattern.

Everyone I talk to also tells me that the 4r70w is stout even in stock trim so I'm not concerned about that. I'm just trying to decide if I want to bypass the electronics and make it a manual shift trans or if i want to go through with the trouble of an aftermarket controller.

[Mazlem]

You should take a look at the J-mod for the 4r70w; quicker shifts, longer service life. And adding a drain plug would be nice too.

[BlueGhost]

I found some good torque converter info HERE

It says that 165K represents 165 times K where K is the square root of torque. So for some easy math lets say your making 400ft-lbs of torque. That would equate to 165x20=3300rpm. Now I don't know how well it scales for high torque nonstock motors, so 400ft-lbs might not = 3300 rpm of stall.