86'' 2.3L - 302 swap, trans question...

[bullitt]

I'm going to help my friend put a 302 in his 86'', I'm already aware of the neccesary items i will need to make installing the engine possible. Re-read all the tech articles TRS has to offer and such. We were going to install a C4 or 6, but my friend wants overdrive, so AOD is out trans. of choice. A found a couple at a local junkyard, the best sounding find was one out of an 89' Econoline van with 90k miles on it.
My question is will that trans work? My 302 is out of an 85'' F150, its just stock, 2bbl carb and all. I know that trans has the electric overide button for the overdrive, but is there more important electronic features to those than i know? Is it a problem that the engine in the van was most likely EFI? Or will that trans work no problems at all?

 

[Teddyzee]

An AOD has no electronic controls, only the Throttle Valve cable (like a kick-down) attatched to the throttle.

 

[red85]

The AODE has the electronic controls, not the AOD. It will work with some driveshaft modification.

 

[bullitt]

I told the guy that i talked to at the junkyard AOD, and told him anything from the 80's, so im assuming he knew i didn't want the AODE. Allright well thanks for clarifying. If anybody has anything else to add, feel free.

 

[baddad457]

If it's got an electronic overdrive cutoff button, it's an AODE. Or an E4OD.

 

[bullitt]

So wait, assuming that 89' Econoline trans is an AODE, can i use that, and just rig up a switch activating/deactivating the overdrive on/off? Or do i need just a plain AOD, and what vehicle(s) exactly am I looking for to get that from?

On a different subject (the engine). So i get this engine mounted in there with all my proper harder and parts...now as far as wiring it up? Im confused on the whole "Duraspark" thing and what kind of ignition setup to run. Can somebody make sense of that for me?
I want to get all my homework done on this thing before i start turning a wrench. Im looking for this to go as smoothly as possible, and most of all to have fun, and for it to work in the end.

 

[baddad457]

The AODE and E4OD's shifting are controlled by the engine's computer. They won't work otherwise. As for a Duraspark, there's a chance a V8 distrbutor will plug right into your 86's harness and spark box. Grab one at the local parts house or junkyard and see. Only other easy choice is a points distributor fitted with a Pertronix (or any other drop in replacement for points) These are two wire hookups. both to the stock coil.

 

[bullitt]

Im unfamiliar with Pertronix and what your taking bout there. But my 302 that we are swapping in is handy, so i can take that distributor and the wiring to the truck and scope it out before hand. And if it did happen to plug in, i won't be needing an aftermarket like MSD ignition box, correct?

 

[baddad457]

Im unfamiliar with Pertronix and what your taking bout there. But my 302 that we are swapping in is handy, so i can take that distributor and the wiring to the truck and scope it out before hand. And if it did happen to plug in, i won't be needing an aftermarket like MSD ignition box, correct?

No,nothing else needed as long as the V8 stuff works with what's in the truck now. At best, you may need to swap to a V8 spark box.

 

[bullitt]

Ok that clears things up some. I guess the latest developments is my freind has no more interest in this thing, because he's afraid of another failed project. So him and i are trading projects, his Ranger for my 79 F250 cab and chassis, with the stipulation that if he decides to get rid of it he sells it back to me lol. SO...im still going to follow through with this "rat rod ranger" thing, which means im just gonna put a c4 behind i think, makes the trans search alot easier.

 

[Andres629]

Got a build thread somewhere?

 

[bullitt]

lol Don't worry man, soon! Keep your eyes peeled for a "murdered out" first gen in the build forum. Next couple of weeks.