Top Loader Trans

[danlbridgs]

I have a stock 351w in my 67' bronco. i plan to add a cam intake and carb but I'm also interested in a different transmission. I was interested in a toploader 4 speed. Aren't these identified by the 10 bolts on the transmission's top cover? is this a good choice; I will be using it mainly on the street with some mild off roading. where should I look for one, how much should one cost (dont have alot to spend), and is it worth it? the truck seems so slow now because of the limited gear selection. would anyone know how much power I might see when I add a edelbrock performer intake, carb, and cam? the motor is a 69' 2 bbl with what i think is some kind of whimpy emissions cam the machine shop gave us when we rebuilt it. who knows, mabey it will be plenty quick with the engine mods and the three speed.

 

[4xfan78]

As long as you dont have to go though emissions putting on a 4brl intake and carb would be a good thing to do. It will help in power and mpg's. About the 4spd they are a great transmission, I have one in every truck that I have. The granny gear in it is great for pullin,towing and 4 wheeling. I think it would be a good improvment to you're truck. If you're around the south I have a few to sell (4spd's). Good luck.

 

[STLKIKN]

Dan ,

The top loader Ford trans is one option, and there are kits out there for the conversion. (yes it is id'd as you noted, looks very much like the 3 spd currently in your truck)

If you look at the driveability factor of the four speed vs. the factory 3 spd, you will find that you would end up with a slightly lower first gear, a very slight difference in 2nd gear, you would now have a true 3rd gear, but final drive is still 1:1. (3rd gear of the 3spd vs. 4th gear in the top loader)

From a pure driveability standpoint, other then the convenience of having that "city" driving third gear, you probably wouldn't notice that much of a difference.

If you use your truck HARD then you may want to look into an NV4500 conversion.

If you are not that ******* it, look into the NV3550 conversion. (both of these trans are 5 spd od units)

Any of the EB vendors will have both of these kits available, as well as Advanced adaptors has them listed on there website.

good luck

(sorry 4xfan, but the toploader doesn't have a granny first, it's a Mustang trans...)

 

[4xfan78]

I have 5 top loader tranny's and all of the DO HAVE A GRANNY LOW they were standerd in the 70's model ford 4x4 trucks and bronco's. Top loader trans is the tranny the has the shifter mounted to the top of the trans. There are many different ones. I am sure that the mustangs have the but this is a BRONCO and TRUCK web not mustang. I would asume that when somebody is talking about needing a tranny they would expect to get info on a truck tranny. Why go threw all the trouble of converting a transmission when you can bolt one directly up in place of the other.

 

[danlbridgs]

hey guys thanks for the advice. i have two more questions; do you think i could find a NV3550 in a junkyard and pull it for a cheaper swap? Also, i live at about 6000 feet and its hot so there isnt that much air for the motor so, my question is how much power will a performer (edelbrock) cam add to the power i will gain when i put on the performer intake and carb. I ask because i just rebuilt the motor and would really perfer not to go digin in it again to add a cam if you all dont think it would help that much. thanks

 

[STLKIKN]

Dan,

The NV3550 can be found in newer TJs... availability and pricing would depend on how many wrecked ones are in your neck of the woods, around here (Calgary Alberta) you can find them used for $650 - $1100 U.S.

You can buy the COMPLETE bolt in kit from EB vendors for $2300 with a new trans included in the price...

Cams intakes and carbs are wholly dependant on whether or not they are

a suitable combination for your purpose.

You can over cam or under carb an engine and actually LOSE performance!!

Your best bet is to go to www.edelbrock.com and look up your application, I hear that they will answer questions if you e-mail them.

Or you can stop by your local speed shop parts dealer and hopefully they will have some one that can answer your questions.

Most of your noteable performance gains will happen just by adding the carb and intake. Try adding just the carb and intake to your engine, give it a full tune-up and see if you need to go any further. (my 73 2bbl 302 3 spd will light up the rear tires with 3.50 gears and 33's...)

Once your truck can inhale, it will need to exhale as well. An exhaust system work over may be needed as well.

4xfan... this isn't a ******* match.

This is a top loader.... (note that it is SIDE SHIFTED)

 

[STLKIKN]

This is an NP 435 truck tranny, T-18 and T- 19 transmissions are similiar in appearance. They are top loaded (how the gears are installed) BUT they have NEVER been called a "top loader"

And I have yet to find one of these transmissions that is a direct bolt in to a 66-77 Bronco.