Tranny questions 60 T-Bird

[Mark57]

What was the original automatic transmission w/352 v8? And is a ford-o-matic the same as a cruise-o-matic?

[edmlynek]

well, 1960 was the first year for the 352--they started making the cuise-o in 1958----so the 1960 bird with 352 would have a cruise-o in it.. this trans starts out in 1st gear and goes to 2nd , then high....ford-o-matics did not do this...they (at rest) start out at 2nd and then go to high...they will (however) start out in 1st if FLOORED at rest (then go to 2nd , then high)....but you CAN start out in 2nd in a cruise-o by selecting D2 on the quadrant instead of D1....so, remember to go from PARK to REVERSE to NUETRAL then PAST D2 to D1 or else you will be forever starting out in 2nd gear instead of 1st gear....hoped this helps you a bit...bye...ed

[Mark57]

Thanks for the information. I knew when I bought the car that the original engine was replaced with a 390ci. but not sure what tranny would be attached to it. Also would it be possible that a C4 or C6 tranny could be installed?

[Harley Eaton]

Edmlynek: Need to inform you that 1958 and 1959 Thunderbirds used the 352. The 430 was offered as an option in 1959 and 1960.

[Mark57]

I would like to restore the car to the original 352/CruiseOMatic. Is this a solid tranny or should I consider a C6 ?

[sidewalkman]

If you're looking for which is better it's definitely the C6. If you don't care about originality then it's a no brainer, it's stronger by far and an be fixed easier!

[HeadacheGuy]

I have had pretty good luck with my CruiseOMatic and it is easier to go back to that than a c-6 though the c-6 was a little tougher transmission. Only issues about the Cruise is that they love to leak. It's in their nature. Also (either transmission) an external cooler is a good idea if it is a highway driver. Mine works awesome in town and also on the highway but after a highway run it shifts a little hard on the low end which is a viscosity issue due to the heat. Cheap insurance for the transmission.