Re: 4-spd Transmission Choice for lower class Ford US/VS/WS
 

Need lower than a 5.13 in that combo , I believe.

Re: 4-spd Transmission Choice for lower class Ford US/VS/WS
 

A 5.71 is available for the 8.8. Finding the right tire to get the RPM in the traps may be a challenge. The 9" would be a heavy and power robbing way to go. 8.8's may not have optimal gear choices or be soft gears, but they hold up behind a V8 stick car for many years before stress fractures occur.

The adapter plate was used in a stocker mustang with a Jerico and even won class at Indy a few years ago, along with setting a few records along the way. A couple of SVO's were in competition too. I do not know what trans the SVO's were running and may still be competing. One has switched to a different year and auto, the other was a D4 car. If they were running a 5.0 clutch and flywheel the adapter plate is needed for the bigger bellhousing otherwise there isn't an adjustable clutch made for that application.

What's the biggest tire that will fit the wagon?

Sean

Re: 4-spd Transmission Choice for lower class Ford US/VS/WS
 

I had to re-read my 2016 rulebook again Sean.
Sure enough, I did not see anything prohibiting adapter plates.

I'll check my 2014 and older rule books, but I thought for sure I saw it printed at one time that transmission adapter plates were prohibited in Stock.

At any rate, that's good news.

Re: 4-spd Transmission Choice for lower class Ford US/VS/WS
 

Your not loosing your mind Alan!!! It has been posted at sometime because I have seen it as well, I just don't know where or when. Hope all is going well,

Sean

Re: 4-spd Transmission Choice for lower class Ford US/VS/WS
 

He has some 24" tires and we had a 26 x 8" under it on a 7" rim. Might be able to get more if we worked on it a little here and there, but 26" looks really big in that wheel well.

Also I have now found out that you can get a 6.14 in a 8.8" gear.

Not sure what else is available from the previous thought limit to the 6.14 or if there is an even deeper ration available yet.

Tom

Re: 4-spd Transmission Choice for lower class Ford US/VS/WS
 

Sean, 2004 rule book,Under automatic transmission, NHRA-accepted adapter plates permitted.

Re: 4-spd Transmission Choice for lower class Ford US/VS/WS
 

Why wouldn't a Jerico be a viable option? Available in many different gear ratios 1st -4th
Plus what about a Lakewood bellhousing. A heavier flywheel probaly with a adjustable pressure plate. I know Hill's V/S V6 truck runs a combo like this.

Will

Re: 4-spd Transmission Choice for lower class Ford US/VS/WS
 

Larry's combo makes a ton more power and weighs a lot more, however...
The answer is that a Jerico would be a viable option. If you want a bargain, scout for a decent narrow gear DR4. I had one years ago that had had the gears narrowed up a lot! You could do that and still probably not break it.

Re: 4-spd Transmission Choice for lower class Ford US/VS/WS
 

How in the world would you break a 9 inch with a Pinto motor?The 8.8 would be the logical choice due to size,weight,cost and availability. If 6.14's are available, so would anything else you would need.The 8.8 uses some of the same internal bearings as a 12 bolt.It would definitely be more low friction than the 9 inch.

Re: 4-spd Transmission Choice for lower class Ford US/VS/WS
 

That's why I missed it Tom, it's under Automatic!!! Thanks

No doubt a Jerico would be the way to go. A heavy flywheel would not be the way to go, lighter is better. Especially if the engine needs every HP to accelerate the car, and not being used to accelerate the flywheel. This engine has low HP and TQ, so every little detail to be efficient adds up, down to the drag on the brakes.

Sean