Transmission Upgrades
Home | Free Mods | Intake | Ported Heads & Manifold | Exhaust | Gears | Transmission | Brakes | Parasitic HP | Fuelling | Interior | Weight | Performance | HP Gains | PartsThe '94-'95 Mustang GT is equipped with the optional AODE electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic transmission (138lb dry weight) with the following ratios: 1st: 2.40, 2nd: 1.47, 3rd: 1.00, 4th: 0.67. The wide ratio kit (1st: 2.84, 2nd: 1.55, 3rd: 1.00, 4th: 0.70) from the 4R70W automatic transmission can be fitted to the '94-'95 AODE for a faster launch off the line.
Unfortunately the AODE is blighted by a sloppy shift that was programmed by Ford to keep old grannies happy but the enthusiast owning a muscle car can do without this hindrance to performance. Virtually all of the problems associated with the AODE stem from not having enough line pressure to hold the bands and clutches, and from compromising gear overlap. Both of these problems can be partly or mostly cured with relatively simple valve body modifications.
The stock 12-3/4" diameter torque converter stalls at ~2000rpm and has a dry weight of 44lb.
Transgo Shift Kit
Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords Holy Shift (Transgo shift kit) Article
Enter the AODE/4R70W valve body reprogramming kit from TransGo. The TransGo kit increases line pressure without major transmission repairs, dramatically reducing the overlap time between gears. The result is faster, firmer shifts, and a 0.2sec reduction in 1/4 mile elapsed time with a 0.9mph increase in 1/4 mile trap speed from an otherwise stock Mustang GT. The increased line pressure also reduces the tendency of the bands and clutches to slip, so less heat is produced with less risk of the bands and clutches burning up. At a cost of only $97, the Transgo shift kit is great value for money and is a no-brainer upgrade for the AODE/4R70W transmission.
AODE Rebuild
The Oregon Performance master rebuild kit contains all the necessary components (including high performance clutches, steels, and overdrive band) for a complete transmission overhaul, but I supplemented it with additional service items to improve transmission longevity. The overhaul and shift kit installation were performed together at a professional automatic transmission service center.
Oil Cooler
When the transmission was upgraded, I decided this was a good time to add an external transmission oil cooler to prolong its life. This Hayden OC-1404 heavy duty remote-mounted oil cooler installs easily, has a wide range of applications, and will keep the transmission oil cool even when towing up to 5000lb. It's rated for a GVW up to 22,000 lb and measures 15-1/2" x 7-1/2" x 3/4".
Since I live in a country that experiences extreme summer temperatures of up to 120*F, I had the cooler installed behind the front bumper in front of the AC condenser. The transmission lines are plumbed directly to it, bypassing the heat exchanger inside the radiator altogether. A small electric fan mounted behind the oil cooler ensures that it retains its efficiency even when stuck in standstill traffic.