Hi, I'd like to ask about any good/bad experiences with trans shops, local or national. This would be an AOD behind a 347, a 360 hp street engine. One that usually pops up first when you search for Ford AOD has an "F" rating with the BBB (probably doesn't stand for Ford) so I'm looking for someone a bit more reputable! I'm in the Mpls/St Paul area, but most bigger builders will ship. Thanks for any advice.
It's funny how long a bad experience sticks with you. I built my car back in '08. I wanted an AOD to go behind my 500 hp 408W. I searched the 'net, and an outfit called PATC out of Bossier City, LA emerged as my best bet. Huge mistake! The transmission failed quickly (lost 4th gear, then 3rd...). I took it to my local transmission shop and he said it needed a total rebuild. Probably caused by PATC's "custom" valve body. PATC wouldn't let the local guy fix it, and would only consider taking care of it if I delivered it back to their facility. Well, that was beyond impractical, so I just had "my" guy rebuild it at my expense. It failed again in short order. PATC's valve body was hosed, so I bought another one from Silver Fox. Failed, again. We ended up going with a TCI constant pressure VB, and it has worked ever since. The shifts are too harsh, but they keep the transmission alive.
I don't know what the answer is. My AOD is built with all of the special, hard, high performance parts, and only with the constant pressure VB has it survived.
I chose the AOD over the 4R70W for two reasons: 1) I felt the first gear ratio was more appropriate for me and 2) I didn't want to deal with electronics/controller.
I also have an '03 Mach 1 with an auto. I presume it's a 4R70W. It failed, too! Similar 4th gear failure as my AOD. My guy rebuilt it, too, with upgraded parts, and it's done fine since then.
Lots of data, but the main thing I'm trying to say is to stat away from PATC. And, make sure your trans is built with the best parts available.