71Cat trans

[Blackbox33]

I am new to the group. Had a ‘72 conv in HS; swore I’d replace it someday. Bought a ‘71 conv back in 2000; been enjoying it for years! Time to put some serious money into it. Shop says to rebuild C6 trans at $1,600. Before I do that I’d like comments in putting a completely modern trans in.

[Royce Peterson]

There are such things available such as Ford AOD or generic motors 700R4 transmissions set, rebuilt and ready to use in your vehicle. Cost ranges from $3000 - $5000 for one of those delivered to you. Then you have to consider driveshaft modification, crossmember modification, and linkage / wiring / plumbing. So you could spend anywhere from $4500 - $8000 depending on what you are able to do yourself and what torque converter and other options you may decide upon. Do you have the budget for that? Is it going to make life better enough to justify the cost?

[ndtorque]

It all boils down to your long term plans for the Cougar and how deep are your pockets... As if the Transmission upgrade fits in a Mustang of that year (( they sell every type of kit for the Mustangs) it it will fit in the Cougar ..... Make a list of what you plan to do to your Cougar and put a sharp pencil to the numbers before you start.

[ndtorque]

Her is a recent upgrade done by a member here that impressed me...

https://www.mercurycougar.net/forums...ugar-6R80-Swap

[badcatt]

Another item to consider is the rear end gears. Unless your car already has 3.25 or lower you will find the over drive unusable anyplace but freeway driving on flat land. When I put the 5 speed in my White 70 hardtop the overdrive was too much of a drop in RPMs for anything under 78mph. 1250 RPM in mst V8s does not have much torque.