Thread: Busy Weekend

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good start. keep the fe. install an alum intake and lose about 75 lbs. the 3 speed looks like a 4 speed because of the top. a 4 speed fits in place easily.

Yes, the 3 speed first appeared in 63 with the 64 and earlier bellhousing bolt pattern. It was Ford's first syncroed in low gear 3 speed. It is what the 4 speed top loader was based on. (T-10's of the day wouldn't hold up to the big blocks too well) In 65 Ford changed the bolt pattern for the bellhousing to what has been used since that time.

Interestingly enough you can find the Top Loader in late 60's GTO's with a 3 speed. Just a fun fact.

Is there a fact sheet or something out there that can help me ID which trans I have? I played with the 4spd last night, and verified it is a 4spd, but don't know how to decode what year or model is came from (there is a tag or two located on the case). I suspect the 3spd is the same with some sort of ID markings on it. It's not critical to my project...just thinking it'd be interesting to have that much more information on what it's all made of today.

Chris

No, Chris, I don't have a decoder, but I am sure someone on here does. Maybe FFR428 will give it to us. I do know if the 3 spd has a 65 or later bellhousing bolt pattern, it's going to be almost correct for the car. It's easy to tell the difference. The 64 and earlier has a total bellhousing pattern. But by the same token, Some of the later 3 speeds had both patterns drilled in the trans.

Thanks Duane. After reading your post and doing some googling, I came up with this link. http://www.davidkeetoploaders.com/3speedidchart.htm They also have id information on 4spd models. I will look to ID my 4spd trans this afternoon, and the 3spd the next time I can get under the car.

Chris