I'm building a street 65 Mustang using a '99 Lightning engine and controls. Can I use the smaller 4R70 with the stock computer and harness? Will the converter bolt to the flywheel, etc.?

 

I'm not sure about all of the compatibilities. But why not go with what is proven and there are plenty of parts for? Like an H.O. 302 or 351? I had a neighbor I helped on the install of an H.O. 351 in his 67 fastback and It would stomp a lightning any day of the week.

Did you find a cheap wrecked Lightning? If you already have it, I'd sell it and use that cash to buy something else. I just think you're dealing with too many unkowns. The tranny I doubt will fit without major mods. But if you have great mechanical ability or a knowledgeable shop, I'm sure it can be done.

Let us know how it turns out. If it works I'd love to see it.

John

 

I want something different. I've built several street rods over the past 40 years. Have a 40X60 shop on my property. Have already completed the project you describe in a 65 conv. 347 stroker, canfield heads, 5 speed, et el.

 

I say if you've got the patience and the resources...go for it!! It would be an awsome ride no doubt. And it would be definately be trick.

I'm jealous, I have a 1 car garage that my truck won't fit in even if it could because there's so much crap in there
Sounds like you definately know your way around a vehicle, wasn't trying to step on any toes.

Welcome to the site! I think you'll be able to find all the info you need here. There's a great group of people here who are very helpful. You may want to try and post in the Lightning Forum as well. They may be able to shed more insight into your project.

I'd love to see some Pictures when your done. Have a good one.

John

 

John,
Thanks for your support. Sorry I was short with you. I've had a post on the Lightning Board for about 2 weeks. They send me over here. After telling me that I should use a 4.6/351, 5-speed et el. Been there done that!
I'm building what I call a Cobra GT-330L. It is, basicly, a '65 Shelby clone with a custom fabricated hood (scoop resembles GT-500), Mustang II front end, automatic and pwr everything
The project is well underway, if I can't get reliable info off the Web, I'll figure it out. I'm not concerned as much with the mechanical as the electrical/computer aspects.

 

You night try posting in the tranny section - I'm not sure the 4R70 will hold up under the stress of an L motor. You might need to go with the 4R100.

 

Thndr,

Sounds like it'll be sweeeeeet!! No offense taken at all. I think 36 may be right, the 4R100 may be the way to go. They are basically the same dimensions, only the 100 is a little stouter. You may also try posting on fordtruckworld.com and see if anyone there has any suggestions.

I'm sure you'll get it worked out one way or the other. Sorry, I couldn't be of any help.......this one's way out of my league.

John

 

Go to this web site,
http://www.corral.net/main.html
The guys on the corral site have put just about any thing you can think of into a Mustang.
Good luck. Should be a real sweet car when you are finished.
My first love was a 70 Mustang coup with a Boss 302 in her (pulled the motor from a wreck). Had a friend who had a Shelby 350 (289 with 350 hp). Now that was a nice car as long as you were going strait.
Have fun.

 

I don't get it. If your using a 99 "L" engine and controls, which means the computer,wireing harness, etc why not just use the tranny the computer is set up to use?! A 4R70 is nothing more than an AODE with a 2.88 1st gear (vs 2.44), it will in no way reliably stand up to the torque a Lightining motor can produce.

I've seen 600hp stangs with Built AODE's, it will work, however you can't play while in OD. I've got a PA Built AOD in my stang, 396hp and I've hurt the OD.

You want something different, how about a C-4 or C-6?? I think Performance Automatic makes a conversion bell housing. Now you need not worry about computer hook ups.

If you go the PA route, let me know my cousin is a distrubtor for them, I'm sure he'll hook you up with a better deal. JA

 

I dont know that that tranny will hold up. The stock Lightning tranny barley holds up as it is, plus the CUX1 computer you are using also controls the shifts on the Lightning. You are going to have problems there as well when using another transmission.

 

Talk to Factory Tech, his name is Greg

You can find him over on the Lightning Forum. He is the expert on trans for the Lightnings.