It's no secret that adapting late-model three- and four-speed automatic transmissions to early engines is about as popular as converting mechanical fuel injection to electronic. Unfortunately, most of the swaps entail GM-to-GM parts (not all, of course, but the majority). While some early Ford owners can benefit from swapping their Ford-A-Matic, FMX, or whatever it is that does the gear-shifting, for a C4 or even C6 auto, they're still dealing with an "older" transmission--and oftentimes, it's a pain even mating those trannys!
As evidenced by Alan Johnson's '62 Ford Galaxie convertible (May '03 CRM), there are non-FoMoCo options. Thanks to Hughes Performance and Powermaster, you can slip a GM 700-R4 behind that FE! That's right, you can still have your "Ford in a Ford," it'll just be backed up by a Chevy! Of course the argument stands, the C4/C6 is a good, strong transmission, but so are a lot of other outdated trannys. The 700 is a tried and true four-speed automatic that, when properly set up (that is key to its performance), will give you all any old Ford could, and then some...try 30-percent overdrive for starters!
Now, if you're not a dyed-in-the-wool Blue Oval buff and have gotten this far, you might want to keep following along to see just how Johnson's Hot Rod Shop put that Chevy behind the Ford! For the driver who really likes to drive at freeway speeds without revving the engine to death, and who wants a transmission with readily over-the-counter parts available (plus a bevy of aftermarket goodies, as well), this is the ticket.
