I am doing a Frame-off Restoration of a Bronco that will have a 410 Cleveland in it. With the Aluminum Heads, Roller Cam, Intake and EFI I would expect about 500HP. Very Old School engine with lots of power/torque and a blast to drive.
To go along with this engine I have a Newly Rebuilt Top Loader 4-Speed with a lower 2.90 first gear and Centerforce Clutch set-up. I also have a New AX-15 with a Centerforce Clutch and B&M Shifter. Both of these transmissions will be pretty sporty to shift and also be fun to drive.
The Top Loader is a very strong, compact transmission with No Overdrive. The AX-15 is also very capable with Overdrive, but is the 410 Cleveland too much power for it even if driven with a hair of caution? This is the real question. I have had the AX-15 behind a very nicely built 351W with No issues what so ever. This Cleveland is not the same motor.
Both transmissions are complete and already assembled with the Transfer Cases. (D-20s) Both transmissions can be installed without changing the Driveshaft lengths. The Bronco already has a 1" Body lift, so that is not an issue either. I will also make a new trans cover on the floor, each will be different since the shifters are in different locations.
This will be a mostly street driven truck. Honestly, I will probably hardly ever drive this Bronco on the highway. Although, the Cleveland could easily be happy on the highway with either. The truck will also have 4.11 Gears (Already installed) and 305/70/17s.
Which Transmission would you choose?
To go along with this engine I have a Newly Rebuilt Top Loader 4-Speed with a lower 2.90 first gear and Centerforce Clutch set-up. I also have a New AX-15 with a Centerforce Clutch and B&M Shifter. Both of these transmissions will be pretty sporty to shift and also be fun to drive.
The Top Loader is a very strong, compact transmission with No Overdrive. The AX-15 is also very capable with Overdrive, but is the 410 Cleveland too much power for it even if driven with a hair of caution? This is the real question. I have had the AX-15 behind a very nicely built 351W with No issues what so ever. This Cleveland is not the same motor.
Both transmissions are complete and already assembled with the Transfer Cases. (D-20s) Both transmissions can be installed without changing the Driveshaft lengths. The Bronco already has a 1" Body lift, so that is not an issue either. I will also make a new trans cover on the floor, each will be different since the shifters are in different locations.
This will be a mostly street driven truck. Honestly, I will probably hardly ever drive this Bronco on the highway. Although, the Cleveland could easily be happy on the highway with either. The truck will also have 4.11 Gears (Already installed) and 305/70/17s.
Which Transmission would you choose?