Era Replica Automobiles 427 ROADSTER, Assembly And Service Manual

Page: 14 / 165

SECTION A -PARTS NEEDED-
14
FOUR SPEED TOP LOADER
Rebuilt transmissions are available. See the list of resources
or ask E.R.A.
Transmissions come in several combinations of long and
short tail-shafts, with large and small splined input and
output shafts. Unless you expect to subject the drive-train to
extremely severe loads (drag racing tires) it is not necessary
to use the large spline input shaft. We recommend a
short
tail-shaft case, 24" from the mounting flange to the end of
the tail-shaft housing. This will enable a longer drive shaft.
SPECIFICATIONS AND APPLICATIONS:
Most Ford cars from 1964 to 1973 used the Top-loader.
However, in 1964 and 1965 the transmission had a four-hole
mounting face and a 25-spline output shaft. This early
transmission should be avoided. Drive-shaft parts are
unobtainable.
From mid 1965 to 1973, Ford changed to a universal eight-
hole front mounting pattern. Also during this time, the
output shaft was upgraded to a larger 28-spline output shaft
for the 200 to 390 cubic inch engines and 31-spline shaft for
the 427, 428, and 429 engines. Because the E.R.A. 427SC
is very light, stress on the transmission is low. We have
found that the small input and output shafts are fine for
street use.
Input shafts were also upgraded to 1
1
/
16
" diameter for use
with 200 to 390 cubic inch engines and 1 3 /
8
" diameter for
HD 427, 428, and 429 engines. The larger spline size was
only available with close ratio gears.
The Top-loader gearbox was built in three case lengths
measured from the mounting flange to the end of the tail-
shaft housing: 24", 25.5" and 27
". If at all possible use the
short tail-shaft transmission . It allows a longer driveshaft.
If your differential ratio is 3.31:1 or taller, consider the
wide ratio transmission. It will allow easier starts.
SPEEDOMETER DRIVE GEARS
Most Top-loader transmissions come with a right-hand
thread drive gear on the output shaft. The driven gear on the
speedometer cable must match. See page 15 for part
numbers.
CLUTCH THROW-OUT FORK
Part numbers are on page 26.
MOUNTS
There are 3 common bolt-hole configurations for the rear
transmission mount:

Two holes in the transmission, arranged front to
back: Use Ford C8ZZ-6068A or its equivalents, i.e.
Republic or Parts Master 31-2284

Two holes arranged side to side, and having 5 5 /
8
"
between centers. Same mount as above.

Two holes arranged side to side, and with 6
1
/
4
"
center to center distance. This very rare transmission
requires
chassis modifications ( done on special
order only.) Use Ford C9AZ-6080E, Republic 31-
2250 or equivalent.
FORD C-6 AUTOMATIC
Use the C-6 appropriate to your engine. Because there isn't
a transmission oil cooler built into the radiator, you must fit
an auxiliary one, either in place of the engine oil cooler or in
front of the radiator.
Mount : Ford C9AZ-6068H, Republic 31-2375 or equivalent
RICHMOND GEAR (DOUG NASH) 5 SPEED.
This transmission is loosely based on Chevrolet gears. The
5 speed has a direct (1:1) fifth speed. First and second gears
are shorter than the Ford 4 speed so you may numerically
lower your differential ratio without fear of bogging down in
first gear. See the chart of speed in gears on page 12 for
particulars. The R.G. 6 speed is too big to fit without major
modifications.
There is also a competition version of the 5 speed, using
straight cut gears and no synchromesh. Bulletproof for
competition use, but
very noisy for street use .
Rear Mount: GM 3870184, Republic 31-2224
Pressure plate: Standard Ford
Clutch disc: Ram 4148 (11" x 1 1 /
8
-26 spl)
Clutch throw-out bearing, arm:

Same as small spline top-loader
Speedometer drive parts (see page 15 for gear #):

Cable Champ 400020

Gear Holder (Bullet) GM 345215

Retainer 3708148

O Ring GM 10054241

90 deg. adapter AA1052
Gear 39879XX (XX=No. of Teeth)
See driven-gear part numbers on page 15.
FORD MUSTANG T-5
This 5-speed transmission and its Tremec variations can be
used with the smaller Ford engines. Its
overdrive 5th gear
gives excellent highway cruising, even with a 3.77:1
differential ratio. Don't expect high top speeds in 5th gear,
however. The small block engine may not have the torque
to exceed 4000RPM in 5th. Because the shift linkage is
integral, the shifter cannot duplicate the original orientation.
A special
clutch release system is required.
TREMEC 3550, TKO AND 500/600
Some Tremec transmissions require a Chevy splined driven
disc , some use a Ford spline. The pressure plate can be
standard Ford. A McLeod spacer (8607) between the bell
housing and transmission may be required with FE engines
unless the transmission is equipped with a special short
input shaft (available from Fortes Parts Connection), A
portion of the case must be removed for clearance. See page
34. The TKO mount requires an
adapter plate used with a
Chevy mount. See page 26 for part numbers.