Best Modern/Crate Engine/Auto Trans Combo?

[Shane]

I don't get over here on the Roadster side of the forum often, so I'm hoping you guys can help me out. I've got a customer looking to build a roadster with around 300hp and auto trans. Been busy building GTM's for the past 7 years, so haven't kept up on the Ford stuff....even though I much prefer it over the GM....

Anyway, I'm assuming that the modern auto transmissions are controlled via the engine ECU? Does anyone sell complete crate engine/auto trans combos with harness and ECU that could be dropped into a Roadster? Not looking to go crazy on hp.....as I said, he's just looking for a Sunday cruiser with around 300hp. He would prefer newer tech as opposed to going with something like an old 5.0. He's also looking to install a soft-top and AC. Is the FFR soft top the way to go, or is there a better choice? Anyone doing AC?

Anyway, sorry for all the newbie questions, but doing a search for "automatic transmission" or "auto trans" here is like doing a search for the word "the".

[ambient]

I think right now the Coyote engine is the best modern EFI crate engine, mind you its 412hp. Then add a 4R70W auto trans with perhaps a Baumann Optishift controller and your good to go. I think @Mike Forte sells a complete kit but using a performance automatic so its a fair bit more pricey.
Lots of guys with AC on here as well.

[acth4347]

I will be using the A/C kit from Richard Oben for air in my MK3 roadster with a 4.6L Cobra motor.
North Racecars Air Conditioning Solutions
I would check with him and see if it works with the Coyote motor.

FF sells two different soft tops, one is pricier than the other but when I eventually add my soft top, I will go with the premier one.
Original Style Mk3 Convertible Soft Top - Factory Five Parts Catalog
Premium Mk3 Convertible Soft Top - Factory Five Parts Catalog
hth Bill

[Shane]

Thanks for the help, guys! Is there a less expensive engine trans combo that anyone can point me to? I'm thinking that with a HP goal of 300hp, there has to be some other reasonable solutions out there. I do agree that the Coyote /4R70W would be a hot ticket, the $12k+ price tag is a bit more than I was looking for. Any other options out there to keep the cost down and still stick with a new crate engine and new or rebuilt trans? Thanks again for the help!

[ldsman]

My suggestion is to find a 2005 gt motor tans. I found a 300 hp stock engine for 2500 with 7500 miles

[Shane]

Originally Posted by ldsman

My suggestion is to find a 2005 gt motor tans. I found a 300 hp stock engine for 2500 with 7500 miles

So with this set-up, do you need to retain the whole donor car harness to retain electronic controll of the trans?.....or is the trans harness pretty much part of the engine harness? Aftermarket harness? Sorry for all of the dumb questions, but just trying to get a handle on what this will take to accomplish. Once again, I assume the engine ECU also controls the trans shift solenoids?

[mn12]

The Ford EEC does control auto trans functions and I think would be the best option if you are using it for the engine however there are standalone controllers for the trans as well if you aren't.

[ClemsonS197]

If you want a crate motor, there isn't a whole lot of savings between 4.6L, 3V, and Coyote. A local engine builder might be able to get a 2 or 4 Valve 4.6L with some savings. The 3V motors (05-10 GT's) make good power and are cheaper to buy used. The controls pack Ford sells doesn't work on 05 or 06 motors (not sure why). It also does not control an auto trans, so you'd need more wiring for that.

[ldsman]

cypress auto is selling the 05 combo for about 4500.00