Ford automatic... suggestions please

[quickcat]

I have a lot of goals for my 68 Cougar that I will just simply not be able to realize in the near future because of the small budget that I can allow for that car, but in order to get some good driving out of it I am going to do my small block downgrade. I am planning on keeping with an auto trans so my wife can drive it and I want at least to have an overdrive 4 speed. The problem I have is that I like to shift the auto manually and as far as I know about the Ford auto OD's they all have three place shift patterns. What is the best option to go with so that I can control the shift points the way I want to and still have good auto operation for my wife?



Later on I plan to do a 5R55 with electronic control, paddle shifting and all that jazz but I just don't have the funds and won't for a couple of years. I am looking for the best interim solution that won't leave me to be just a passenger in the car.

The engine will be a mild 351. I also have 3.70's in a 9 inch rear and a 3600 lb car.

[Steve Chryssos]

For Ford overdrive on a budget, there's a really good Q&A on the AOD here:

http://www.becontrols.com/ourfaqs/aodfaq_1.htm#12215816