1953 Clipper Ultramatic: Possible transmission conversion?

I was wondering how pratical and/or possible would it be to switch the original automatic transmission to a more late model version? The reason is... I'm fueling a straight-eight engine, yet I can't even travel even close to highway speeds without the engine sounding like its going to shatter glass with its high pitch whine! If this is practical, what would be my best options? How difficult and expensive would this process be? I am not a mechanic, but I may be able to convince (bribe) some friends to help me. I'm currently in the process of replacing the master cylinder so that I can actually stop this vehicle once again... so naturally my next goal is to have it go... hopefully faster than before. Any constructive ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Note: Everything else on the vehicle is basically original

For some reason the 1st reply was deleted...? nevertheless, in response to it....

Would an Overdrive unit be readily avaible? Do you know who would manufactures one of these if I went searching for one? I finally just found and ordered my master cylinder on ebay Friday.

As far as the condition of the original transmission, I'm not really sure. I'm hoping to get some additional guidance, diagnostics, and recommendations from some members of my local Packard club once I have it roadworthy again. Meanwhile, I attempting to tap into the wealth of knowledge, experience and helpful ideas from the many experts and enthusiast members here. This way I can discussion with them any ideas or insights provided.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For some reason the 1st reply was deleted...? nevertheless, in response to it.... </div></div>

Yes, Sorry, I deleted my suggestion of using an Overdrive unit, when I realize that you were talking about an automatic tranny, Which Is 'Wrong' <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Too many distractions today. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

My first suggestion is to Determine what is causing the Problem tho. Do you think there is a problem with the transmission? Is the engine over reving (high RPM) at higher highway speeds? You say there is a noise, are your sure where the sound is coming from? Driveline sounds are sometimes difficult to locate the source. What sounds like a tranny sound may actually be from engine or rearend or are you just talking about the engine high Rev?

T'Pacman wrote: "I have a friend that has a 288 with a 4 speed Chevy trans with a Chevy bellhousing in his '35? Ford pickup. Converting ..."

If that is the case then converting to a Chev AUTomatic should not be a problem.

Have you checked the Ultramatic to make sure it has fluid in it? If it is operating correctly the engine shouldn't wind up that much. I am no great fan of the Ultramatic but if it is operating right it will do the trick.

If you installed a modern automatic and kept your stock rear axle your engine would rev faster. Your old, obsolete transmission has a lock up torque converter, the new modern ones continue to slip slightly at hiway speeds.

Your car should cruise smoothly at any legal speed on today's hiways. As has been pointed out, when it was built there was no speed limit on certain hiways in the east and in the west, if there were speed limits they were widely ignored.

When the interstates came into use in the 50s the speed limit was 70 and engineers said they had been designed for speeds of 100 MPH which would be phased in as drivers got used to higher speeds. This was before the 55 limit came and went. Now in most areas we are back to 70 but with about 100 times as many cars on the road.

You could replace your transmission with a Torqueflite, someone makes adapters for this. But it wouldn't make any difference in engine speed in high.