An AW4 would be significantly harder to wire in than a 42RLE that would just plug in. Plus getting its lockup torque converter to work automatically is difficult at best, if at all. Not to mention the AW4 is longer and it runs hotter too.
While the AW4 enjoyed a few years as a common conversion it died out for the above reasons.
Not dead enough. We still have folks installing them. The last one we did was the typical bullshit. He collected all the parts, he did all the research, then I spelled out the issues he was going to face in several emails, on the phone, and in person. It is going to run hot, don't run it without a gauge. It is going to throw a flashing check engine light any time you exceed 38-3900 rpm due to the CPS relocator. You really need to regear and it may not be enough to stop from feeling like you are dragging an anchor due to the power that piece of shit robs. All of it fell on deaf ears and he fully ignored all of it due to "his" research being contrary to my experience.
About a month after he picked it up, I get a phone call. Hey, why does this thing act like it has no power, why didn't you tell me it was going to run so hot, and why didn't you tell me about the flashing check engine light. That is very annoying.
I did tell you, in person, on the phone, and in email.
No, we never discussed any of that.
Hold on a second and then check your emails.
I dug back through the emails, found the one where I listed the problems he was going to encounter, highlighted them, and forwarded the email to him.
Okay, I remember that, but my research said that wasn't true so I ignored it.
Okay, how about now?
How do we fix it?
You need to regear, install a big ass trans cooler, and then we can explore options to move the CPS back to the bell housing.
Screw it, I'll just LS swap it and he did.
My helper also installed one. He is running 38's with 5.38 gearing and a nice running 4.0. He says that while having an OD is nice, having a top speed of 67 mph is not.
I have one installed, very nicely done. The nicest thing I can say about is if you want to know what it is like to own and drive a 4 banger without the stigma, install an AW-4.
