Power Shift or Flight-O-Matic?

Is there a difference between the Flight-O-Matic automatic transmission on Studebaker cars and the Power Shift? I have the brochure for the 1964 models and the automatic transmission therein is called "Power Shift". Yet, I have heard of the Studebaker auto called "Flight-O-Matic"? Are they the same? Are they different transmissions? If so, how do they differ?

[PackardV8]

Different versions of the same second-gear-start-three-speed Borg-Warner automatic. Different gear selector pattern.

jack vines

[StudeRich]

The MOST obvious difference you cannot miss is that the "Power Shift" is a FLOOR SHIFT!

The P/S can be manually shifted if desired, it has: 1, 2, and D positions, and also has the now Standard P R N D 2 1 Pattern.

The Flight-O-Matic was used on All Studebaker Cars and Trucks equipped with Automatic Transmission from 1956 to 1966 that were not ordered with the Optional H.D. Floor Shift.

The shift pattern is: P N D L R, handy for rocking out of Mud and Snow because it allows a R to L shift without losing time & RPM.

Of course they are Different Transmissions, similar but different in many ways internally, but Both ARE Borg Warner units as were Ford-O-Matics, Cruise-O-Matics, Merc-O-Matics, Flash-O-Matics (AMC) and other makes.

Power Shifts have a wider Front Band to allow multiple 1-2 shifts under Power without damage.
They have other "tweaks" to make them stronger including Oil Cooling.

Except in 6 Cyl. Cars, Trucks, Postal Zip Vans they all start in Second Gear but have full 3 Speeds when manually shifted.

[Lou Van Anne]

Thank You! Well done.....

The MOST obvious difference you cannot miss is that the "Power Shift" is a FLOOR SHIFT!

The P/S can be manually shifted if desired, it has: 1, 2, and D positions, and also has the now Standard P R N D 2 1 Pattern.

The Flight-O-Matic was used on All Studebaker Cars and Trucks equipped with Automatic Transmission from 1956 to 1966 that were not ordered with the Optional H.D. Floor Shift.

The shift pattern is: P N D L R, handy for rocking out of Mud and Snow because it allows a R to L shift without losing time & RPM.

Of course they are Different Transmissions, similar but different in many ways internally, but Both ARE Borg Warner units as were Ford-O-Matics, Cruise-O-Matics, Merc-O-Matics, Flash-O-Matics (AMC) and other makes.

Power Shifts have a wider Front Band to allow multiple 1-2 shifts under Power without damage.
They have other "tweaks" to make them stronger including Oil Cooling.

Except in 6 Cyl. Cars, Trucks, Postal Zip Vans they all start in Second Gear but have full 3 Speeds when manually shifted.

[Rapps]

Does this mean that the same transmission rebuild kit should fit all of them ?

[StudeRich]

No they will not be 100% correct, only "Some" parts will work.
No problem, just get the Flight-O-Matic Kit if that is what you have.

The 1959 to 1964 Studebaker Chassis Parts Catalog (in Group 8) will let you sort and find matches and Mismatches for all of the Parts for the Two Tranny's.

Different Quantities of Clutches and Different Front Band are the most obvious.
The Seals and Gaskets should all work.

See Post #3.

[Rapps]

Thank you the kit I need is Borg Warner flight o matic type 8 on eBay fats co transmissions he tells me that is the one I need