C6 Swap
 

Well since the T5 In the 88gt seems to be pretty close to done we have decided that we are gonna try swapping the C6 from my truck into her. Its a C6 out of a 82 F150 with a 351w. I know the bell housing should be the same but what all do i need to do this swap. I know a C4 would be a better choice but this tranny is strong and its free. Will the flexplate and converter from the truck also work or is the flexplate a different balance. Let me know what all i need to get this project done.

It cn be done. Ive done it. You wil lobviously need a shifter. I recommend the B&M Quater Stick, it comes with the cable. the bell housing, flexplate and vertor will work. I sugges going with an aftermarket stall however.. nothing major just maybe a 2500 or so to help with performance. You will need to modify the cross member to accept the mount but thats not a big deal. Grind off hte spot welds and slide the cross section forwards or backwards to hit the holes. I recommend shorty headers. I had llongutbes. NOT FUN.,.... Gotta loosen motor mount to change starter.. NOT FUN..

But it is a good swap.. Never have to worry about that c6 if its built right., sure its a little heavier but I had rather have 40 more pounds of tranny than redo a c4 a few times.

Bradley

The flywheel from the 351W won't work on the '88 302. 351Ws have a balance factor of 28.x ounces and the late 302 has a 50 ounce. You would probably need to get the flywheel out of an '82 (I think) or later 302 truck with a C6. You will have to shorten the driveshaft as well.

I also agree that on a street car the added weight/power use of a C6 is worth the added strength.

Sorry bout that. My mistake. I forgot the balance was different on the 351's.. I was talking about as far as bolting up to the 302 crank and fitting in the same bellhousing it will work.. And for that big c6 I HIGHLY recommend you get a good cooler.

Bradley

Ya i thought the weighting was different but i wasnt too sure.

I understand that the c-6 is free and all but....why do u guys saying you highly recommend the c-6 vs. the c-4 on a street car? A well built c-4 will handle that little 302 no problem. The c-4 is two and a half tenths quicker than the c-6 in the quarter because the c-6 has alot more rotational mass. We have a c-4 5500 stall, in one of our race cars thats behind a big block making 700+ horsepower to the wheels and boat loads of torque coming from the alcohol injection and that thing keeps on kicking. We have ran a c-6 in the past and they are some strong trannys but they are slower and i would definately recommend a c-4 vs. a c-6 on a small block application (in this case the c-6 is free which changes things) a c-6 is definately not the way to go on a performance minded car. I'd put a powerglide in there first.

I have a c-4 in my street car and definately run the hell out of it and havnt had a problem and its gotta run real low 12's now.

As far as the flywheel and driveshaft...87BOSS351C....is right on the money

good luck with it....

My choice of the C6 was for the same reason as Roadwarrior - it was free and I knew it was in good working order. I know I would be faster with a built C4 but that's out of my budget right now. A C4 would also give me a lot more room for the headers (which would be very nice). I have one that needs rebuilt so I may do that some day. But then again, a top loader 4 speed or a maybe an HD 5 speed is starting to sound like fun. Mine is only a street car, so Im not really worried about every last tenth, anyway.

Ya personally id be willing to give up a few tenths for the added strength since the car is a daily driver and longevity is a greater concern. Once the money comes than maybe a built C4 will be on the way but until then i cant afford it.