5spd to c6 with future plans of gear vendor

[Speedobag]

Anyone done a 5spd to c6 auto on a 1988 7.3 idi, will this work with getting the shift column pieces???? I have future plans to make a towing beast, have big boat in family. let me know!! cheers

[mistakenID]

It will work with no problem. Parts should be fairly easy to find since most swaps are done the other way, auto to manual trans.

I have to wonder why you want to go with an auto though. 5th gear in the ZF is really the only problem. Put the gearvendor behind the ZF and use it for overdrive pulling instead of the trans. Side benefit would be better mileage running empty in dbl over. Just don't lug the engine.

[Speedobag]

Hey, thanks for the reply.

I am more of a auto trans guy, but ya for now put in the 3spd and look at gear vendor later in life...a local shop is going to chrage me 1800$ to replace the clutch and flywheel (luk clutch and SMF) just thinking it might be cheaper to find a mid-life c6 for now and then to the GV in the future.

[mistakenID]

Seems like a high price for a clutch change, especially changing to the LUK. Probably an ok price to change with original equipment.

The LUK kit is about half the price of original equipment. Also be aware that most who change to the LUK, get a fair amount of noise from the trans. Noise can be reduced by changing the trans fluid to a heavier weight synthetic oil.

If changing to the C-6, only a trans from a diesel will work. The bell housing is different on a diesel. It may be easier, less expensive to use a floor shift for an auto. Would depend on the price of steering column and related parts. Drive lines would also have to modified or taken from the donor truck. Need torque converter and flex plate.

Then there is the vacuum regulator to install and calibrated. I don't remember the exact name for the part. The vacuum pump pulls far to much for the C-6 and is regulated by this part that is mounted up by the throttle cable on top of the engine.

If you have 4:10 gears, the engine will scream, trying to keep up with traffic. No matter what gear ratio, will use more fuel until the overdrive is installed. A gear vendor or US gear overdrive will run from around $2,800-$3,500 installed, possibly more.

All in all, I think I would check out a few more shops. Try to get a lower price and stick the original 5 sp. You would be better off. Just one guys opinion!

[subs1000w]

you should call some other places i just put a performance clutch/smf in my 7.3 zf truck and it was $550 for parts so you should be able to find a shop to replace your clutch for under $1000 including the parts and i agree youd be alot better off $$ wise with sticking with the zf plus it will save you alot of money at the pump especially with 4.50/gal diesel even with the gv od the c6 dont lockup the coverter and thats alot of wasted fuel turned into heat that the trans cooler has to deal with that would be turned into extra probobly 3-5mpg with the zf, and i have to ask if your an auto guy why did you buy a truck with a stick it would be MUCH easier to sell your current truck and buy one with a E4OD