So, the C6 in my '82 E100 is making some awful noises and I need to do something about it. Whatever I do needs to have very little downtime as I'm only home one day a week. The van has a 300/6. Right now I have two options:

1. A buddy has a '72 351C/C6 for sale but he won't split them. So to get the trans from him I need to either find someone to buy the engine or buy them both for about $600 and try to sell the Cleveland myself. With this route I can have the C6 rebuilt (for good measure) and spend and afternoon swapping it in. I know the Cleveland has the small block bolt pattern so it'll bolt up to my 300/6, are there any other problems with using this trans?

2. Another buddy has an E4OD for sale for $200, it used to live behind a 351W. Does the Windsor have the small block bolt pattern? It seems to me that the controller from an IDI truck would match up fairly well with the diesel-like hp/tq curve of the 300/6 and would be a much cheaper solution than a stand alone controller.

What would you do? The only reason I'm considering the E4OD route is for the OD to boost mileage(15mpg right now). The van is NEVER used for towing, just a weekly work commute. I also happen to have a couple trans coolers laying around for it if I go that route.

 

351w is the SBF pattern, same as your 300.

An E4OD for $200? Must be junk. These are big transmissions also, and they are expensive to rebuild. A diesel controller may or may not work, but how are you going to make it communicate with the engine?

If you want to go OD, an AOD from '88-'93 would be an answer. The AOD is about 3" shorter than the C6, so you'll need to re-tube your driveshaft.

Otherwise, I go back to the C6.

 

The price is $200 because he pulled the engine/trans from his Bronco to do a 4BT/ZF5 swap.

The main reason I was thinking the IDI controller might work is because the IDI is a 100% mechanical engine, the hp/tq curves just happen to be fairly similar. The controller for an IDI/E4OD needs very few inputs from engine side of things.

What should I be expecting to pay for a useable AOD? What else needs to go with it other than modding the driveshaft?

 

An '82 E100 will most likely have 2.75 gearing in the axle. Adding OD to that will LOWER your mpg.... you'll be lugging the engine more than anything.


I would defenently stay with the C6.


I'm sure you'll find someone that will buy a 351W alone as those are pretty wanted/needed engines for swaps, built ups and racing etc.



A tranny cooler is a defenit MUST for any auto tranny vehicle, either a small car, or full size van/truck. Bigger cooler better! (as long as it fits in a place where it's gonna get maximum air flow) If you had a cooler on your current C6, it would probably still be fine today!



Just curious, hows your C6 acting exactly? ....Or is it just simply making noises? What kind of noises?

 

It makes a very loud metallic clanging noise when putting it in gear. I get a weird pulsing/vibration from it once it has warmed up, cold it runs fine. The pulse/vibration is there at all speeds except under light acceleration under 60 mph. It is noticeably worse when coasting.

 

That loud metal clang noise when put in gear could be to much backlash in the rear axle. My motorhome does the same.


As for the warmed up pulse/vibration, sounds like the clutch packs are slipping.

Guess it's safe to say you need a new tranny.

 

Good point. Finding out what axle ratio the OP has would be job 1 before considering an OD.

Thanks.

 

I'll take a look at the axle tag next time I drive it. Thanks guys!

 

If it still exist and is visible, give us the axle code on the door jam sticker.

I have a chart here and I'll be able to give you your gearing.

 

Ok, I think that'll be on Thursday or so. Sometimes I take my work truck(freightliner) home, but I don't think I will be this week.

 

Any advice here would be much appreciated: I have an '86 E250 with a 4.9 / C6. Previous owner said they both had about 50k miles. I changed the filter on the C6 last weekend and found a broken washer and other debris in the pan. Its still driving and shifting fine but I know its only a matter of time. I bought an AOD today that is supposed to have only 500 miles on it. I didn't know I would need to re-do the driveshaft to make this work. Also, the AOD has an electrical hook-up that I don't remember on my C6. Its supposed to be out of a '90 F150. I like the idea of OD for better mpg but I'm wondering is this might be a headache to make it work with my '86 van. Will my 3 speed linkage even work with this tranny? Maybe I should just rebuild my C6? What do you guys think?

 

The AOD requires a TV cable (Throttle Valve cable) to operate, and also the AOD is a CAR/LIGHT TRUCK tranny only, those were installed only in half ton trucks/vans, and I do not recommend putting that in a big heavy 3/4 ton van.... you'll murder it quick!

...they *can* be built up, but it's really not worth it in my opinion.


I would never change my C6's for any other auto! For the cost of making another auto tranny as bullet proof as a stock C6, will set you back alot for the little differences you'll see in mpg. You'll have to keep the van a long time to catch up on the differences.

 

Thanks John! I'm off to Craigslist to post an AOD. Hopefully I can make a little bit on it. I got it really cheap!

A local shop quoted me $450 to rebuild my C6. Does that sound right? I thought it would be more.

 

Nope, the rebuilt kit for a C6 is around 150$-200$, and it would take me about 2 hours to fully rebuilt one.

The C6 is the most simple tranny to rebuild! Infact, anyone with some tools, an exploded diagram on this tranny can rebuilt it!

 

John aren't there a few Chilton-like manuals showing a step-by-step procedure to rebuild something like a C6? IIRC outlets like Jeg's online or Summit racing might be a good place to start.

The only glitch would be any specialized tools needed.