C-6 Question
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: U.P. Of Michigan
C-6 Question
Hey Guys,
I'm taking the big plunge, and swapping out my 360 for a 390 in my 71 Ranger XLT. With the 4 Barrel (Holley 600), Intake, Cam, Head Job, and Headers we are looking at approx. 325 H.P. and 475 Torque.
I have a C-6 in it that has never missed a beat, so am not going to fix it (or change it) if it isn't broke. But, I've often heard that the C-6 is a "power robbing" transmission. I'm not overly concerned about this, but basically, why is this? Is it just because it's not a manual transmission?
Also, is there anything that can be done to "beef up" or add to the performance of the C-6? I've heard of shift kits and stall converters, but I will have a fairly mild cam (designed more for torque). The truck is going to be used on the farm here for pulling hay wagons, and hauling stuff.
Is it basically that the C-6 is tough and lasts long, but just isn't made for racing? If so, I can live with that.
Thanks for any opinions.
Bob
I'm taking the big plunge, and swapping out my 360 for a 390 in my 71 Ranger XLT. With the 4 Barrel (Holley 600), Intake, Cam, Head Job, and Headers we are looking at approx. 325 H.P. and 475 Torque.
I have a C-6 in it that has never missed a beat, so am not going to fix it (or change it) if it isn't broke. But, I've often heard that the C-6 is a "power robbing" transmission. I'm not overly concerned about this, but basically, why is this? Is it just because it's not a manual transmission?
Also, is there anything that can be done to "beef up" or add to the performance of the C-6? I've heard of shift kits and stall converters, but I will have a fairly mild cam (designed more for torque). The truck is going to be used on the farm here for pulling hay wagons, and hauling stuff.
Is it basically that the C-6 is tough and lasts long, but just isn't made for racing? If so, I can live with that.
Thanks for any opinions.
Bob
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
Automatic transmission are inherently less efficieny than a manual trans. The reason is that they are based on a low pressure fluid medium and moving the (pump) fluid to impart a mechanical advantage (torque converter). This results in parasitic energy loss due to heat generation and fluid dynamics.
Change the ATF and filter , keep 'er cool, and she'll serve ya well.
Change the ATF and filter , keep 'er cool, and she'll serve ya well.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,762
Likes: 54
From: Antelope Valley ,CA
I kept my stock c6 when i added my 390,
no issues so far and i have more hp and tq
do your self a favor and replace the front tranny seal while you got the motor out . 5minute job , don't forget to lube the seal with some fluid too.
no issues so far and i have more hp and tq
do your self a favor and replace the front tranny seal while you got the motor out . 5minute job , don't forget to lube the seal with some fluid too.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: U.P. Of Michigan
Automatic transmission are inherently less efficieny than a manual trans. The reason is that they are based on a low pressure fluid medium and moving the (pump) fluid to impart a mechanical advantage (torque converter). This results in parasitic energy loss due to heat generation and fluid dynamics.
Change the ATF and filter , keep 'er cool, and she'll serve ya well.
Change the ATF and filter , keep 'er cool, and she'll serve ya well.
Bob
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
C/6s are behind 460s , good strong auto trany. Keep the fluid up and clean , don't overheat it and it will last a long time . If you do a lot of heavy pulling or hauling then you can add an extra transmission cooler . Heat is the killer of auto tranys.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: U.P. Of Michigan
Yep - the front seal is definitely getting replaced. Good point.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: U.P. Of Michigan
Bob
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 384
Likes: 2
From: Olympic Peninsula
Sorry I don't mean to hijack or anything, but when you do a fluid change on the C6, how much ATF is needed to refill it? The manual I read (Chilton) says "Add 3 quarts of Type F Automatic Transmission Fluid." ......that seems like way too little to me...I mean when I got my pickup the PO told me "I topped off all the fluids," but the tranny was dry (figures), so I refilled it and it has taken about 3-4 quarts. I thought maybe there was at least SOME fluid still in there.
tl;dr: How many quarts of ATF does it take to fill up a C6 after a fluid change?
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 409
Likes: 1
Of all the transmissions out there, the C6 is simple to rebuild and modifications for it seem limitless. The C6 has seen service behind so many different engines, and both cars and trucks, that there are a huge selection of aftermarket parts.
C4 C6 Performance Transmission from PATC, C6 Transmission
This is one of the sites I have been looking at for parts on my C6, and you will notice that they have a package that will double the amount of clutches and steels in your tranny, thus increasing the amount of pulling power behind the engine. There is an advantage of rebuilding a transmission that "Isn't broken." First is you can be sure that the "Hard Parts" are going to still be in good shape. These parts can drive the cost of an overhaul to the sky. Doing a "soft overhaul" replaces parts that wear out including clutches, bearings, steels, thrust washers, bands and modulators. It will also give you the chance to completely clean out your fluids and replace your Type F with today's better performing Dextron/Mercron 3. You do need to have the right torque converter for you application, depending on engine RPMs and Stall speeds. the correct selection will reduce the amount of "power Robbing" that you have herd of.
C4 C6 Performance Transmission from PATC, C6 Transmission
This is one of the sites I have been looking at for parts on my C6, and you will notice that they have a package that will double the amount of clutches and steels in your tranny, thus increasing the amount of pulling power behind the engine. There is an advantage of rebuilding a transmission that "Isn't broken." First is you can be sure that the "Hard Parts" are going to still be in good shape. These parts can drive the cost of an overhaul to the sky. Doing a "soft overhaul" replaces parts that wear out including clutches, bearings, steels, thrust washers, bands and modulators. It will also give you the chance to completely clean out your fluids and replace your Type F with today's better performing Dextron/Mercron 3. You do need to have the right torque converter for you application, depending on engine RPMs and Stall speeds. the correct selection will reduce the amount of "power Robbing" that you have herd of.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
__
__Nope , don't believe you will have that problem like we can in a high desert area 6 months out of the year , but we don't have rust. __
.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: U.P. Of Michigan
Of all the transmissions out there, the C6 is simple to rebuild and modifications for it seem limitless. The C6 has seen service behind so many different engines, and both cars and trucks, that there are a huge selection of aftermarket parts.
C4 C6 Performance Transmission from PATC, C6 Transmission
This is one of the sites I have been looking at for parts on my C6, and you will notice that they have a package that will double the amount of clutches and steels in your tranny, thus increasing the amount of pulling power behind the engine. There is an advantage of rebuilding a transmission that "Isn't broken." First is you can be sure that the "Hard Parts" are going to still be in good shape. These parts can drive the cost of an overhaul to the sky. Doing a "soft overhaul" replaces parts that wear out including clutches, bearings, steels, thrust washers, bands and modulators. It will also give you the chance to completely clean out your fluids and replace your Type F with today's better performing Dextron/Mercron 3. You do need to have the right torque converter for you application, depending on engine RPMs and Stall speeds. the correct selection will reduce the amount of "power Robbing" that you have herd of.
C4 C6 Performance Transmission from PATC, C6 Transmission
This is one of the sites I have been looking at for parts on my C6, and you will notice that they have a package that will double the amount of clutches and steels in your tranny, thus increasing the amount of pulling power behind the engine. There is an advantage of rebuilding a transmission that "Isn't broken." First is you can be sure that the "Hard Parts" are going to still be in good shape. These parts can drive the cost of an overhaul to the sky. Doing a "soft overhaul" replaces parts that wear out including clutches, bearings, steels, thrust washers, bands and modulators. It will also give you the chance to completely clean out your fluids and replace your Type F with today's better performing Dextron/Mercron 3. You do need to have the right torque converter for you application, depending on engine RPMs and Stall speeds. the correct selection will reduce the amount of "power Robbing" that you have herd of.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 896
Likes: 0
From: AL
Like others have mentioned if it's in good condition and you keep it cool and keep the fluid clean it will last a long time.
Mine is being gone through this week. The PATC site is a good one. I bought parts from Broader Performance. Broader Performance
I bought a wide power band to improve the holding power, new valve body with a shift kit for worktruck/towing. Someone had installed a shift kit in my valve body and I don't now how it's setup so I opted to just start over. I also installed a low stall RV/Towing torque converter from PTC Performance Torque Converters - Performance Torque Converters
The transmission shop is installing Raybestes best clutches and all new parts for everything else.
One reason that the C6 eats horsepower is due to the thrust washers used internally instead of roller bearings. You can google "roller C6" and find more info than you want. I bought a kit from Broader that swaps in roller bearings for the forward hub, rear planatary and #9 thrust washer. Probably overkill but I thought it a good idea while it's apart. I tow a camper with my truck so I wanted the tranny to be as efficient as possible.
Mine is being gone through this week. The PATC site is a good one. I bought parts from Broader Performance. Broader Performance
I bought a wide power band to improve the holding power, new valve body with a shift kit for worktruck/towing. Someone had installed a shift kit in my valve body and I don't now how it's setup so I opted to just start over. I also installed a low stall RV/Towing torque converter from PTC Performance Torque Converters - Performance Torque Converters
The transmission shop is installing Raybestes best clutches and all new parts for everything else.
One reason that the C6 eats horsepower is due to the thrust washers used internally instead of roller bearings. You can google "roller C6" and find more info than you want. I bought a kit from Broader that swaps in roller bearings for the forward hub, rear planatary and #9 thrust washer. Probably overkill but I thought it a good idea while it's apart. I tow a camper with my truck so I wanted the tranny to be as efficient as possible.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: U.P. Of Michigan
Like others have mentioned if it's in good condition and you keep it cool and keep the fluid clean it will last a long time.
Mine is being gone through this week. The PATC site is a good one. I bought parts from Broader Performance. Broader Performance
I bought a wide power band to improve the holding power, new valve body with a shift kit for worktruck/towing. Someone had installed a shift kit in my valve body and I don't now how it's setup so I opted to just start over. I also installed a low stall RV/Towing torque converter from PTC Performance Torque Converters - Performance Torque Converters
The transmission shop is installing Raybestes best clutches and all new parts for everything else.
One reason that the C6 eats horsepower is due to the thrust washers used internally instead of roller bearings. You can google "roller C6" and find more info than you want. I bought a kit from Broader that swaps in roller bearings for the forward hub, rear planatary and #9 thrust washer. Probably overkill but I thought it a good idea while it's apart. I tow a camper with my truck so I wanted the tranny to be as efficient as possible.
Mine is being gone through this week. The PATC site is a good one. I bought parts from Broader Performance. Broader Performance
I bought a wide power band to improve the holding power, new valve body with a shift kit for worktruck/towing. Someone had installed a shift kit in my valve body and I don't now how it's setup so I opted to just start over. I also installed a low stall RV/Towing torque converter from PTC Performance Torque Converters - Performance Torque Converters
The transmission shop is installing Raybestes best clutches and all new parts for everything else.
One reason that the C6 eats horsepower is due to the thrust washers used internally instead of roller bearings. You can google "roller C6" and find more info than you want. I bought a kit from Broader that swaps in roller bearings for the forward hub, rear planatary and #9 thrust washer. Probably overkill but I thought it a good idea while it's apart. I tow a camper with my truck so I wanted the tranny to be as efficient as possible.
Bob
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
C6: 13 quart capacity including the converter / 1966/76: Type F / 1977/97: Mercon aka Dextron II.
Replacing front pump seal: There are actually two (7A248). The front pump gasket (7A136) also has to be replaced.
Replacing front pump seal: There are actually two (7A248). The front pump gasket (7A136) also has to be replaced.