I am sure this has been discussed but I went through the search function and didn't really find much.

I have a 351w with a beefier cam, 4 barrel carb, intake, and headers.

Full disclosure, this engine and trans are going into a 47 pick up.

This truck will be used as a cruiser. The most abuse it'll get will be if I punch it off the line for a second or two. Zero towing or hauling.

I've currently got a c6, but the thing is so big and heavy. It is causing some interference with th brake pedal. Also, I've read it robs a lot of hp.

Would I be better suited to go with a c4? Will it suit my needs just fine? I am geared at 3.27, so a three speed is probably good.

 

If you are easy with it, you should be ok. That truck unloaded will just spin the tires anyway.

I had a 351c with a c4 in a 53 f100 and it never gave me any problems.

 

what do you mean by if I'm easy with it? I am definitely not going to race it, but I don't want to have to worry about it. Would I be better off trying to make the C6 work?

 

I just bolted a 351w in front of the c4 in my 85 f150. The 351 has shorty headers, dual plane intake, and a 600 cfm carb. I had this same engine coupled with a c6 and 3.55 gears before I put it in this truck with the c4 and 3.08 gears. The truck seems to get up and go a ton faster. The transmission was abused before I got it. Even with the 300 6 running on 5 cylinders I could feel it slipping. Now with the 351 it is for sure time for a rebuild.

 

So do you feel like it's just bc of age/abuse or bc it's not enough to handle the motor?

 

Honostly, I think its just been beaten on too much. When I got it the fluid was burnt and the modulator was busted. When I get the money I'm going to have it rebuilt here localy with a 2,000 stall and a shift kit. Shop here in Caldwell qouted me about 750 to 800 depending what all parts are needed other than a rebuild kit, converter, and shift kit. Comes with either a 3,000 or 30,000 mile warranty, I don't clearly recall which one it was.

 

Any more thoughts on this? I need to make a decision pretty soon on whether to try and fit this c6 in there or to go with a c4. It would sure be easier to use a c4. I just want to make sure it is strong enough. I will be putting a shift kit in either way I go.

 

If you want a real cruiser get an AOD.

 

Probably going to stick with the c4 or c6. Simply because that's what I'm geared for. I know I won't have overdrive but I'm ok with that.

I like the simplicity of the c4/6.

 

C4 should be fine.