Ok bear with me here, Im trying to sum all this up at once so I can get my project done, so i can have some self satisfaction.

What would you rather put behind a 3400lb vehicle with No2, a 4 speed Top Loader, or a built C6 with a Shift kit. Ive got the C6, but it needs a seal, and the top loader, i can get from a friend. The car was set up for a 4-speed, still has the clutch in it and so on. If I go with it , any ideas on were to get a FE bellhousing for it? Also I figure Id have to do a hydraulic clutch setup.

I think this sums up my main issue right now, Im sure Ill have more questions later as I run into more , ummm issues?

Thanks for all the help so far ya'll

 

You can get a toploader bellhousing from David Kee. 4speedtoploaders.com

I am wavering as well with the same dilemma. Toploader or C6 for my 511 project. They each have advantages and disadvantages.

-Scouder

 

Well im glad someone knows what all im talkin about , I love 4 speeds, really want a close ratio one, if i go that route

 

I think I still have two bellhousings when i use to run 3 and four speed trans behind my 390. My dad ran a 4 speed top loader behind a 390 in my truck when it still was his but keep breaking gears so we went to a automatic!!

 

Well id like to get this top loader and rebuild it to a close ratio 4 speed. if i can get the bellhousing, then all ill need to do is see if i can get it to mount to the crossmember. any one know how long an FE is compared to a 385 series, so ill know if my crossmember will need to be moved.

 

The FE is 32" long, the 385 series is 34" long. Those measurements include water pump and fan, but not bellhousings.
I used my stock '66 bellhousing to mate my top loader to my 428. Top loaders can have two diff bellhousing bolt patterns depending on year of production.

 

I will have to ask what vehicle is this going in and what are your intentions with it? You will of course lose more HP through the C6, but if you plan on running that thing with the intentions to get to the end of a straight line faster than the next guy, the C6 will not lose anything in shifting and add to consistency.....

just a few $.01's --Mike

 

Well it's sitting in a 71 Mustang Fastback right now. Took me forever to customize a set of motor mounts to get it to fit in the car, but its in there as close to perfect as I can ask for. It was an original 4 speed car, witht he clutch still in it, so thats why im leaning towards the top loader, plus i already have the crossmember for it. I plan on running it on the strip though, but also plenty of go on the street. Most people ask why I didnt go with a 429 since its a big block that would have fit in there with no issues, but I dont want all that weight up there, plus I like to be a lil unique about things and i love FE's . All I really lack is the tranny at this point and headers, which ill end up making.