Im looking at getting an automatic transmission for my 76 ford with a built 302. What was the better transmission for my truck? What all is involved in switching from manual to auto tranny? Thanks you nice folks! Ryan

 

The C6 will handle all the power you can throw at it, they're pretty much bulletproof. But they're heavy, and have an unproven reputation as a power-robber. The C4 is smaller and lighter. They can be built up to handle reasonable amounts of power. I know a few guys that use them in drag cars because of the weight savings, with good results, but they've got a lot of $$ invested. The AOD will bolt up, if you're looking for something with OD, but not sure how stout they are. Personally, I'd recommend the C6 for reliability.
The pedal assembly will have to be changed, which is easy. If you want the shifter on the column, you'll have to swap in a column with all the linkage, which isn't that hard either. A lot of the header manufacturers say they're not compatible with a floor shifter, because of clearances (long tubes). Your radiator may have to be changed to one with the integrated tranny cooler, or at the least, run a good quality stand-alone cooler. I carry a lot of weight, so I run a cooler in addition to the one in the rad on my C6. Keeping the fluid cool is a must, especially if you run a higher stall converter.
The driveshaft will have to be changed, the tranny's are different lengths.


Pete

 

I'd use a c4...you will lose another 35hp if you use the c6 and you dont need to use a c6 anyway. Just put a cooler on the c4 and youll never have problems.

 

What do you mean the pedel assembly will need changed?
Im sure the c6 cant be as heave as my np435.
Why does the c6 make you lose HP?

 

What do you do with the truck? If you are using your truck as a daily driver down the highway and could use a bit of fuel savings (not much), you may consider an AOD. However, a rebuilt stock AOD will probably run about $400 more than a C6 or C4. I recently bought a rebuilt C6 for just over $500 with a shift kit in it.