385 series-what trannys?
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: CA
385 series-what trannys?
I'm thinking of swapping out my 302 ('73 F-100 3 sp manual) for a
385 series engine. I have little experience with this type of conversion, primarily with what trannys will work.
I like manuals but would consider an automatic if it would be easier...but what automatic? What do I need to look for as far as bellhousings, input shafts, flywheels, bolt patterns, etc?
Your experience would be most appreciated!
385 series engine. I have little experience with this type of conversion, primarily with what trannys will work.
I like manuals but would consider an automatic if it would be easier...but what automatic? What do I need to look for as far as bellhousings, input shafts, flywheels, bolt patterns, etc?
Your experience would be most appreciated!
New User
Joined: Nov 2002
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385 series-what trannys?
Well. My knowledge of auto trannies that fit are limited to the c-6, and the FMX. There is an adapter you can buy so you can put a smaller c-4 behind a 385 series. I personally wouldn't recomemnd doing that. A 385 series motor can burn up a c-4 easily, and the FMX clutch bands wear out really fast too. I persoanlly would go with a c-6 if you want an auto tranny. They are very tough, but they take a lot of power to turn.
As far as maual trannys go, The two most common trannys are the NP435, and the T-18. The T-18 is tough, and granny is low. like 6.34:1 I believe. The NP435 has a lower granny, like 6.32:1 and it shifts a little smoother too.
Well I hope I gave you some ideas.
-Also, the 385 series bellhousing is different than the FE series. So you need one from a 351M, 400, 370, 429, or 460 in order for it to fit. And the FMX auto tranny has a bolt on bellhousing as well. same design as manual bellhousing.
-Also, a little trick that I've seen and done is on a 370, 429, or 460 motor, use a manual flywheel from a 390 motor, then you can run the bigger 12'' clutch instead of the 11" clutch.
As far as maual trannys go, The two most common trannys are the NP435, and the T-18. The T-18 is tough, and granny is low. like 6.34:1 I believe. The NP435 has a lower granny, like 6.32:1 and it shifts a little smoother too.
Well I hope I gave you some ideas.
-Also, the 385 series bellhousing is different than the FE series. So you need one from a 351M, 400, 370, 429, or 460 in order for it to fit. And the FMX auto tranny has a bolt on bellhousing as well. same design as manual bellhousing.
-Also, a little trick that I've seen and done is on a 370, 429, or 460 motor, use a manual flywheel from a 390 motor, then you can run the bigger 12'' clutch instead of the 11" clutch.
Last edited by 76custom_250; Mar 19, 2003 at 04:19 PM.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 877
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From: Missouri
385 series-what trannys?
Manual tranny's from the FE truck engines will work also.
352
360
390
The bellhousings won't.
Dennis
1999 F-350 Powerstroke
1977 Highboy 429 4-speed 35"s
1972 Ranger on a 1978 F-250 4x4
frame 466 630HP Pulling Truck
352
360
390
The bellhousings won't.
Dennis
1999 F-350 Powerstroke
1977 Highboy 429 4-speed 35"s
1972 Ranger on a 1978 F-250 4x4
frame 466 630HP Pulling Truck
