Putting a c4 in a '49 ford - Anybody done it?

[ruttencutter]

Since I'm having my engine rebuilt, and my current ford-o-matic tranny needs rebuilt to be reliable, I think I'm going to opt for a c4 + the conversion kit.

I'm looking for any advice from people who have done this in a 49' ford in the past--or know something about doing it. I just want an idea of what I'm in for when mounting the new tranmission with the mounts that used to be there.

Also wondering if there are any other auto tranny choices that I should consider--and where I can find more information about mating them to a flathead.

Thanks so much!

-Scott

[candyman]

Scott, If I am correct, you will need to...

1: Put in a new crossmember or make some mods to the current one.
2: Probably a new drive shaft or mod the one there...
3: Adapter for the motor unless you change engine too.
4: Shift linkage will need to be delt with.

That's just off the top of my head. But you should be able to get most of what you need done in one day. It isn't that big of a proposition.

[crush1776]

I know Speedway sells a kit to do the conversion.

www.speedwaymotors.com (http://www.speedwaymotors.com)

There's also a company that does a manual t-5 conversion using a tranny from an s-10 pickup.

http://www.flat-o.com/carproducts/5speedflato.htm

Hope this helps.

[crush1776]

Oh yeah, about the crossmember: I think all you have to do is drill two holes in your current crossmember for the c-4 mount supplied in the kit. Some c-4 bellhousing diameters are bigger that others, with the ones out of the mavericks being the smallest. Otherwise It could be tight in the trans tunnel and you may have to modify the tunnel. But, if you have a fordomatic, which didn't come out until '51, someone may have already modified the tunnel since '51's were larger from the factory.

[ruttencutter]

Well, I'll have to check things out. I would ideally like to find a rebuilt c4 somewhere--so if anybody knows where I might be able to find a maverick c4 with the smaller bellhousing--let me know!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks for all of the advice. It has been hard for me to find people who have experience with the swap, which surprises me.

-Scott

[DrDano]

Rotten,

I'm doing a C4 in my '51 shoebox right now. I'll have tech post up very soon on how to do it. I would highly suggest using the Flat-O adapter. I"ve used the speedway style adapter before and I dont like them at all. The flat-o is expensive. . but I think its a better unit personally and it does gain you some needed clearance around the trans tunnel by ditchin the stock C4 bellhousing.

You do have to modify the rear trans crossmember, but you can offset drill the holes on the trans pad and member to get it to work. Its really not that hard.

You will want to track down a small case C4 for clearance reasons. The one I have is marked 28X on the top of casing, if thats any help when your digging around the boneyards for a core.

[ruttencutter]

Just wanted to bump this to the top. I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on this whole mess, and want to make sure I'm not in for any surprises.

Has anybody on this board, or does anybody know somebody who has, put a c4 behind a flathead in a '49 Ford. (2 dr coupe if it matters).

I really want to know if the tranny will fit within my trans tunnel well. Or any other hitches besides mounting and a new driveshaft.

Thanks so much http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

-Scott

[daren]

Well if it helps I put one behind a 302 in my 50 Ford. Yes I had to butcher the floor which if I hadn't have already built the engine, I would not have done. I also had ran out of money, so I took the original column shift lever and bent it so it would fit up to the 302 shift mechanism.

Been working great for over 6 years, the only problem is that that the shift pattern is backwards! But it got me on the road for the time being.

[Flat Ernie]

[ QUOTE ]
the only problem is that that the shift pattern is backwards!

[/ QUOTE ]

If the arm on the tranny bolts on, you can flip it over & get your shift pattern back to "correct"... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Dirk35]

Do any of you have a older C4 bell housing for a 157 tooth flexplate, and would consider sell or trade for the newer bell housing for the 164 tooth flexplate??

[ruttencutter]

Daren,

Thanks for the info---but I think things will fit differently on a Flathead with the flat-o adapter. I called Gene at Flat-o Products (I believe that's his name) and he thinks that I will be in the clear with my trans tunnel.... I just need to make sure before I go ahead and have an engine built.

Thanks,

-Scott

[side_valve]

Scott,
Regarding finding a c4: email or call Dave, (HAMB name "shifts") up in Eau Claire. Folks here swear by his work.

http://www.midtowntransmission.com