I'm planning to put a Ford 2.3 in the wife's '54 Nash Metro. I found an engine with a C3 automatic. Don't know anything about the reliability, etc. It will see light duty with her driving, but were they good transmissions or trouble from day one?? I would have it rebuilt. Thanks in advance for any help here.....
That transmission was a light duty 3 speed automatic used mainly in Pintos and Bobcats with the 2.3 litre engine. In a small (light) car with a stock or very mild 2.3 engine, it will hold up fine for normal driving as long as it is in good working order to begin with. Wouldn't be a bad idea to pull the pan and change the filter and gasket while you're in the process of putting the car together, though. It'll give you a chance to examine to inside of the pan and see how much residue and stuff is in there. The C3 is actually a pretty good match for the 2.3 engine...being that it doesn't take much power to operate and it's a simple. proven design. I think you'll be happy with it.
the c3 is the same as a c4 minus the clutch pack. 3- has 3 disc. the c4 has 5 they can be up graded. most trans builders will do it no chg. all you need is a c4 clutch pack. it will work fine as is.
Lots of bad info here.A c3 is completely diff that c4.When your working on c3 setup pull pump bolts one at a time and retork with 3m weatherstrip ad under sealing washers .You will be glad you did, about 90% of problem were caused by them loosening up. Light use trans.
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