Situation; I have a 1966 289 Motor with it's matching Bellhousing * I'm not using the older 1966 c-4 trans that came with the motor. I want a newer c4 to bolt up to the bellhousing I'm keeping, BUT was told not just any newer c4 will bolt up to it. I need to find one that matches my 1966 Bellhousing. Question What do i ask for/ how do I describe what I need-- if I talk to someone who has a newer c-4 for sale?
On small blocks you had a 5 bolt and 6 bolt. 5 bolts were used on 221-260 and early 289. Later 289 and up used 6 bolt.
I have 6 bolt 66 motor / with c-4 trans and bellhousing *Does that mean any 72 or newer c-4 will bolt to my Bellhousing * Do all 72 and newer C-4s have same bolt pattern
If by meaning you want to go to a newer C-4 to get rid of the goofy shift pattern just change the valve body to a 67 and newer as I dont think there is much difference in the trans,now there is a case and pan fill C-4s that are a little different but they might require different bellhousings.
+1 on just changing the internals. IIRC, the difference between pan and case fill is the number of pump bolts, and that affects what bellhousing can be used. They're just not interchangeable.
Here's the difference if you want to keep your bellhousing. Pan fill vs. Case fill. What that means is where the dipstick mounts. They do NOT interchange! So the first thing to look at is whether your ****** is a case fill or a pan fill. That will tell you what to look for. The angle of bellhousing to trans is different. Now here is the bigger question - Why do you want to stay with the bellhousing? If it is a 6 bolt you can use any c4 with bellhousing and bolt the whole thing to your motor, including the later 26 spline upgrade.
Here's the difference if you want to keep your bellhousing. Pan fill vs. Case fill. What that means is where the dipstick mounts. They do NOT interchange! So the first thing to look at is whether your ****** is a case fill or a pan fill. That will tell you what to look for. The angle of bellhousing to trans is different. Now here is the bigger question - Why do you want to stay with the bellhousing? If it is a 6 bolt you can use any c4 with bellhousing and bolt the whole thing to your motor, including the later 26 spline upgrade.
Here's another vote for swapping out the valve body. The other plus to going about it this way is that you get to poke a shift kit in your trans while you have it apart! Bob, most guys want to dump the early C4's (also known as a "green dot" C4) because of the goofy shift pattern Ford blessed them with. I had the valve body swapped in my old Ranchero as well as my Mustang and was happy with the results.
The mustang should have a case fill and if you are set on finding another trans I would think any case fill C-4s will work,I have found the pan fill C-4s in larger vehicles like mid sized sedans (torinos) and trucks
From replies thus far: Do I keep my 1966 c-4 ---- send it out for newer style Valve body and someone suggested shift kit OR Do i buy a later model C-4 (post 72 year) for $500-$800
First.... it is 1970 and up for a 26 spline input shaft. 2nd.. the early green dot valve body can be replaced with a 67 - 69 valve body if you want to keep the early design C4 in place. These years valve bodys can be difficult to find at times The early C4 will work fine for a daily driver with 24 spline shaft and early stator , drum designs.
Latest bit of info i just came accross: "1970 and later C-4 CASE is considered stronger than 69 (year?) and earlier because the bellhousing bolts to the case instead of the front pump" ** If the above is true: than I'd be better off with newer c-4 than the 1966 C-4 offered to me, that i was considering putting new valve body in. True ? Comments ??
that would be incorrect information since I have a 1978 C4 case fill trans in my 1962 Falcon and the bell housing bolts to the pump
I just did this change in my 260 64 Ranchero, I pulled the 4 speed and bought a 66 C4 (I had the 5 bolt C4 bell) Found out it was a green dot ****** (goofy shift pattern) you can get the 67 to 69 Valve body from Turbo Action through Summit and since you have the valve body out install the TransGo shift kit (easy install) for manual shifting trans at any RPM if your into dragstrip times or just put it in Drive and cruise.
Many differences case fill/pan fill 157 tooth flywheel/164 tooth flywheel 21 tooth input/24 tooth input pump mount bellhousing/case mount bellhousing Floor mount shifter selector arm/column mount arm
I think on all the case fill C-4s the bellhousing bolts to the pump and the pan fill bellhousings bolt to the case.
Now you see why I originally posted this question --it is very confusing! P.S Hey 'Artfrombama" that woman is awesome in standing next to your 32
I would get a transmission from a post-1970 car or truck. Get the flexplate, converter, kickdown linkage, etc. then you know it all works together. Great transmissions that need very little to be dependable and perform well behind powerful engines. The car or the girl I can't claim although I'd like to. Just a pic I pulled off the internet of a gorgeous 32 and a hot girl. No one wants to see my F100...
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