I don't know much at all about transmissions and from looking through the forum, I've found plenty of posts stating that a C-4 is an automatic 3-speed and that it'll bolt up to the 302...What is the 3-speed manual column shift transmission called and will it also work with the 302 with minor modification? It's currently hooked up to a 250 I-6 in a '73 Mav. Thanks.
I'll swap fine for the most part. You'll have 2 minor obstacles: 1: The I6 uses different clutch linkage than the V8. So that will need to be changed, modded to fit (???), or fabricated. 2: The I6 uses a different flywheel balance than the V8. So a V8 flywheel will need to be aquired. The I6 flywheel will bolt on and work, but will not be balanced, therefore it will cause severe vibration, at best, or engine damage from vibration, at worst.
Ford bolted up the 3 speed toploaders to even the FE big block 390 motors in many big cars. It will take the 302 power no problem - but if you are gonna go throught the trouble of a manual swap - there are better trannys to use like a T5 - more fun and better MPG with the overdrive ...........
Yup! A toploader 3+OD is also a cheap upgrade option, even for the I6. Same gears as the current 3 speed you have, plus a 4th gear that is OD. Will slide right in your current tranny's place. I see at least one for 100 bux at every swap meet I go to. Prices go up from there, but rarely over 250.
I may have misread your post... Do you have an I6 with 3 speed that you want to convert to V8? Or Do you have a V8 with auto that you want to convert to manual? The basic fitment info is the same, but there is quite a bit of difference in the swap itself.
I currently have a 73 Maverick with an I-6 250 and a 3-on-the-tree. The motor in it needs to be rebuilt and I'm sure the transmission will need some work since it's been sitting for a while. I'm just trying to figure out the best way to move forward. It would probably be just as much time and money to put in a 302 as it would be to rebuild the 250 so I think I'll do that. I don't know much about transmissions so I'm trying to figure out what the best way to go for that.
There are just a few bolts holding the top cover on the tranny... and it's easier to remove engine and tranny as a unit, than separately. Therefore, when you pull the engine/tranny, you can just pull the cover off the tranny and make sure it has been sitting with oil in it, and make a quick check for obvious damage to teeth. They are really tough trannys, just like any other toploader, be it 3, 3+OD, or 4 speed. If there is no obvious damage or rust, and bearings are tight, you should be fine. It's not sitting for a long time that will damage one. That comes from high mileage and abuse. Sitting is a good thing unless it sat full of moisture.
I would love to have another 3 speed on the tree maverick! I say Do like dave said and make the trans is alright and put a 302 in front of it.
Yes I am back, and it sure good to be home! Been back for about a month just have had too much catching up to do to get on here long enough to post anything. Hope to be able to get on more often now that things have started to slow down for me.
