Ratchet shifter for an FMX?

Discussion in 'Transmissions' started by lilacso, Apr 25, 2014.

  1. lilacso

    lilacso Member

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    Building a new 351w for my 76 Maverick, having the FMX that was in it (came out of a Gran Torino originally) rebuilt - I currently have a Hurst Pro Matic 2 shifter in it and always had problems. The guy installing everything for me insists on getting a Hurst quarter stick reverse pattern shifter, which I like but it says its only for C4 and C6 transmissions. Only me and the guy rebuilding the transmission know it is an FMX: the guy installing it thinks it is a C4.

    Anyway - I'm having a difficult time finding a shifter that I like for the FMX. I chatted with the Summit guys and they have a small selection of compatible shifters. Will a shifter for a C4/C6 work on the FMX? I really want another ratchet shifter....

    any help is appreciated :)
     
  2. lm14

    lm14 Member

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    There is a reason there aren't any good shifters for an FMX, it's a slug. Why waste the money on it? Get a good C4 built and don't look back. If you think you need something stronger, use a C6 but the FMX would be my very last choice.

    You can make about any shifter work. You will need to bracket that bolts to the pan rail for the cable and you may need to modify an existing one to make it work. You may also need to play with shift arm length on the tranny.

    I put a B&M Star Shifter on a BW T35 several years ago with some simple mods and it worked great.

    Do you really want a guy working on your cars that can't tell the difference between a FMX and a C4? That would bother me.

    Also, a reverse pattern shifter takes a reverse pattern valve body and I've never seen one for a FMX tranny. There's a lot more going on there than bolting on a shifter.

    SPark
     
    Last edited: Apr 25, 2014
  3. lilacso

    lilacso Member

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    Yeah.. besides that comment he's like the king in this town for restoration and any automotive repair. He does beautiful work on everything that I've seen come out of his shop.

    I've been told the FMX is the only thing strong enough for a 351w which is why I have not been looking for a C4 or C6 - I was told they couldn't handle the motor.

    Suggestions/thoughts?
     
  4. groberts101

    groberts101 Member

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    Whoever you're talking to is mistaken and not as knowledgeable as they claim to be. That wasn't even close to true 30 years ago much less with todays better parts availability. There are MANY shops that offer packages aimed at 1,000+ horsepower combo's. And that's a dead hook "wheels up high" rating too.

    http://www.performanceautomatic.com/products/ford-racing-transmissions/c4-transmissions/

    Plus.. aside from a power-glide.. the c4 will have slightly less parasitic loss than the other alternatives as well.
     
  5. lilacso

    lilacso Member

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    What is the difference between a c4 and a c6? The c6 looks cheaper but handles more hp. I'm not building a monster motor here. I'm sure it won't be over 400hp (if it even comes close to that..) I really don't know - my dad is building it :)

    Would a c6 fit in the tunnel or no? :hmmm:
     
  6. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

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    I feel a C6 won't fit. I have seen it done and it is not pretty. A C4 bolts right in...no problem. Plus a C4, when built properly, will handle whatever you throw at it.
     
  7. lilacso

    lilacso Member

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    Thanks Craig... you've given me advice before... always appreciated.

    Now what kind of shifter do you guys recommend? I was thinking a Hurst Quarter Stick... that looks fun. Frank suggested a reverse pattern since the C4 I found has a reverse manual valve body.

    How does that sound? The Pro Matic 2 was garbage..........

    http://www.jegs.com/i/Hurst/530/316-2014/10002/-1?parentProductId=
     

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