I've got a 1988 Ford E350 which I've converted to 4x4. It has a C6 with a BW1356 behind it. I'd like to convert to something newer with 4 speed and possibly a lockup torque converter...anything to help with mileage.

The tranny shudders badly when backing up, and really slips when it's cold. I need to overhaul it anyway. Suggestions? Maybe a new torque converter may be the best fix?

The rig has a tired 460 which I'm planning to replace soon (with same) anyway, so it would be a good time to make any modifications.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Regards,
Jim Fischer
1988 E350 4x4 Van
460/C6/BW1356

 

i love the c6. its a tough trans. but on the c6 the torque converter does not do a lockup. i would just do a rebuild

 

The only OEM options you have for an overdrive ratio that doesn't involve added electronic controls are manual transmissions, the AOD and 4R70w are small block transmissions only and while the E4OD is available for a big block it needs the electronics to operate correctly. Other options include a Gear Vendors unit or you could simply regear the rear axle to something in the low 3.xx range.

 

My vote would be a rebuild... You have a non-computer tranny... IE if you switch to an E40D you have to buy and refurbish a E40D tranny and buy a stand alone computer for it so it will shift. Not to mention the headache of wiring it all in!

a good rebuild on a C6 will last forever and only costs $500... $300 if you buy the kit and do it yourself! Bad Shoe Productions has C6 Rebuild dvd's online so you can do it yourself. E40D rebuilds.... $1000 Minimum for a rebuild... E40D's are a good tranny but for the extra $1500-$2000 you'll have to pay up front... I'd rather put the extra cash into gas and keep the reliability of the C6 myself... If you have extra money to blow then buy yourself a E40D but make sure it's a later one... 94-96ish I think... the early E40D's had problems...