351W stroker + ZF into 85 ranger

[projectnitemare]

I killed a moderately built C4 twice. I got tired of dumping parts into it. You will have a huge load of cash invested in a 1000hp C4 and still a good bit in one to handle 500 or so ft-lbs. The C6 is a little larger but it will fit. Ebay is the last place where I would look for something like a toploader. They are kind rare so you will pay top dollar for sure. I refuse to ever use Ebay parts on a build ever again unless they are new and in the original box; I got tired of buying trash. If you check the traders guide, find some friends and their dads if they are car guys, check some junkyards and you will be able to find one. You should be able to find it for under $700. Heck the SBF ZF 5-speed is rather rare as well.

Mac you have a sweet car...trade you straight up for my truck?


Matt

 

[defrag010]

Thanks for the advice. I've been trying to avoid going the automatic route, I would prefer keeping the truck a 5 speed for the fun factor. Again, the truck won't ever go down a 1/4 mile strip or anything, I am just going for a cheap beater truck that I can have fun driving every day and when the time comes, stick it in gear and hand fast cars their asses on the hiway.

If I'm going to have to cut the tranny tunnel for both a c6 or a ZF, I'll just stick with the ZF. For the cost and effort of tracking down an old toploader, I can easily find a ZF and hack away!

 

[Twizzler09]

If you want to keep a manual, theres another version of the AOD called the 4STB.... its just the AOD with a manual valve body essentially. Both the AOD and 4STB should be able to handle the torque/hp numbers you stated.

my .02

 

[projectnitemare]

You won't need to hack the firewall very much at all for a C6 but it is kinda tight. A ZF you will be seriously getting into the firewall and much of the floor. The C6 is big in the bellhousing area, the ZF is big everywhere. Being you have a 2wd there are really much better choices than the ZF. I'm not trying to brush you away from it, but there are just much better options if you want it to be find to drive. The ZF shifts like a school bus. A T5, toploader or any other good car manual will make a a world of difference. Personally if I didn't like the superdeep 1st for a good crawl ratio I would have went with a C6.

Matt

 

[moremotor]

i got a 351w in my truck with a couple small mods, you basicly need to have a 3 inch body lift if you want to fit the c6 trani and that goes with a lot of other things, cant fit the motor fan you need electric. its a pain but its all worth it.

 

[v-8power]

I have a 2WD ranger with a 351W with a c-6 and i dont have a Body lift. I'll be running my manual fan as well. It's all in how you place your engine.