Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: C4/FMX Question (Read 1325 times) previous topic - next topic

C4/FMX Question

Hey all,
Been "years" since I've been here, so please excuse my absence.  I hopefully am about to purchase an 86 Cougar with what sounds like a burnt-up C5 trans.  I will not be financially able to afford a rebuild on the C5.  I have found both C4's and FMX's in my area for pretty reasonable prices.  I haven't found any C5's.  Oh, and it will be going behind the 3.8.  My question is, are either of those a good candidate to swap, if I'm on a tight budget?  I've read that the C5 is basically a C4 with a lockup converter.  Would I need to swap the flywheel?  I don't believe that Ford ever put a C4 behind the 3.8 from the factory, did they?  Anyway, I appreciate any advice.  Glad to hopefully have a reason to return to the site.  Take care.

C4/FMX Question

Reply #1 –
Do a 3.8 t-5 from a 94-98 mustang.

Pretty much bolts in. Swap pedals, add a flywheel/clutch and buy the trans for $150 at a u pull it yard
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

C4/FMX Question

Reply #2 –
What was the total setup to use that v6 t5?
88 Cougar
88 T-Bird
other cars that don't apply to this forum

C4/FMX Question

Reply #3 –
Use 94 up mustang parts. That's pretty much it. There's a sticky here somewhere with a full write up.

The driveshaft will be too short.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com
 

C4/FMX Question

Reply #4 –
IMO if deciding between a C4 and FMX, I would choose the C4.  Plenty of shift and rebuild kits available .
1988 Thunderbird TC, 5spd
Stinger 3" single exhaust, Cone Filter, Adjustable Cam Pulley, Schneider roller cam, Walbro 255 lph, AEM Wideband O2
'93 Mustang Cobra replica wheels on 235/50R17

'21 F150 Powerboost
'17 Husqvarna TX300

C4/FMX Question

Reply #5 –
I was actually to find a C5 somewhat close, which I assume is in good running condition (the CL seller didn't expressly state what condition it was in) for $150.  I'm not going the hotrod route with this car anyway (which I still haven't purchased but hope I'm close), so I never plan to modify the trans for that 120HP V6.  The C5 should be a plug-n-play install, shouldn't it.  Does it matter what year or car that the C5 came from?  That's probably the route I'll take if I get the car and the transmission seller still has the C5 when I get ready.  Just out of curiosity, would the C4 have gone right in the place of the C5 without any issues?  Need to swap flywheel?  Bolt patterns line up?  Thanks again.