Hi all,, Newby here. I am used to swapping transmissions in larger fords,,and chevys,, but until now have never had the need to swap out a transmission in a pinto. I just bought 74 wagon with the 2.3 in it and an automatic transmission. I am wondering about swapping to a manual trasmission. Pros and cons? The only automatic tranny I had in a pinto was in a 72 hatchback with a 1.8 in it,,and it was way underpowered. So I am wondering about swapping a manual into the wagon.. Who can help? If it has enough power with the 2.3,, I say leave it alone as it may hurt the cars value,,
But so far no one has told me that the automatic wasnt a slug. Any experience in this will help me! Thanks,, Victor
Either trans is good if you have an engine to push it. IMHO start by tuning the engine up (Twick it) and maybe a shift kit. If that is not enough then you will have to upgrade to some performance parts. I prefer the 4 speed but like I said you need a good engine in front.
We can help you swap, could get expensive, but it can be done.
2.3's stock have enough Kick to get you moving with a 4 spd, Auto's depending on if its a c3 or a c4 can vary. If you have a c3 they are a mite sluggish. the c4's are easily modded to make better shifts. either way they are fun. but i pref a 5 spd over an auto anyday. Kind of miss my nissan with its 2.5l turbo and 6spd was a very fun car. =) hope it helps. I have a c4 in my bobcat that will be gone to put in a t-5 or something perhaps that has just a bit longer area to put the lever at the hole for the shifter. Anywho good luck on what ever you choose. pinto's and bobcats are fun either way.
I have gone the other way. I had a 4spd and it blew out first gear. Since my Pinto will be boosted the cost of replacing a stick shift trans that would hold up to the motor would get very exspensive for me. So i realized that going auto made sense and also for health reasons. At that point I found a complete C3 from bellhousing to tailshaft for $100 and made the swap. With the aftermatket shifter and transcooler and line and so forth I have about $400 in the swap total. Luckily the drive shaft was a perfect swap. Next year I plan on putting in a C4 as there is going to be a new bell housing available to mount V8 C4s to a 2.3 block. That is going to give me a bulletproof drivetrain for the least cost. Then when I boost it I don't have to worry.
But this is just my way, do what works for you. either way just driving it is a great feeling after about 2 years of work.
jim
Hmm,,Now you have my direct attention,,Theres a bellhousing available for the c-4? That is indeed good news to hear! Wonder if it means installing a smaller torque convertor? Gives me a good alternative to go to without damaging the cars value. Although,, The car is not going to be re-sold. I live at the base of several mountains,, so of course I drive up some good grades that can overheat even some newer cars. Hence the consideration of a manual transmission. So I guess the first step is shuffling around the local yards and trying to see what parts will cost and wiegh virtues of each....Thanks guys! Victor
also remember that you can take the v6 c4, and add the v8 valve body to it as well as the v8 springs. the c4 i have will be up for sale when i finish my swap.
Well,, I have to admit, This sounds easy enough to do. I guess I really should see what rear end ratio it has before going any farther. See what that 2.3 is going to spin going down the freeway at 80 MPH. My previous encounters with putting a manual 5 speed in a toyota crayola ended in a new rear end as well to makeup for the higher 5th gear.
It makes leaving the automatic in the car sound so much easior!
try squeezing a 2.5l infinity engine and 6spd trans into a 1997 Nissan 200sx. thats just as much work as the "crayola" ive done alot of swaps with imports. 1985 crx si comes with a d15 block ive swapped them out for the ZC engine, as well as the b16b1 and b20a. its all in what you want the car to do =)
get under the car and count the trans pan bolts. 74s came with a c4. if its a 11 bolt pan its a c4.
Now this is good news! As I am getting ready to transport the car here, I don't have it where I can climb under it today. But if it has the c-4 that is great news. I think I have lots of parts available to me back in missouri. The car is only about 20 miles from me,,but due to its sitting in storage for so long,, I want to trailor it home for fear of blowing out a rotten tire, or worse yet, one of the rubber hoses going boom.
Out here the intense heat drys and rots anything rubber,, so better to play it safe and wait until i can trailor it home safely.
it gets warm in palm springs. not hot like az but comfy.
To use a C-4 you need a C-4 to 2.3 bellhousing. They are somewhat rare. I believe they only came in 1974 Pinto's. Most sell on Ebay for about $125, less shipping.
My understanding is that with stepped dowels the 2.0 C-4 Bellhousing can be used. As I understand it the 2.3 has two sets of upper bolt holes. One set works for the 2.3 bellhousing and the other for the 2.0 bellhousing.
This is what I have read, not done. So, check with others.
See, You came to the right place. These guys and girls love to jump on a subject and won't leave ya hanging. Listen close, they know their stuff!
All I can say at this point is a big thank you to everyone! Sure is nice to know there are others into pinto's. I can't wait to start in on this project. Just a shame I am not blessed with a pile of money so as to have all the parts waiting for the car when it arrives. I would even take vacation time so as to work on it.
we all try to do our port to help others with our as someone on here put it " disease " i love my car and am hoping to buy another wagon.
Actually those 2.3 C4 bellhousing are going for more like $300 and they are 35 years old and very rare. The new bellhousing is supposed to come out in september and will be a SFI blessed piece. I like it because i have a C3 in mine now and next spring when the income tax refund hits i will only have to buy a bellhousing and V8 trans. the convertor and flex plate stay. I have driven mine with the C3 and since it is mated to a 3.08 rear it is a bit sluggish but not too bad. I can stay up with traffic no problem. I will be going to a 4:10 posi rear and that will really wake up the car.
You might want to find out what rear gear is in your car when making your decision on what to do.
jim