Pinto Car Club of America

Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => Pinto FAQ => Topic started by: lostandfound on September 02, 2006, 08:36:19 PM

Title: C3 or C4
Post by: lostandfound on September 02, 2006, 08:36:19 PM
How can You tell the diffrence between a C3 and C4 ANd what do the C and numbers repesent?
also ive read the 27 cent modification on this site but if i do have a C3 what are some things i can do to make it shift crisper?

thank you ahead of time for your help YOUR COOL     :afro:

Lostandfound
Title: Re: C3 or C4
Post by: 77turbopinto on September 07, 2006, 08:16:17 PM
http://www.fordpinto.com/smf/index.php?topic=5548.0
Title: Re: C3 or C4
Post by: wagonmaster on September 07, 2006, 10:22:30 PM
The "C" originally represented a 1960 series Ford part number. The "C-4" got that designation because it was first introduced in 1964 (hence C for 60s and 4 for 64) for small blocks to replace the Fordomatics and started with a part number of C4AZ or C4OZ, depending on application. The CruiseOmatic was large and heavy so was never considered for the small block, but came back in modified form as the FMX for use with the 351/400 engines in the '70's. The CruiseOmatic was replaced with the "C-6" because it was introduced in 1966. The only thing that throws a wrench into all this is the "C-3" and "C-5". The "C-3" came out in the '70's as a cheaper, lighter trans for use with low powered 4 & 6 cylinder engines (which in the mid-late '70's was just about all of them!!!). I have been told that it originated from a European Borg-Warner, but I don't know that to be fact. The "C-5" was introduced in 1982 and was phased out in 1986 and replaced by the AOD. The "C-5" is a modified "C-4" with a lockup torque convertor.
Title: Re: C3 or C4
Post by: lostandfound on September 08, 2006, 03:03:38 AM
what is a lock up torq converter
Title: Re: C3 or C4
Post by: 77turbopinto on September 08, 2006, 06:25:27 AM
Basically it is just what it sounds like. There is a 'clutch' in the torque converter that will 'lock' at a specified speed and gear (by a computer) to bypass the fluid drive and make it 'like' a standard tranny. The benefit is that it eliminates the power loss that you have in a normal one.

Bill
Title: Re: C3 or C4
Post by: lostandfound on September 08, 2006, 07:01:20 PM
oh ok is there anything else i should know about the c3 any problems parts that fail stuff like that ?
Title: Re: C3 or C4
Post by: 77turbopinto on September 09, 2006, 06:13:57 AM
C3's are not all that durable and have a history of failure. That being said, I have heard of them lasting a long time too. I think it will depend on how the tranny was used and cared for too. For stock Pinto engine applications a c3 should do fine with care.

Bill
Title: Re: C3 or C4
Post by: lostandfound on September 10, 2006, 12:06:52 AM
does anybody know how many gears they have??
Title: Re: C3 or C4
Post by: wagonmaster on September 10, 2006, 02:20:21 PM
The C-3 and C-4 are both three speed transmissions.
Title: Re: C3 or C4
Post by: turbopinto72 on September 10, 2006, 09:49:45 PM
Quote from: 77turbopinto on September 09, 2006, 06:13:57 AM
C3's are not all that durable and have a history of failure. That being said, I have heard of them lasting a long time too. I think it will depend on how the tranny was used and cared for too. For stock Pinto engine applications a c3 should do fine with care.

Bill

Good point Bill. I wanted to say that about the T9 trans but said it a different way and it didnt come out like your post.
Title: Re: C3 or C4
Post by: 77turbopinto on October 29, 2006, 07:35:42 AM
Thank you.

One more question: What is the FIRST year was the C-3 was offerered in a Pinto?

Bill
Title: Re: C3 or C4
Post by: cromcru on October 29, 2006, 09:19:48 PM
right now i know that the c3 auto came out in nov of 73 for the new 74 model year 2.3 liter car. i believe the date is nov 16. if your asking how i know. a friend of mine bought a 74 model hatchback. and car is completely original. car was build in nov of 73 and sold as a 74 model year.this is the third pinto i have seen build in nov of 73 with the new 2.3 auto combo.  i hope this helps
Title: Re: C3 or C4
Post by: 78cruisingwagon on November 12, 2006, 01:03:19 PM
Yes, the C3 came out for the 1974 model year which started on
September 23, 1973. It was modelled on the Borg Warner Model
35 automatic that Ford used on European Cortina's. I think the last usage was 1980 when the Pinto was phased out.  It was built at Fords Bourdouex France transmission
plant.