Best Core to start with?

**tcgrmt** · 11-14-2006, 08:15 PM

Looking for a core to start my rebuild project and trying to figure out which vehicle to look for.

I'd like a C5 (for the better oiling) case fill (for header clearance). I read somewhere in this forum about 82 (?) up having harden shafts.

**forthman** · 11-14-2006, 08:40 PM

I like the C5's hardened shafts, oiling , forward drum can hold 5 firctions easy.

**tcgrmt** · 11-14-2006, 09:03 PM

Yeah I want a C5 but what vehicles are the best to find what I'm looking for?

**forthman** · 11-15-2006, 04:31 PM

C5's 81 thru think 86 on some cars and trucks.
Look for 81-85 t-birds or cougars v6 or v8's
I think bronco's and some vans had them also.

**MisterN** · 11-15-2006, 05:47 PM

Some info...

1982 Mercury Cougar Station Wagon

1983 mercury cougar; 3-speed automatic (C5) - standard equipment & 4-speed overdrive automatic (AOD) - optional on V6, standard on V8

1984 mercury cougar; 3-speed automatic (C5) & 4-speed overdrive automatic (AOD) & 5-speed manual (T-5; XR7 only)

1985 mercury cougar; 3-speed automatic (C5) & 4-speed overdrive automatic (AOD) & 5-speed manual (T-5; XR7 only)

1986 mercury cougar(SEFI); 3-speed automatic (C5) & 4-speed overdrive automatic (AOD) & 5-speed manual (T-5; XR7 only)

1987 mercury cougar; 4-speed overdrive automatic (AOD)

1980 Ford Thunderbird

1981 Thunderbird

1982 Ford Thunderbird

1983 Ford Thunderbird

1984 Ford Thunderbird

1985 Ford Thunderbird

1986 Ford Thunderbird

1983-86 Bronco II; can't find C5 info...

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: MisterN on 11/16/06 7:48am ]</font>

**64 TBOLT** · 11-15-2006, 10:35 PM

83/84 on the B2's

**PaulS1950** · 11-16-2006, 10:02 AM

Full and mid-size cars with 302 and 351W but make sure they don't have the FMX (cast iron case - aluminum bell and tail housings).
I like the pan fill with the case mount bell housing but there are clearance problems on some cars and with headers with the case mount bells. There is the added expense of the new valve body, converter and bell housing to make the C5 into a C4. aside from those pieces if you get a C5 from most any full size car it will have the five clutch drums and will take less internal mods to make it a durable transmission.
What are you planning to put in front of it? How much HP will be under the control of the tranny?
Paul

**tcgrmt** · 11-18-2006, 08:20 AM

Great info guys, Thanks! This will save me alot of time.

This will be going behind a 302 stroked to 331 (380 RWHP/380 RWTQ) in a 1993 Mustang that I run in SCCA "C" Prepared autocross events. Future engine upgrades to be competitive will require 600+HP so I plan to build the tranny with that in mind to some extend as funds allow.

**mikeandnatasha** · 11-18-2006, 09:21 AM

Keep in mind that theres really nothing that the C5 case has that the C4 case cant me modified to do in 20 minutes. If you have a good C4 case dont give it up to pay for a C5.

**tcgrmt** · 11-18-2006, 01:16 PM

OK got my core today out of a 86' T'Bird. Tag ID # E5SP-CA