C-4 help!

[bigblokstang]

I just picked up an early model c-4 that has been rebuilt, and a 2800 converter with a shift kit...but anyway, what i am wondering is, this is one of those that when the selector is placed in drive, it starts out in 2nd gear. the only way to get "low" first gear is to manually shift it down. i guess my question is can you just replace the valve body with a later model one that isnt set up that way?
the trans works great, shifts hard....but there are times you dont feel like manually shifting it, and i am afraid it will generate alot of heat and premature wear by it starting out in 2nd all the time.

any info would be appreciated!!

thanks!

 

[hllon4whls]

It should always start in 1st from a dead stop. If you crawl along, they will usually shift to second at a low speed if there is no load. Then they dont downshift to first unless you are at rock crawling speed.

Some C4's when put in second, will shift from first to second auto matically. At least that was the way the one in my 80 F100 worked.

 

[gopher_6_9]

Shift kit is your problem. The c6 in the f-150 I am driving right now while the ranger is down is like this, it is caused by the cheaper shift kits (B&M and TCI etc), you get used to shifting manuelly. I am telling you though get a TCI street strip valve body, you won't regret it the ranger is badass with it.

 

[NKau]

Would this by chance be a '65-'66 C-4?

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

My C4 does that, but i think if you pay super close attention you might notice it in 1st for a short while before it hits second? Mine is only in first for like 10 feet, i'm guessing because of my gear, but it's all second after that. Personaly i hate it with a passion, and i'm putting a 5 speed back in it this spring.

 

[289Mustang]

Early model C4s up to '66 would have a shift pattern like 2-D-1, my 66 has this setup.
All C4s after 66 should have the normal D-2-1 shift pattern.

 

[bigblokstang]

I think it came out of a late 64 galaxie with a 289.
the owner was a relative of mine, and he said that it has always done that (start in 2nd) even when it was totally stock. I just wasnt certain if a newer style valve body would go into the early model c-4's w/o problems.

 

[NKau]

Yeah, you want to go ahead and put a '67 or later valve body on it. No problems that I'm aware of.

 

[ashford]

the only tranny i know of that takes off in 2nd gear in drive was the cruisomatic, if put in 2nd gear it got a 1-2-3 shift to it.

 

[bigblokstang]

Yeah, you want to go ahead and put a '67 or later valve body on it. No problems that I'm aware of.

thanks NKau.

i appreciate all the input from the other members too!