C4 or TKO?

[yellow1995Cobra]

Well i know my T5's days are numbered, so im trying to figure out what to do about a new tranny. I was orginally going TKO for sure, but my friend has me considering a built c4 with a transbrake and reverse manual valve body.

Im thinking the C4 would be much more consistant at the track, and the ability to launch the car underboost would be great. Ive been reading some threads on TM.com, and it seems to be that if your making more then 600rwhp, your gonna have to freshen the c4 often..

Cost really isnt an issue either way, just want the best for the car. With all things being equal, the c4 is gonna blow the tremec away at the track correct? Between quick shifts, launching underboost, and holding boost between shifts.. What do you guys think?

 

[VibrantRedGT]

Troy (Rdsnk95) went from a T-56 to C-4 and now is the leader on the 1/4 mile list. Seems he knocked off some serious ET with that change. Just a thought.

 

[wytstang]

with 600rhp you better know how to shift really fast. it would be easier to shift an automatic than a stick with that type of ponies. as far as refreshing a c4 think of the cluches that you will go through holding that type of power.

 

[Rootus]

I'm planning on a TKO or *possibly* a G-Force T-5 (haven't ruled it totally out, and it does have a .59 overdrive...). If you go with a C4, it'll be interesting to see what it does for your times (assuming you run it back to back with no changes but the tranny). You know there are ways to get boost on launch with a manual tranny...

Dave

 

[Joes95GT]

I'm not bashing the C4 when I say this, but they just aren't as fun as a stick car. The debate of which type of transmission is faster has been going on for years and my opinion on the matter will only start a war. I don't believe that C4's need to be rebuilt after every so many runs either. If they are built by a hillbilly who doesn't know what they are doing, and dissatisfactory parts are used, then yes, they will probably need to be overhauled every few years. Crappy customer service or not, I personally am a fan of the G-Force. If you don't want that, get a TKO.

Joe

 

[yellow1995Cobra]

Thanks for the replies...

Well im not planning on 600rwhp yet, just 500 rwhp for now. We will all know in two weeks or so what it puts down..

I kno that with a two step, i would be able to build boost on the line. But even so, i would have to power shift the5 spd to hold boost between shifts. How long will a TKO last being power shifted with 500rwhp? I will be running QTP's(hoosiers street slick).

In the end, i just want the car to be as fast as possible. Even if its not as fun to drive, as long as it hauls ass and is reliable at the track im happy.

Maybe troy will see this and tell us what he thinks of the C4.

What does a C4 weigh in comparison to the TKO?

 

[Redsnk95]

HEHE...put it this way, I've always been a TRUE die-hard 5/6speed guy, but after only 3 passes at the track with my C4....i'm converted. If your not worried about gas mileage, then IMO the C4 is the way to go. I have a Trans King built C4 (transbrake w/ reverse manual valve body, billet servo, upgraded front clutches etc...aka good for 750hp all day long). This tranny is sweet on the street, (easier on your left knee..lol), just click click.
Before my last track visit, my best ET was 11.56 @ 123 on 17in nittos. Then I added the new 17in ET Streets, the C4, and a PI converter....and came home with 10.77 @ 127. I was running out of track b/c of the 26in tires...and my 60ft times weren't that great (1.64)...so there was a ton left in that set-up. Just imagine, some more timing, 28in tires, skinnies...hehe, you get the picture...not bad for a lil 302. My converter was going up to 3400 on the transbrake, and boy is that fun...building 10lbs of boost on the line...just let go off the button and pull (much better than pushing) the shift twice and never pick your foot up.

If you wanna see any pics of my interior or the tranny let me know I can post them. I removed the center console and installed a new carpet kit, along with the B&M Pro Stick shifter...it turned out awesome.

Troy

 

[Slow5.0]

TKO , my friend have 630HP (725 at flywhhel) and he run 10.8@130 , if you can shift go with TKO if not go with C4 (automatic )

 

[Redsnk95]

See....

his friends 630rwhp with a TKO 10.80 @ 132

my 540rwhp with a C4...10.77 @ 127 (and I weighed 3500 on the pass)

Troy

 

[94VIRGINIASTANG]

I like mine a whole lot better,its very consistent.My only problem right now is the converter I got in the conversion kit I bought from Performance Automatic(not there brand its a PTC)is just not working for me.I think its to loose so im looking to switch soon.

 

[Slow5.0]

C4 is good for big HP , but man thats auto
My opinion is THO , I love listen engine and exhaust by shifting gears that you can't get in auto

 

[Redsnk95]

Seth, you just need to go down the track in a manual valve body C4...you'd see. Your still manually shifting the car with the type of C4 of I run.

Troy

 

[yellow1995Cobra]

Troy, thats exactly what i was looking to hear! Thanks for the info.

How much did your whole settup end up costing- soup to nuts? And yea id love to see some pics of everything..I believe a guy in my area has a c4 in his 351 fox body, im gonna hafta get him to take me for a ride. All the information im getting about the C4 is making me want to get it more and more. I just need to have a plan so when the t5 takes a dump ill be ready.

I hoping to pull a high ten this summer, race weight should be about 3150 or so, so i think i will have the power to weight ratio to do it. I just need a tranny that will hold up. What rear end gears are you using? Im gonna put my 3.55's back in, and figure out a tire size to get..

How much does the C4 weigh compared to a tremec or t5?

Thanks again.

 

[Redsnk95]

C4 was lighter than my T56. I think I spent $1000 on the tranny, $250 for the bell, $200 for th flexplate, $700 for the converter, $$$ in the cooler, lines, $200 in the shifter. A great way is to do what Virginia94stang did is getting the whole kit from PA, but get the converter from PI or Edge. I just had to make a steel plate to connect the cross member to the tranny mount...since the C4 is about 2in farther back. I'll get some pics posted for ya.

Troy

 

[Redsnk95]

Here's some pics. I removed the center console and put in a new carpet kit.

Troy

 

[Slow5.0]

Seth, you just need to go down the track in a manual valve body C4...you'd see. Your still manually shifting the car with the type of C4 of I run.

Troy

Thats something else
I know C4 or builld auto tranny is better than manual tranny(stick) ,they take less time by changing gears but I still love 5 speed and have auto because stock auto in Stang are weak
Anyway yellow1995Cobra do some research and find out what people use for setup like yours

 

[yellow1995Cobra]

Looks great troy. Is that the only option when using a C4 in our cars? To remove the middle console, or is there a way to get the shifter into the stock location?

Virginia, you have any pics of you settup inside the car?

Theres a place in conneticut, that builds C4's. There trannies are called dynamic mighty mite. From the threads on TM.com i read, people seem to be very pleased with theres. Im gonna have to give them a call, they arent to far from my house..

What rear end gears where you using when u ran out gear @ 127 troy?

Thanks.

 

[94VIRGINIASTANG]

No I dont have any pics of mine.I did the same thing as Redsnk at first just not as neat.Then I got to missing my armrest so I modified the center console.I ve seen were people have put the shifter in the stock location.

 

[BelueLX]

I love my C4. You can flip the piece on the tranny upside down and make a linkage to use with your stock shifter like i did. I did mine on a budget: C4: 50$, rebuilt for racing: $185, TCI SF: $375. Ive probably made 100 passes on it and 2000 street miles but Im not putting out as much power as most people.

 

[Redsnk95]

yellow1995cobra: No you can cut a hole in your console and put the type of shifter I have in it. Or you can use the B&M Hammer, they make a kit that will work with a 94/95 console, and works with a C4....but it's a ratchet type shifter meaning you just hit shifter. Just click it...not like mine were you pull the shifter through the gates.
As for Dynamic...they are probably one of the best C4 builder's in the country...and have awesome converters. IMO...when it comes to a C4...you want the builder to be remotely close, so that if there is a problem you can just drive it back to them (shipping a tranny sucks). YOu will like Dynamic...

Troy