Aside from a complete transmission...
Aside from a complete transmission rebuild kit, were using the TransGo Performance Shift Kit in our C6. The TransGo kit firms up the shifts, which extends clutch and band life, and it quickly gets power to the driveshaft for better performance.
Premier Performance suggests...
Premier Performance suggests working the gasket mating surfaces over with a friction block as shown, which trues the surface for better sealing. Remember to clean the case afterward to be sure all the metal shavings are removed.
When its time for case...
When its time for case assembly, we begin with the intermediate servo, which locks the intermediate band. The largest C6 intermediate servo is the R servo used with the 428 Cobra Jet. Using the largest servo puts the greatest amount of pressure on the band where drum grip is most important.
The intermediate servo installs...
The intermediate servo installs as shown.
Premier Performance checks...
Premier Performance checks servo operation using compressed air at the fluid passage. The servo works fine. If theres no servo movement, check the servo piston and seal for leakage or binding. Always lubricate the servo piston bore and seal with transmission fluid.
Transmission leakage isnt...
Transmission leakage isnt always a pan gasket. The manual shift linkage pivot point uses a press-in seal in the case. Always install a new seal, and lubricate the seal and shaft with transmission fluid.
Premier suggests the easier-to-install...
Premier suggests the easier-to-install 16-element roller clutch (left) with plastic cage versus the factory steel piece (right). A roller clutch also is known as a one-way clutch.
Low and reverse clutches alternate...
Low and reverse clutches alternate with each other as shown.
Clutch platesalso known...
Clutch platesalso known as steelsshould be scored with 600-grit sandpaper, for improved friction, and then cleaned with brake cleaner or laquer thinner to remove any grit.
The low-reverse clutch spring...
The low-reverse clutch spring assembly is installed first. Springs are compressed using a special tool (PN T65L-77515-A). Any tool supplier can order this one.
It is also an easy tool to...
It is also an easy tool to fabricate yourself. It holds down the clutch springs for C-clip installation.
The roller clutch is next...
The roller clutch is next as shown. This allows the low-reverse drum to turn only in one direction.
Install the tailshaft, and...
Install the tailshaft, and then follow with the low-reverse drum assembly. The low-reverse drum slips in place as shown. Think of it as a puzzle.
The reverse planet carrier...
The reverse planet carrier and ring gear are next.
This snap ring retains the...
This snap ring retains the low-reverse clutch and planet package.
The reverse-high drum is next,...
The reverse-high drum is next, which is already assembled with new clutch discs and resurfaced plates. This slips in place inside the case. Dont forget to resurface the drum with 600-grit sandpaper, and then clean for improved band friction.
The intermediate band slips...
The intermediate band slips into place as shown with the ends toward the bottom of the case.
Next are both of the servo...
Next are both of the servo struts for the intermediate band. On the left is the band adjustment strut, and on the right is the servo strut being installed.
To adjust the intermediate...
To adjust the intermediate band, torque the adjustment screw to 10 lb-ft, and then back the adjustment off 11/8 turns. Make sure you tighten the locknut.
Front pump installation, which...
Front pump installation, which supplies lubrication and hydraulic pressure for transmission function, is next. Dont forget the gasket. Torque the pump bolts to 28-40 lb-ft in a crisscross fashion.
The governor assembly should...
The governor assembly should be trued by milling, which ensures a leak-tight marriage with the output shaft. The governor functions are based on output shaft speed, which manages fluid pressure through the transmissions valvebody based on vehicle speed. This is part of what determines upshift timing.
The governor is installed...
The governor is installed on the tailshaft as shown. Always check the governor piston for freedom of movement before installing.
The tailshaft housing is next....
The tailshaft housing is next. Torque the housing bolts in a crisscross fashion. Dont forget the gasket.
The vacuum modulator controls...
The vacuum modulator controls upshift, based on intake manifold vacuum when your foot is on the accelerator pedal. Ford calls this the primary throttle valve. This valve is adjustable, which determines upshift and downshift points.
The C6 Cruise-O-Matic transmission was born to meet the needs of high-torque Ford big-blocks. What makes this transmission such a tough competitor is engineeringa heavy-duty case stuffed full of rough and tumble components that can take extraordinary abuse. Although the C6 can handle just about anything an engine can dish out from the factory, theres always room for improvement in restoration and performance applications.
We looked to the experts at Premier Performance in Huntington Beach, California, to handle our C6 performance needs. Our subject C6 is from a 68 Shelby GT500 sporting 428 power. This means it has most of the right stuff for nearly any performance challenge an FE big-block can dish out. Were going to show you how to take it a step further.