Ok so we got the C4,  and I am ready to get the parts in order to stuff that baby in the 56,  question has anyone mated a C4 to a stock , Y block in a truck , I'd like to know about how much effect the automatic transmission effects the performs ..  when it hard the 3 on the tree it moved pretty good.. At some point someone must of rebuilt it ..  this truck needs to get out on the road its been in my garage for 6 years , it does run great by the way.. I'm looking forward to this I'll have my part by end of the month ... hoping Sept ..to get it out .. thanks!

http://www.y-blocksforever.com/tech/html/c4conv.html
http://www.ford-y-block.com/c4install-car.htmthe above may be useful. 
one point, you are required to tig weld the converter studs, they move   so check flex plate fit preferably out of the vehicle  .
 
stuey

For the kick down rod in my 56 Bird (C-4) I used the stock 56 rod but had to lengthen it and add a different end to it to match the trans.  The engine and trans were out so it was pretty easy to do.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Well I did it .. You know C4's are hard to find I found a rebuilt in Eugene,   for $200  I select it to use Flat-o Adapter ,  I know I need torque  Converter , the kick down cable I'm going to try to use stock column , I think Lo Kar  cable ,  Someone put one piece glass in it  I put electric windows in with the stock cranks , though really  I found out its easy to put new regulators in..    Over all I really like the stock 56 , but wide tires , no power steering & 3 on the tree in town  I selected to keep ford with ford though I'm a GMC man ..  so by the end of the month one old 56 will be back on the road and not on jack stands ..   

These old parts are getting harder and harder to find ..    I drove over two hours to get the C4 I found   3 , on crags  I presume you could go to a junk yard ..  or buy new for a few bucks ..  In any case I picked a path .. 

When I buy C4s I try to get the pan filled versions,I heard they are a little heavier built then the case filled. I will be seeing if they are adaptable to the Y block soon and being pan filled they kind of look like a FOM.



Butchering up everything I can get my hands on in Dayton Ohio

The Ford C4 started with a 5 bolt bellhousing and by 1965 it changed to a 6 bolt. The 65,66, and 67 C4 were the green dot. Normally started in second gear. From 1964 to 1969 the input shaft was 24 spline on each end ( the part that engages the T/Q ) 1970 was 26/24 spline. 1971 and later the input shafts are 26 spline on each end and a better choice of T/Q. V8 C4 have more clutch plates and steels. Remember these are all getting old and will need new seals so plan ahead. The C4 is very easy to rebuild, re new. Good luck Pete

Looks like a nice deal. 

Since the Y-block adapters are made by Flat-O, you might call Gene and ask him about the tranny. When I changed to a C4, he was very knowledgeable and helpful.

Don

Based on the article in mustangsandfords.com, the best C4's are 1970 and later.  Also, depending on whether you plan a floor or column shift, get a comparable C4 because the shift arms on the trans's are different, although you may be lucky like me and get one with the shift arms that were up and down.. 

I did  C4 conversion on my 56 Bird and I'm very happy with it.

I would check out  a trans shop to see if the 6 cyl c4's were the same as the V8's. 

That said, I have a 48 Ford (302) with an earlier C4 and it has given me very good service


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Thanks Charlie....A lot of good information there.

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID