As you requested 55blacktie.

I love this setup, its snappy off the line, 0-80 in short order, 20 in vacuum, idles very smooth at 800 rpm and sounds great.
Air Cleaner: X-Stream Airflow, capable of supplying 680 cfm: 327 ci, 6000 rpm, no boost = max draw – 568 cfm (cut down the base to fit under the hood.)
Brawler Street Series, 600 cfm, Mechanical Secondary, Electric Choke (Ted has proven that a vacuum secondary can be a better choice.)
Blue Thunder intake, plenum dimpled
Carter Street Super Mechanical Fuel Pump (FE pumps fit.) RobbMc offers high performance options.
FBO distributor, 4secondsflat is awesome.
Wagner PCV valve (a noticeable improvement off the line.)
Valve cover breathers
FPA headers 2 ½”
Porter mufflers 2 ½” in and out
14° initial timing at idle with no vacuum
Full (not timed) manifold vacuum adds 16° at 16” = 30° at idle
at 3400 rpm 22° = 36° all in
Approximate weight of vehicle        2900 lbs
Compression ratio if over 9:1          N/A
Trans Type                                           Auto w/ 2000 rpm stall
Rear End gear                                      3.31:1
Cam duration at 50 if over 208        218
Aluminum or iron heads                   113s mild porting






.150 Stroked Y-Block:327.25 ci @ >1hp per ci
 

Most of the C4 conversions, mine included, have not been able to use  manual low although second is manually available.  I had a friend that was able to do so by fine tuning the shifter, but he had problems with it staying in park.  I believe he reset it so park was ok, but lost manual low. Since I don't go racing, it is not a problem and I still can downshift into second for the long downhills to help braking.. I haven't had any experience with an AOD

I am sure it can be done, but, but I don't think it can be done with a completely stock shifter.  Some mods most likely are required.


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

Paul, that pretty much goes along with everything else I've read. My OEM 55 shifter is in great shape; rather than making any permanent modifications to it, I would rather use the Lokar shifter. I've seen some C4 conversions that used the Mustang shifter, but I don't like the T-handle. I will either have to modify the shifter plate that bolts to the tunnel or have one made. I won't modify it until I have another in hand. 

55blacktie, here a couple thoughts. I’m sure all will involve some fabrication. But I’ve done 350 and 400 turbos and powerglides to 700r4’s and 2004R’ so I know the problem.

Maybe these Mustang guys have something that will help, I have no clue what the various Mustangs used.

https://calponycars.com/products/1965-1973-ford-mustang-automatic-overdrive-aod-shift-linkage-kit?srsltid=AfmBOopFRr8jCRY9DQ3Lny8s5oLwICNijNR2eqyvarqK4BbtSb-bMG1x

I’ve also used these guys, and the push button shifter might be close enough in looks to hide the change.

https://shiftworks.com/collections/shifters/products/button-top-shifter-for-1968-82-corvette

None of it will be easy, and maybe not cheap. But you can figure something out.

Sounds like a fun efficient combo.


miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Let me ask ...

Are you doing the conversion to get a SELECT-DRIVE TRANS (P-R-N-D-2-1)?

The F/M SINGLE-RANGE (actually a mid-case MERC-O-MATIC in the BIRD) will give you all three gears and you can select between them.

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Paul, we might have had this conversation before, but it's easy to forget the details when reconstructing something that has 10,000 parts. Anyway, did you use the C4 neutral safety/backup light switch with the original Tbird shifter?  

Well, I am not there but it seems to me that it is do-able using the BIRD shifter assy. You would have to fashion a shift rod and a either a kick-down rod or cable setup. In fact I wonder if it has been done before and the info was never shared?

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Yes - I used the original C4 neutral ,safety switch.  No mods needed except I had to change the wire connectors on the switch  to connect to the TBird wiring.  As you know, the C4 switch mounts on the trans and does not interfere with the TBird shifter.  I think I did have to straighten the rod a bit but the length was good.

The pic Kultulz shows the NSS if for a column shift. (points down).  The floor shift cars had the shift arm of the tarns pointing up  and that is what you need.  If you have the shift arm pointing down, a simple bracket attached to the existing arm can be made.





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

I drove my '57 Bird today.  It has an FMX transmission.  I used the original shifter and have manual low gear available.   Problem is, I don't remember if I had to modify the shifter or the transmission  arm to get enough travel  or if the FMX arm had the correct hole location to work with the original shifter.  I do have all shift positions available with the original shifter.  The FMX came from a car with floor shift.   I am still using the original  neutral safety switch which I have reworked so the car will  start  in Park and  Neutral.  Backup lightss work too.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

Hoosier, I considered installing a longer lever on the selector shaft/using a longer rod, but the shifter itself will only move so far. If you can recall exactly what modifications you had to make to be able to manually shift through all of the gears, particularly Low, I would appreciate it if you would share the information with us. 

Thanks, Paul 

Two gear-selector shafts were included with the C5 core I bought, neither of which was installed. Although the levers have different bends, neither appears to be for a floor shift. I considered cutting off the lever and installing an aftermarket lever that can be clocked in any position, but it can't be used with the C4 switch. I'm sure the builder (Jim Galatioto, ATO Performance Transmissions) will have what I need.

 I bought a C4 switch/w 4-prong plug; like you, I will have to remove the plug and attach compatible connectors. 

I noticed you are in search of a backup light housing. My 55 doesn't have backup lights, but I would like to add them. What needs to be done to work with the C4 switch? My 55 is 12v.

The only thing you  should have to do is run a wire from the ignition switch (accessory, hot when key on)  to the backup light switch (combo C4 NSS)  and then a wire from the NSS to the backup lights.

Originally, Ford ran the power wire from the headlight switch, so the backup lights would only work when either the parking or headlights were on.  A know some have changed this and wired the light to a power source other than the headlight switch.so the light would go on every time the trans was put in reverse so people would know the car was in reverse even in daytime...





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

I noticed you are in search of a backup light housing. My 55 doesn't have backup lights, but I would like to add them. What needs to be done to work with the C4 switch? My 55 is 12v.

As I remember, BACK-UP LAMPS were optional (both PASS CAR and BIRD) during this period and FORD released accessory kits to install at the dealer or owner level. The harness leading to the rear lamps incl the B/U LAMP lead. It was not used and tied off.

- https://www.npdlink.com/1955-1957-thunderbird/lighting/back-up-light-block-off          

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You are correct.