1989 E350 Tranny swap

msingleton · 11-11-2009, 09:03 AM

Is there a direct bolt in replacement for the 3 speed tranny that came stock? This is in a motorhome and I'd like to put in a 4 speed overdrive. I think I would have to replace the drive shafts but that shouldn't be a problem. Just looking to see if something will bolt up to the bell housing, flex plate, etc. Thanks for any suggestions.

Case 7230 · 11-11-2009, 09:44 AM

What engine is it?

msingleton · 11-12-2009, 02:38 AM

Apologize, I was in a hurry yesterday. It's a 460 with fuel injection in a Coachman Catalina motorhome.

Case 7230 · 11-12-2009, 05:32 AM

That restricts your choice to an E4OD. The E4OD is a much bigger trans than your C6 so you would need a driveshaft mod. Unfortunately it is also electronically controlled so you would need a stand alone controller for it such as a Baumann or similar. The trans would bolt right up but may need mods to the cross member.
For a good E4OD plus controller you are looking at big $ so if it was me, I think I would stay with the C6 and maybe look out for an overdrive unit for it ( can be big $ also) maybe on Craigslist or ebay.

msingleton · 11-14-2009, 05:32 AM

Thanks, I'll check out $'s and see if it's worth it in the long run.

hotrodpc · 11-14-2009, 06:22 AM

What is your purpose for doing the swap? Get the rpm's down, fuel mileage, increase top end or what? I have a 93 Box Van with the 460 EFI, E4OD and a 4.10 ratio Dana 70. With the wind drag, the mpg is 7-9mpg loaded or unloaded and I am sure your rig is likely heavier than mine empty. I assume or guessing you may be getting 5-6mpg? I think it would be alot of work, and big expense and not very feasible. I have also made a trip in the truck loaded with OD off to see if less strain on the engine would improve mpg. No change in mpg, so I'd say what you get now, is what you will get after the swap. There is only 1 advantage to the OD trans. I have ran that truck loaded with a light load, towing a 16ft tandem axle trailer with 3 ATV's on it with the speedo buried and the motor wasn't screaming or begging for mercy. The C6 is alot less expensive to have rebuilt also when and if the time comes.

11-11-2009, 09:03 AM	#1
msingleton Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 7	1989 E350 Tranny swap Is there a direct bolt in replacement for the 3 speed tranny that came stock? This is in a motorhome and I'd like to put in a 4 speed overdrive. I think I would have to replace the drive shafts but that shouldn't be a problem. Just looking to see if something will bolt up to the bell housing, flex plate, etc. Thanks for any suggestions.

11-12-2009, 02:38 AM	#3
msingleton Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 7	460 ci Apologize, I was in a hurry yesterday. It's a 460 with fuel injection in a Coachman Catalina motorhome.

11-14-2009, 06:22 AM	#6
hotrodpc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: OK Posts: 6,935	What is your purpose for doing the swap? Get the rpm's down, fuel mileage, increase top end or what? I have a 93 Box Van with the 460 EFI, E4OD and a 4.10 ratio Dana 70. With the wind drag, the mpg is 7-9mpg loaded or unloaded and I am sure your rig is likely heavier than mine empty. I assume or guessing you may be getting 5-6mpg? I think it would be alot of work, and big expense and not very feasible. I have also made a trip in the truck loaded with OD off to see if less strain on the engine would improve mpg. No change in mpg, so I'd say what you get now, is what you will get after the swap. There is only 1 advantage to the OD trans. I have ran that truck loaded with a light load, towing a 16ft tandem axle trailer with 3 ATV's on it with the speedo buried and the motor wasn't screaming or begging for mercy. The C6 is alot less expensive to have rebuilt also when and if the time comes. Attached Thumbnails __________________ *Winners NEVER Quit , Quitters NEVER Win !!!*

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11-11-2009, 09:44 AM	#2
Case 7230 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 665	What engine is it?

11-12-2009, 05:32 AM	#4
Case 7230 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 665	That restricts your choice to an E4OD. The E4OD is a much bigger trans than your C6 so you would need a driveshaft mod. Unfortunately it is also electronically controlled so you would need a stand alone controller for it such as a Baumann or similar. The trans would bolt right up but may need mods to the cross member. For a good E4OD plus controller you are looking at big $ so if it was me, I think I would stay with the C6 and maybe look out for an overdrive unit for it ( can be big $ also) maybe on Craigslist or ebay.

11-14-2009, 05:32 AM	#5
msingleton Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 7	Thanks, I'll check out $'s and see if it's worth it in the long run.