BB Bolt pattern C6 and 352FE?
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loveoftiki
- Posts: 26
- Joined: April 8, 2011, 9:11 am
BB Bolt pattern C6 and 352FE?
Ok I am getting a Big Block Ford bolt pattern C6 trans. Aside for the torque converter and shifter what am I missing? This will bolt up correct? I remember here the trans mount needs to move a little. Sorry if this has been covered, I did search here. Will I benefit from this versus the 3 speed in here now.
POOR BOYS C.C.
SINS OF STEEL - DAVISBURG, MI www.sinsofsteel.com - Look it up!
SINS OF STEEL - DAVISBURG, MI www.sinsofsteel.com - Look it up!
- banjopicker66
- Posts: 1488
- Joined: July 17, 2006, 1:59 pm
- Location: Middlesboro, KY
Re: BB Bolt pattern C6 and 352FE?
Please accept my apology if I sound rude, but we need to clarify some terms to get you a precise answer.
The term "big block" is a Chevrolet term, with a specific meaning to the 350 blocks.
Ford uses the term family or series to distinguish between the different engines, including things like bolt patterns.
To further complicate the issue, the term "big block" is colloquially applied to engines 400 CID and over
With the FE engines, this generates confusion. Stock FE configurations include the 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427 and 428.
The 335 engines are 351C, 351M and 400.
The 385 family of engines includes the 370, 429 and 460.
The Windsors, by the way, although not in the 400+ range, include the 289, 302 and 351W.
So to answer the question, which engine did your transmission come from?
If it came off an FE, then yes, it will fit any FE, which stock for '65-'67 would be a 352. The FE used '68 - '76 in trucks was either a 360 or a 390. (I think only the 390 was offered for cars, and that was only to '70.) And you are correct, that you need the flexplate (with ring gear) and torque converter. (Warning Caveat here: If it came off a 428 you will need a different flexplate - post back if that is true, and we can navigate this one easily for you.)
Other wise, we need to know what engine it came off of originally.
The term "big block" is a Chevrolet term, with a specific meaning to the 350 blocks.
Ford uses the term family or series to distinguish between the different engines, including things like bolt patterns.
To further complicate the issue, the term "big block" is colloquially applied to engines 400 CID and over
With the FE engines, this generates confusion. Stock FE configurations include the 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427 and 428.
The 335 engines are 351C, 351M and 400.
The 385 family of engines includes the 370, 429 and 460.
The Windsors, by the way, although not in the 400+ range, include the 289, 302 and 351W.
So to answer the question, which engine did your transmission come from?
If it came off an FE, then yes, it will fit any FE, which stock for '65-'67 would be a 352. The FE used '68 - '76 in trucks was either a 360 or a 390. (I think only the 390 was offered for cars, and that was only to '70.) And you are correct, that you need the flexplate (with ring gear) and torque converter. (Warning Caveat here: If it came off a 428 you will need a different flexplate - post back if that is true, and we can navigate this one easily for you.)
Other wise, we need to know what engine it came off of originally.
- Uncle Skip
- Posts: 4695
- Joined: July 15, 2006, 8:30 pm
- Location: Pearland, Texas

Re: BB Bolt pattern C6 and 352FE?
Gerald is right. The FE series motors he refers to all have the intake manifold as a part of the cylinder head. The bell housing bolt pattern is round on the top and the bell housing is cast directly into the transmission housing and is not removable.
The most simple answer for the 429/46 "385" series motors, which I suspect you are calling BB, will have a flat section (squared top) between the two top most bolt holes on the transmission. The bell housing is cast into the transmission body too, but will have 5 ribs cast into the top of the case.
http://www.fordification.com/tech/transID-auto.htm
The most simple answer for the 429/46 "385" series motors, which I suspect you are calling BB, will have a flat section (squared top) between the two top most bolt holes on the transmission. The bell housing is cast into the transmission body too, but will have 5 ribs cast into the top of the case.
http://www.fordification.com/tech/transID-auto.htm
I'm not arguing with you. I'm just explaining why I'm right.
Pardon me. Does your deaug bite?
Pardon me. Does your deaug bite?
- banjopicker66
- Posts: 1488
- Joined: July 17, 2006, 1:59 pm
- Location: Middlesboro, KY
Re: BB Bolt pattern C6 and 352FE?
Thanks US for pointing out he may be discussing a 460, I was assuming he meant an FE.
And to add a bit of additional information on the 385 C6:
The later 460 C6 transmissions eliminated the 5 ribs in favor of thicker bellhousing casting walls.
If you have a '65 or '66 that had a 3 speed or a COM automatic from the factory, those 5 ribs will strike the underside of the cab on the lower transmission hump.
I had an '88 C6 without the ribs, and it fit fine.
Tried to install a rebuilt '68 dated C6 case with the ribs - no go.
I had to grind the ribs off (long story, to get it in the truck), and hated every minute of altering a piece of history.
And a correction for Fordification: He includes the 429/460 as 335 engines, but they are not. They are in the 385 family. He correctly indicates that 335s (with a VERY few exceptions) share the same bolt pattern for the transmission with the 385s, though.
And to add a bit of additional information on the 385 C6:
The later 460 C6 transmissions eliminated the 5 ribs in favor of thicker bellhousing casting walls.
If you have a '65 or '66 that had a 3 speed or a COM automatic from the factory, those 5 ribs will strike the underside of the cab on the lower transmission hump.
I had an '88 C6 without the ribs, and it fit fine.
Tried to install a rebuilt '68 dated C6 case with the ribs - no go.
I had to grind the ribs off (long story, to get it in the truck), and hated every minute of altering a piece of history.
And a correction for Fordification: He includes the 429/460 as 335 engines, but they are not. They are in the 385 family. He correctly indicates that 335s (with a VERY few exceptions) share the same bolt pattern for the transmission with the 385s, though.
Re: BB Bolt pattern C6 and 352FE?
YOu forgot the 221 and the 260 Windsors and the 361 FE made in the late 50's which was basically the same as a later 360 only different, just to be technical. Might as well get all of these in here.
Rich`
Rich`
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loveoftiki
- Posts: 26
- Joined: April 8, 2011, 9:11 am
Re: BB Bolt pattern C6 and 352FE?
Thats it , its got 5 ribs on the top of the caeUncle Skip wrote:Gerald is right. The FE series motors he refers to all have the intake manifold as a part of the cylinder head. The bell housing bolt pattern is round on the top and the bell housing is cast directly into the transmission housing and is not removable.
The most simple answer for the 429/46 "385" series motors, which I suspect you are calling BB, will have a flat section (squared top) between the two top most bolt holes on the transmission. The bell housing is cast into the transmission body too, but will have 5 ribs cast into the top of the case.
http://www.fordification.com/tech/transID-auto.htm
Now will it work with my 352 and any benefits besides just putting it in drive and hitting the gas pedal? thanks for all the help
POOR BOYS C.C.
SINS OF STEEL - DAVISBURG, MI www.sinsofsteel.com - Look it up!
SINS OF STEEL - DAVISBURG, MI www.sinsofsteel.com - Look it up!
- Uncle Skip
- Posts: 4695
- Joined: July 15, 2006, 8:30 pm
- Location: Pearland, Texas

Re: BB Bolt pattern C6 and 352FE?
"Now will it work with my 352 and any benefits besides just putting it in drive and hitting the gas pedal? thanks for all the help."
No.
Unless the bell housing is round it is not a C6 for an FE and will not work.
No.
Unless the bell housing is round it is not a C6 for an FE and will not work.
I'm not arguing with you. I'm just explaining why I'm right.
Pardon me. Does your deaug bite?
Pardon me. Does your deaug bite?
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loveoftiki
- Posts: 26
- Joined: April 8, 2011, 9:11 am
Re: BB Bolt pattern C6 and 352FE?
Thanks back to square 1. I would kind of miss shifting anyway !! it's a flat top bellhousing
POOR BOYS C.C.
SINS OF STEEL - DAVISBURG, MI www.sinsofsteel.com - Look it up!
SINS OF STEEL - DAVISBURG, MI www.sinsofsteel.com - Look it up!
- ezernut9mm
- Posts: 9141
- Joined: July 21, 2006, 9:37 pm
- Location: KCMO

Re: BB Bolt pattern C6 and 352FE?
can you post a pic of the bell housing? this aint as easy as gm stuff. there are too many to assume about.
always
"i believe i've achieved satisfaction".-bubbles
"should i be gettin" baked for this boys?"-bubbles
i could no longer keep "r.i.p.ing" all of our fallen brothers and sisters, so i say here, slick loads of love and much respect to all you beautiful people.
"i believe i've achieved satisfaction".-bubbles
"should i be gettin" baked for this boys?"-bubbles
i could no longer keep "r.i.p.ing" all of our fallen brothers and sisters, so i say here, slick loads of love and much respect to all you beautiful people.
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fire truck
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Re: BB Bolt pattern C6 and 352FE?
Just for fun there is more than one bell pattern for the 335's and the Windsors too....
So good lookin' that I've attracted an international stalker.
Rest in Peace Bumpstick....I miss ya man.
Rest in Peace Bumpstick....I miss ya man.
