[WFOJOE]

I am considering swapping a small block C6 for my FMX (Reverse went out in FMX). Besides the transmission cooling lines and length of driveshaft, what else should I consider in deciding whether or not to do the swap? Is there a difference in the linkage? I am sure I will have to relocate the crossmenber too.

Thanks!

 

[Cougrrcj]

Just 'man up' and rebuild your FMX. Nothing to it, really. I wouldn't put in an untried or unknown C-6 (or any other trans for that matter) without going through it first. Nothing worse than going through all of that headache (cutting driveshaft, different trans crossmember, cooler lines, linkage, etc) only to have the 'new' trans go to crap after a week. Case in point - I took a running AOD out of my '89 Crown Vic, and put it out back behind the barn... Two years later, a buddy needed a AOD for his car, so he's hot to drop it in. Well, those pesky wasps built a nest inside the cooler fitting, plugging it with mud. Good thing they checked! The then took the trans apart to gauge overall condition (it still had the 'cherry' in the pan, too - at 205k miles!!!). The O/d band was almost toast. They went ahead and rebuilt the trans, and now all is right with the world. It'll probably last another 205k miles!

 

[1970fastcat]

The linkage is different and so is the crossmember, not to mention you will need a new converter and probably other stuff if you are getting a used one. Why not just rebuild the FMX? They are really good units and weight about the same as a C-6, plus you wont have to change anything. If you take it to them, any good trans shop should be able to rebuilt it for less than 500 bucks. I made the mistake of swapping my FMX for a C-6 when it went out altogether, and ended up costing way more than expected.

 

[WFOJOE]

I would definitely go through any transmission prior to installing. Not really down on the FMX its just that my back band is busted and I'm having problems finding a shop locally that has one or can get me one. I haven't thoroughly searched yet, but was just considering other options (I have a C6 in my shed as well as a C4). I would prefer to just put the FMX back where it belongs but I need the parts.

 

[Leroy Reeves]

Here are a few links to sites I found for FMX parts.

http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/FMX_transmission_parts_s/2144.htm

http://www.makcotransmissionparts.com/FMX.html

http://www.transpartsonline.com/tpfile/tpcat.asp?TransPartsOnline=FMX&TransPartsType=FMX

http://eatmyshift.net/MONSTERFiles/ford/automatic-transmissions/fordmatic-fmx/index.html


Hope something here helps
Here is a link to a thread on this site about rebuilding the FMX transmission
http://www.mercurycougar.net/forums/showthread.php?53005-FMX-Rebuild-Question&highlight=fmx

An adjustment procedure I found while searching:

Front band:
Loosen the front servo adjusting screw locknut.
Pull back the actuating rod and insert a 1/4 inch spacer bar between the adjusting screw and the servo piston stem. Tighten the adjusting screw to 10 inch lbs torque. Remove the spacer bar and tighten the adjusting screw an additional 3/4 to 1 turn. Hold the adjusting screw fast and tighten the locknut securely 20-25 ft. lbs
Rear Band:
Loosen the locknut on the rear band external adjusting screw. Tighten the adjusting screw to 10 ft. lbs. If the adjusting screw is tighter than 10 ft. lbs., loosen the adjusting screw and retighten to the proper torque. Back off the adjusting screw 1 1/2 turns. Hold the adjusting screw steady while tightening the locknut to the proper torque 35-40 ft. lbs. Severe damage may result if the adjusting screw is not backed off exactly 1 1/2 turns.
If you have a book it might show pictures to clarify what is said here.

Lots of references in different threads to talk to these guys
http://www.broaderperformance.com/

Here is a tutorial on installing a shift kit in an FMX

http://www.thecurb.org/Webazine/Pits/fmx_shiftkit/FMXshiftkit.pdf

 

[BlueOvalRacing]

The C6 steals more Hp than the FMX.

/Tommy.

 

[posidude]

The C6 steals more Hp than the FMX.

/Tommy.

X 2 on that, why not go with an AOD?

 

[WFOJOE]

Leroy, thanks for the links; I had found one or two of them in my initial search.

Posidude, I don't have an AOD so not in the mix right now. I was considering options based on what I have already, a broke FMX, a small block C6, and a C4. Thanks for the input though.

 

[dfwcatsclub]

The C6 steals more Hp than the FMX.

Always wondered what the difference was. What did you measure? Or are you guessing?

I would definitely go through any transmission prior to installing. Not really down on the FMX its just that my back band is busted and I'm having problems finding a shop locally that has one or can get me one. I haven't thoroughly searched yet, but was just considering other options (I have a C6 in my shed as well as a C4). I would prefer to just put the FMX back where it belongs but I need the parts.

Easy to replace. I have multiple bands in my "good" used supply. Built 30+ FMX's over the years.
The FMX is pretty easy to DIY if you're curious. A couple of simple tools are needed otherwise it's a breeze.
You should think about pulling the FMX and just fixing it. Too bad you're not in Dallas. Wanna drive up here and do it on a weekend?
Or send it to Broader Performance -- he is one of the best in the biz for doing FMX's.

 

[WFOJOE]

DFWCATS, I have a friend here we have nicknamed "Evil Fred" because he is a great mechanic that is rebuilding it. I have given him info in case he needs it since it's been awhile that he's done an FMX. The FMX is out and apart. I checked Broader's website and they don't list FMX parts or transmissions anymore, I know they used to. A call in on the list of "to do's".

Thanks!

BTW - How bout them Aggies!

 

[dfwcatsclub]

Jay still does the FMXs but he's not the best deal for getting parts.

ALL of the parts are available. I use www.Transtarindustries.com (local warehouse here) for my parts. Rear band can be purchased but may have a delivery delay.

Good luck with it!

Oh and whoooooooooooooppp!!