Why do 4+3s have a bad rep?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 671
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From: WATERFORD CT
Why do 4+3s have a bad rep?
The one thing I have always regret is buying my C4 with an Auto tranny.So I was thinking of possibly getting another early C4 with a standard tranny. But everyone I talk to says that the 700r4 is a better tranny and to just stick with it.Is this true?Whats so bad about the 4+3 , shouldnt the standard outperform an automatic?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: Why do 4+3s have a bad rep? (scorp508)
It's expensive to replace/repair the overdrive unit. Most failures I've heard about are electrical (bad relay/solenoid/fuses) not mechanical, and usually have cheap fixes.
I've beat on my '85 4+3, and had no trouble. Well, actually, one time I did. The repair costed me 65 cents. (I tore the filter grommet during install and it sucked air, opening the internal pressure switch, thus preventing it from damaging itself.)
I've beat on my '85 4+3, and had no trouble. Well, actually, one time I did. The repair costed me 65 cents. (I tore the filter grommet during install and it sucked air, opening the internal pressure switch, thus preventing it from damaging itself.)
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 293
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From: Newnan Ga
Re: Why do 4+3s have a bad rep? (montie98)
The manuals have pluses and minuses. I have both. A big plus on the manual is the early c4's with manuals automatically came with a 307 diff. The early auto came with a 259 unless the option was ordered. The auto overdrive acts a little freaky sometimes, but overall it is a great trans. For my daily driver I prefer the auto, but for showing out I like the 4plus3.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
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From: Seattle Area WA
Re: Why do 4+3s have a bad rep? (montie98)
Like Scorp said, poor maitenance.
Like anything...if you beat the hell out of it, its not going to turn gold....well maybe it did and the soft gold caused problems. . . . .
But really...it seems there was a lot of confusion and bad treatment. But they are mean and a reminder of the stout 4spds (M-22 Rockcrusher....ect).
I love mine...especially when you turn off/on the OD unit manually...never had a problem!
:steering:
Like anything...if you beat the hell out of it, its not going to turn gold....well maybe it did and the soft gold caused problems. . . . .
But really...it seems there was a lot of confusion and bad treatment. But they are mean and a reminder of the stout 4spds (M-22 Rockcrusher....ect).
I love mine...especially when you turn off/on the OD unit manually...never had a problem!
:steering:
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,753
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From: Orange County California
Re: Why do 4+3s have a bad rep? (USAsOnlyWay)
I used to have an early C$ and i loved the 4+3. I think it's even a little more novel than the 6 speed (although not as practical. I liked rowing through the gears then when wanting to pass just hitting the O/D off switch to take off. If you maintain them i think they are as reliable as any other tranny. I never had an issue and i beat the heck outta mine.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: OBAMA IS HITLER
Re: Why do 4+3s have a bad rep? (montie98)
I know of a local guy who had an '88 4+3......had it for years and put alot of mileage on it, and never had a problem. He also mentioned he kept after the fluid changes, that the bad rap comes from many owners forgetting to do this simple maintenance.
