FC Auto

[Muz]

Hi guys can someone help me with some info. I am converting an FC from manual to auto ,the question is will a ej auto column bolt in or do I have to modify it . Cheers Muz

[zulu]

Muz,

An EJ column will not completely line up with the bolt holes in the subframe but is close, you may have to enlarge one of the holes

An EK column will fit as I have done it

Gary

[Muz]

  Thanks for that.

[Omalley]

Im currently.running a trimatic behind a grey if u need any help

[john253a]

how do you find the trimatic and does it have the stock 186/202 converter

[Omalley]

No, u have to use a Gemini stall converter or a commodore 4cyl one

[earlyholdenfan]

I have been running my Grey / Trimatic combo for years and just used the original Stally from the donor car,

Omalley have never heard of the need to change stally, might have to look into that if ever mine plays up

Will definitely need to change diff ratio though the 3:89 will be shocking! I am running a 3:36 and it is heaven! but 3:55 is also highly recommended - depending on wheel tyre combo

Matt

[graham_fuller]

Hi Guys,
Do you have to change the Floor pan? What was the trimatic out of?
Cheers,
Graham

[Stash]

I have gone with an EK auto hump/floor fits perfectly into an FC.
From what I understand, it is a bloody tight fit into standard floor.

[mcl1959]

I also did the Trimatic with EJ column - The EJ column is a little easier to start with as it has a good neutral safety switch and lockout which modify well to suit the FE. Yes you do need to elongate a hole but is is a dead easy job if you use a drill file. The auto wont fit into a standard hump - I used the EK hump as well - factory finish floor.

Ken

[mcl1959]

Oh and I meant to add that I also used the standard 186 converter but mine was not behind a grey motor - I assume you mean running behind a grey???

Ken

[Stash]

an EK floor example here:
http://fefcholden.org.au/forum/index.php/topic,20152.msg129928.html#msg129928

[graham_fuller]

How much of the floor do you need to take out? What is the trimatic out of? Isn't the EJ Column shorter? How does that work? Can you use the FE/FC Steering wheel and indicator set up?
Cheers,
Graham

[Stash]

lots of good questions.
I am no guru and have spent now many hours searching and reading through this forum covering trimatics, auto columns etc.
What i have learnt is there is no 1 solution and depends what you want to do and are prepared to change.

EK floor fits pretty close  (almost exactly )to where the hump is, but obviously the more you have the more choice you have to blend it in.
Have a look in my construction page and you can see the size we got out of the EK. We had to closer than that as after blasting the outer floor was rusted.

As for columns, as far i understand EJ columns are shorter and won't take an original FE/FC wheel. Ken can confirm.

I am using an EK Auto columns as it will fit the original wheel, but will need to change/file the lock out, replace the neutral switch with a HR and change the auto lever (as it will hit the wheel), make a new PRNDL plus other mods that I haven't anticipated yet.
It is slightly shorter than the original column, but i reckon this is a good thing 

hope that helps.

John

[mcl1959]

The EK auto floor has a special "over the top" bracket which ties the two sides together - this is essential. It also has strengthening members which go from the crossmember back to the support under the front seat. This is also desirable to keep. I cut the floor from the join in the firewall to the support under the front seat and from sill to sill on the sides.
My Trimatic was from a UC Torana
Yes the EJ column is shorter and in stock condition will not take an FE wheel. It isn't too hard to graft on the top of an FC column onto the EJ column to make all the FE/FC stuff fit.
I don't think you can effectively shorten the column too far with an FE FC wheel because the wheel will hit your legs.

Ken

[Omalley]

I used a HQ hump, fitted good

[Stash]

see previous link for photo including "over the top" bracket..

[zulu]

I have coverted my grey to Auto



Everyone laughed  but I decided to use the tried, true and sometimes slow Hyyydraaaa-maticcc, the upside is you don't need a kit, just a good Hydra box, Auto flywheel & EK rear engine mounts, column and linkages.



Years ago, I went to a wrecker and they chopped the whole floor out of a perfectly good EK Auto
not something I'm proud of but hey, it was there for the chop anyway, this is a pic of the test fit FC Subframe up against the EK Wagon Auto floor, she fits!



you have to fiddle with the gearstick if you plan on keeping the FC wheel, but if you are lucky enough to have the whole front floor, drill out all the welds, it fits like a glove



Cheers, Gary