Automatic Options

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Dec 7, 2007 | 01:00 PM

Capt Roy

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 231

Likes: 1

From: Clear Lake Texas

Automatic Options

I have a 66 vert with a 4 speed. Due to the health of my left leg I am considering an change to a automatic so I don't have to work the clutch... will a 350 or 400 auto fit in this car? Anyone done the conversion...

Thanks,

Capt Roy

Dec 7, 2007 | 02:26 PM

JohnZ

Team Owner

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 38,897

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From: Washington Michigan

A 400 won't fit, but a 350 will; better bet is a 200-4R or 700R4 with overdrive 4th - both will fit.

Dec 7, 2007 | 02:46 PM

Paul L

Team Owner

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 30,995

Likes: 98

From: Ontario

If you wish to be period-correct, a Powerglide will obviously fit.

Dec 7, 2007 | 03:55 PM

Bluestripe67

Race Director

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 15,340

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From: Close to DC

C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020

Capt. Roy

Sent you a PM.

Dennis

Dec 7, 2007 | 06:01 PM

MikeM

Team Owner

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 26,118

Likes: 1,874

From: Greenville, Indiana

Any chance your car has a stiffer than normal clutch? Just a thought.

Dec 7, 2007 | 07:14 PM

Kensmith

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 7,631

Likes: 11

From: Rocklin California

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeM

Any chance your car has a stiffer than normal clutch? Just a thought.

When I bought my car it had a hi-performance clutch which I had removed and a factory type clutch installed. Still stiff but only about half as much. Maybe you can convert to one of those hydraulic clutches?

Dec 7, 2007 | 07:34 PM

Capt Roy

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 231

Likes: 1

From: Clear Lake Texas

Guys, First thanks for the input..

That may be an option, but I really think I will be wanting an auto soon. How does the powerglide hold up to horse power...

Capt Roy

Dec 7, 2007 | 07:41 PM

R6T7

Racer

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 473

Likes: 25

From: La Quinta CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt Roy

Guys, First thanks for the input..

That may be an option, but I really think I will be wanting an auto soon. How does the powerglide hold up to horse power...

Capt Roy

I have two powerglide 67's - one with a 427/390 and one with a 327/300 engine. I much prefer driving them over 4 speeds as my legs are well over 60 years old. I find that when driving a powerglide car with the high horsepower (high torque) engines, the powerglide is really quite impressive - the high torque seems to offset the inefficiencies of the transmission. I've been told that the powerglides are used by drag racers because they are virtually indestructable in high horsepower applications.

To your original question - if you value originality, why not stick with a glide?

Bob

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Dec 7, 2007 | 08:07 PM

knight37128

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 6,048

Likes: 5

From: "cutesy" TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt Roy

How does the powerglide hold up to horse power...

Capt Roy

A powerglide will be the only thing that will hold up to high horsepower.

Powerglide is what most use at the dragstrip.

Dec 8, 2007 | 01:11 AM

#10

Wilkinshc

Pro

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 575

Likes: 7

From: Rio Rancho NM

A properly prepped powerglide will hold up to high horsepower. The powerglides that are use in drag racing with high horsepower will cost you 2-4 thousand.

Now for street use I would go with a 200-r4. You will have overdrive, lower first gear and a lockup torque converter. A 200-r4 out of a buick Grand National in stock form will handle 400-500 hp motor and will give you better street performance and gas mileage. Spend 2-4 thousand and it will hold up 1000hp.

At the drag strip the powerglide would be fine but for the street the 200r4 is better.

Chuck