mzimerf

So I'm about to rebuild my trans since it quit on me. Any advice on removal.
Exhaust is not an issue, I have side pipes, but any tips? Ive done manual trans before but not on a vette. Bell housing removal? Thanks

gkz

As far as rebuilding, I'd recommend the B&M Transkit.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BMM-30229/

The instructions walk you through step by step w/pics.

For additional parts and pics:
http://www.transtar1.com/catView.asp?ID=627

mzimerf

Thanks for the link. What recommendation do you have for a torque converter? I was thinking of 2000-2200 stall

7T1vette

The advice I have for you is: DON'T! Don't rebuild you 350; replace it with a 200-4R or 700R4 overdrive transmission. The 200R is a direct swap, but you want the 200 to be rebuilt with some heavy-duty components so that it is more durable. The 700R is a better unit, but it requires more car modifications (crossmember, E-brake pulley repositioning, etc.). Both use a TV cable instead of having a vacuum modulator.

The overdrive tranny gives you much better fuel mileage, better highway driving comfort, and is much easier on the engine at highway speeds.

Nothing wrong with rebuilding the TH-350; just thought you ought to consider the advantages of the O'drive unit while you are working on the tranny area.

Lon Wayne

Yep i concur I have the 400 but if it ever goes out OVERDRIVE Baby.

mzimerf

I have had a friend tell me the same however I would like to keep mine factory. Numbers matching and tranny too. Its all original otherwise I would have done a 4 speed swap. this is my first vette and will be with me for a while.

7T1vette

So, pull the old tranny and keep it in a corner until you decide to sell the car; it can go with the car and stay 'matching' completely. While you are using it, install the o'drive tranny and enjoy the benefits. If the next buyer wants the tranny so he/she can reinstall it...so be it.

This is exactly what I've done and my car is "numbers matching"; it was in the same family for 34 years and nothing was added or removed except for wear-out pieces...and they were replaced with factory spare parts. It would be 'criminal' not to have the original parts to reassemble the whole car...if someone wanted to. But I'm also saving wear'n'tear on the original engine by installing the overdrive tranny.

gkz

Many factors to consider before choosing a converter. A friend had success with TCI, so I gave them a try. Like you, I went with 2100-2200 stall. Fill out the questions on TCI's website and they'll recommend what you need. (I only have a mild build)

http://www.tciauto.com/tc/tctransrecommendation

scottyp99

So, you want to keep it factory, huh? Side exhaust on a '79, that must be a very, very rare factory option. 1 of 0, maybe? Whatever........YAAM.


Scott

Mark G

What does "YAAM" mean?

scottyp99

Here's a coupla pretty good articles on rebuilding th350s. And YAAM is my secret, sorry.

Scott



http://www.carcraft.com/projectbuild...dup/index.html

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...oin/index.html

David Mc

There's a good series of rebuild videos from Technical Video on youtube.

Like this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWAFPD5xT4g

As far as shift kits, I prefer the Superior HP. It should be installed during an overhaul.

mzimerf

Update- the trans is apart and I had to build a spring compressor. Not buying one. Welded up some threaded rod and steel plate. Saved 140. Got the best rebuild kit I could with colene steels and kevlar band. Now just need to install tje clutch spring and 2 hours of assembly. Not too bad

ptroxx

YAAM. You are a mess......LOLOL..... Org car....LOL Just sayin...lol

Vette79C3

I just pulled my TH350 from my '79 this past weekend to install a PI Vigilante 2800 Stall TQ Converter. New aluminum pan, gasket and filter, with new tailshaft. Also a new TQ converter cover. During startup we had some crazy awful reverb noise. Thinking it's the new TQ Converter cover. Has to disassemble drivers side header and exhaust for removal of this solid aluminum cover. Live and Learn. Looking for a plastic cover now but interested in your TH350 build. Are you going with a new TQ converter?

mzimerf

New tci 2400 stall. You know, my cover was only on with two bolts(4 normally) and no noice. Not sure why its doing that.

mzimerf

Update- my homemade tool didnt work out too well but I used half of it. Took the threaded rod with the press feet I made and threaded into a steel flat plate and bolted it to the trans bolt holes. Then bam! Got the reverse clutch spring in place with the snap ring. Finally. Now I can finish this thing. Pics to follow soon in case someone wants to make this tool instead of buying it. Heres what I used

3/8" threaded rod
1/4" steel strip to bolt to trans
3/8" tap to thread the strip
A piece of 6" steel strip to bolt two half sircle feet to.
A piece of 6" steel strip to use as a turn handle
The feet were cut from utility light stands-the yellow lights you buy at home depot.
4 nuts for the threaded rod, 2 bolts for the plate to trans, 2 bolts and spacers to the feet.
Pretty simple to make and total cost would be roughly 12 bucks at home depot instead of 140 at kd tools.

Next up is the shift kit, then the pump. Any advice and tips would be awesome.

gingerbreadman1977

A heavy duty sprag or at least the sprag race should be one of the first parts to upgrade on a th350 . Any half decent torque will leave it crumbled in your pan like breakfast cereal otherwise.

mzimerf

Update- need to install vac modulator and oil pan on the way. And thats all. Not bad. Except one problem. I have one plastic washer left over(a good mechanic always has extra parts) and not sure where it goes. The trans is assembled already, not sure where its from. Might have to dissasemble it again. Sucks.

scottyp99

Do you know where the plastic washer is supposed to go? Or is it what I call a "mystery part"?


Scott