C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Transmision question

Old Mar 15, 2007 | 09:28 PM
  #1  
gmg1977's Avatar
gmg1977
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
From: Joplin Missouri
Default Transmision question

I resently pulled out my stock 350 out of my 74 and dropped in a beautiful 496 big block. I have not had a chance to take the new engine to the local dyno but I estimate its performance hopefully 500+ HP. My question is, since I have never driving my car before the engine swap and have no idea about how good the internals of my 33 yr old TH400 are, would it be better to have it checked out and rebuilt if necassary or would it be better to but a different tranny? I figure since in 74 the 454s had TH 400s it should hold but I would like someones advice that has done the swap before and the outcome.

Thanks
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2007 | 09:31 PM
  #2  
Pete K's Avatar
Pete K
Race Director
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
Default

400's are tough. If it were me, I would take a chance and use it. The cost of refreshing them is the same either way. Drop it in, burn rubber and enjoy
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2007 | 09:34 AM
  #3  
BBNJKen's Avatar
BBNJKen
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 137
Likes: 5
From: Clifton NJ
Default



Change the trans fluid, new filter, and if you don't have one yet, add an external cooler in front of radiator.


BB NJ Ken
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2007 | 09:00 PM
  #4  
gmg1977's Avatar
gmg1977
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
From: Joplin Missouri
Default

Thanks, for the responses. I agree I should go with the current setup. I can always change it later if I want to go to a 4 speed auto setup.
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2007 | 09:06 PM
  #5  
bobs77vet's Avatar
bobs77vet
Race Director
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Default

if you have gone this far keep going and get an o/d tranny you will not be happy with the 3spd
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2007 | 09:20 PM
  #6  
bert21563's Avatar
bert21563
Instructor
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Brattleboro Vermont
Default

400 is a tough tranny but would get the cooler and i would put a shift kit in with a change of fluid an filter but thats just me an turn the tiers
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2007 | 09:55 PM
  #7  
TimAT's Avatar
TimAT
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Default

400'S ARE tough. Stick a shift kit (Trans-Go) in it and run it until it gives up. When it does, here a a few goodies-

Install a 34 element sprag and intermediate drum.
Use all the clutches and steels you can from a 4L80E trans. They are a little bit thinner so you can add 1 or 2 steels and face plates into each clutch pack, giving you way more clutch surface area. Be sure and maintain the recommended clearances in the packs!
Use the Trans-Go kit.

I built one like this for a 500+ CI Camaro- The guy was running way low in the 10's= KCIR told him to take it home and put a cage in it or stay home. Very streetable, no banging gears until you asked it to.

I almost forgot- HAVE FUN!!

Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Transmision question



Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:12 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE