Yeah guess I've got used to the convenience of auto.
Transmission Decission
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Tullahoma Tennessee
Transmission Decission
Let me start out by saying that I know next to nothing about transmissions. I would like to replace the stock 3 speed th350 on my 1977 with something tougher. The engine I'm building will put out around 400 HP and I want a tranny that can handle the power. 
I also want to switch to a 4 (or preferably 5) speed auto, but I realize that a 5 speed would probably mean modifying the tranny tunnel and I really don't want to get into that. Anyway can anyone recommend a great, tough, bulletproof 4 or 5 speed that could handle the occasional burnout? Thanks and I hope this doesn't sound too ignorant. 
I also want to switch to a 4 (or preferably 5) speed auto, but I realize that a 5 speed would probably mean modifying the tranny tunnel and I really don't want to get into that. Anyway can anyone recommend a great, tough, bulletproof 4 or 5 speed that could handle the occasional burnout? Thanks and I hope this doesn't sound too ignorant.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
I have the 82 vette w/ the 700R4 and I love it. You will want to find a performance version from TCI,B&M<ect... They will set you up with cables,torque converter lock up and maybe a crossmember. You will love the LOW 1st gear and the MPG w/ the OD. The auto shifter in your can work with alittle modification. GOOD LUCK
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Do a search for Ford T5 Swap. It's a $1,500 install from start to finish, and will handle 400 hp if you're careful with it between 3rd and 4th. You will not have to modify the tunnel or any other part of the car with the exception of the cross member.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 109
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From: NH
Many people here have done swaps to 2004R's and 700R4's. The 2004R has the same overall length as the TH350 so you don't need to change the driveshaft. Do a search and you will find all sorts of info. Check out bow tie overdrives. they have a lot of info on their site as well.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 13,015
Likes: 2,260
From: Corsicana, Tx
2020 C2 of the Year - Modified Winner
2020 Corvette of the Year (performance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
2017 C2 of Year Finalist
A turbo 350 can easily handle 500-600 HP with a little work. 400 is nothing to one built decent.
A 2004R would be stronger than the 700r4. Check the Buick Grand National guys...they run insane power through them with good success.
Now if you're wanting a REAL trans..one that requires another pedal in the car...then we're really getting somewhere!!
JIM
A 2004R would be stronger than the 700r4. Check the Buick Grand National guys...they run insane power through them with good success.
Now if you're wanting a REAL trans..one that requires another pedal in the car...then we're really getting somewhere!!
JIM
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Tullahoma Tennessee
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
I did a 700 swap ten years ago, and first gear is way too short for a shark with 336 gearset in the rear, totally un necessary, second off, the 700 has an inherent design flaw....the 3/4 clutch pack suffer bad oil circulation and therefore cooling.....not a question of IF, but WHEN it fails.....little over a year ago I went the 200 4r route, and it's much better suited for the car...smaller, lighter, no driveshaft mods,
I cruise 90 at 2500 rpm....
I cruise 90 at 2500 rpm....
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 741
Likes: 1
From: Woodstock GA
I did a 700 swap ten years ago, and first gear is way too short for a shark with 336 gearset in the rear, totally un necessary, second off, the 700 has an inherent design flaw....the 3/4 clutch pack suffer bad oil circulation and therefore cooling.....not a question of IF, but WHEN it fails.....little over a year ago I went the 200 4r route, and it's much better suited for the car...smaller, lighter, no driveshaft mods,
I cruise 90 at 2500 rpm....
I cruise 90 at 2500 rpm....
I do agree on your TH-2004R choice, though...its better suited to cars that came with TH-350s, due to the shorter length and no need to modify the driveshaft. I installed one in my mom's 63 Impala convertible about a year ago, and I MUCH prefer it to the TH-350 that was in it (which replaced the original Powerglide). I changed the rear gears from the 3.36s that were in it to 3.70s at he same time, and still get better mileage and MUCH improved acceleration to get the big barge moving! The performance applications of this transmission came with 3.42 (Buick GN) or 3.73 (Monte Carlo SS/Olds 442) gears. These trasnmissions came in lots of GM cars, but the G-body "performance" models had a better valvebody.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 13,015
Likes: 2,260
From: Corsicana, Tx
2020 C2 of the Year - Modified Winner
2020 Corvette of the Year (performance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
2017 C2 of Year Finalist
The T-400 will handle anything you throw at it. But you said you wanted 4 or 5 speeds....the T-400 is a 3 speed.
JIM
JIM
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 592
Likes: 0
From: ElP TX
A turbo 350 can easily handle 500-600 HP with a little work. 400 is nothing to one built decent.
A 2004R would be stronger than the 700r4. Check the Buick Grand National guys...they run insane power through them with good success.
Now if you're wanting a REAL trans..one that requires another pedal in the car...then we're really getting somewhere!!
JIM
A 2004R would be stronger than the 700r4. Check the Buick Grand National guys...they run insane power through them with good success.
Now if you're wanting a REAL trans..one that requires another pedal in the car...then we're really getting somewhere!!
JIM
