Exactly what I heard when I was researching one before I swithched to a 700R4
700r4 questions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 237
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From: Newbury MA
700r4 questions
not to beat a dead horse but i've tried a quick search and didnt come up with too much. 2 years ago i installed an 82 700r4 in my 79. just recently reverse quit working so its time to swap it out. the transmission i installed was free so thats why it went in.
i've read that 88 up are the better 700's. what year did they become computer controled? i want to be able to run it with just a tv cable and whatever wiring for the lockup. so whats the last year before they became electronic?
and also are transmissions that were mated to 305 engines the same as ones that came from a 350?
i've read that 88 up are the better 700's. what year did they become computer controled? i want to be able to run it with just a tv cable and whatever wiring for the lockup. so whats the last year before they became electronic?
and also are transmissions that were mated to 305 engines the same as ones that came from a 350?
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Fort Drum New York
not to beat a dead horse but i've tried a quick search and didnt come up with too much. 2 years ago i installed an 82 700r4 in my 79. just recently reverse quit working so its time to swap it out. the transmission i installed was free so thats why it went in.
i've read that 88 up are the better 700's. what year did they become computer controled? i want to be able to run it with just a tv cable and whatever wiring for the lockup. so whats the last year before they became electronic?
and also are transmissions that were mated to 305 engines the same as ones that came from a 350?
i've read that 88 up are the better 700's. what year did they become computer controled? i want to be able to run it with just a tv cable and whatever wiring for the lockup. so whats the last year before they became electronic?
and also are transmissions that were mated to 305 engines the same as ones that came from a 350?
as far as how much abuse they can take, ive heard the later ones (up to 1992) are better, but Ive got nothin' to back that up.
-Bob
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
not to beat a dead horse but i've tried a quick search and didnt come up with too much. 2 years ago i installed an 82 700r4 in my 79. just recently reverse quit working so its time to swap it out. the transmission i installed was free so thats why it went in.
i've read that 88 up are the better 700's. what year did they become computer controled? i want to be able to run it with just a tv cable and whatever wiring for the lockup. so whats the last year before they became electronic?
and also are transmissions that were mated to 305 engines the same as ones that came from a 350?
i've read that 88 up are the better 700's. what year did they become computer controled? i want to be able to run it with just a tv cable and whatever wiring for the lockup. so whats the last year before they became electronic?
and also are transmissions that were mated to 305 engines the same as ones that came from a 350?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: Newbury MA
i found a transmission on craigslist from a smashed up 89 camaro. 150 bucks and it looks really clean on the outside and the fluid dosent look bad either. the guy i bought it from said it worked fine. i'd rather take someones word for it then buy a muddy peice of trash from a junkyard. the price was deffinately right and he seemed trustworthy. looks like i'm gonna be busy for the next few days
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 581
Likes: 60
From: USA
before you put in the used trans, consider doing the following basic stuff:
replace front seal. the one that mates with the torque converter.
install high-perf governor (will affect shift points) from vette or IROC.
install your choice of shift kit.
of course, replace filter and use torque wrench when replacing pan gasket.
replace front seal. the one that mates with the torque converter.
install high-perf governor (will affect shift points) from vette or IROC.
install your choice of shift kit.
of course, replace filter and use torque wrench when replacing pan gasket.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: Newbury MA
i was thinking of doing the front seal, theres some oil residue on the inside of the bellhousing and i havent figured out where its from. it could be a rear main on the engine or it also could be from leaky valve covers or intake gasket dripping down, or the seal on the tranny.
is doing the front seal just like doing any other type of lip seal?
is doing the front seal just like doing any other type of lip seal?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
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Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 398
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From: Sacramento California
I swapped a TH 350 for a TCI "Street Fighter" 700 R-4 and changed the gears to 3.73:1 in the rear end. I love the swap. Lower gears mean a much harder launch, while the O.D. means I can cruise on the highway at comfortable RPM's. The swap was done in my 1978 stepside chevy pickup. I did have to move the transmission cross member and I ordered a slightly shorter (Aluminum) driveline because of the longer overall trans length.
For the cable controlled 700 R-4's look for a large K on the case, this will indicate a stronger casting.
For the cable controlled 700 R-4's look for a large K on the case, this will indicate a stronger casting.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 581
Likes: 60
From: USA
when replacing the front seal on the trans, using one of those curved seal pullers, be very careful that the tip of the hook only engages the steel part of the seal, and not the bushing that's right behind it.
otherwise you might accidentally carve a huge gouge in the bushing.
other than that, it's pretty straight forward, should pop right out. there might be a seal retainer (circular type of clip thing), that's good insurance. once upon a time, these seals used to come out for whatever reason, probably the earlier versions.
otherwise you might accidentally carve a huge gouge in the bushing.
other than that, it's pretty straight forward, should pop right out. there might be a seal retainer (circular type of clip thing), that's good insurance. once upon a time, these seals used to come out for whatever reason, probably the earlier versions.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 21
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I've heard from a reliable source that the stronger 700R4's all have the large cam shaped casting line on the RH side of the case. It's pretty easy to see when the trans is out on the floor but can be a little difficult to pick out if the trans is in the car and dirty.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 237
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From: Newbury MA
I've heard from a reliable source that the stronger 700R4's all have the large cam shaped casting line on the RH side of the case. It's pretty easy to see when the trans is out on the floor but can be a little difficult to pick out if the trans is in the car and dirty.
the 700r4 swap is well worth the effort, highly recommended
