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Auto trans

Old Oct 13, 2013 | 09:11 AM
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Default Auto trans

Will a 400 auto trans fit in a 80 Vette?
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Old Oct 13, 2013 | 09:19 AM
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Yep! You'll need to hook up a electric kick down switch and a different drive shaft.
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Old Oct 13, 2013 | 11:54 AM
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Yes, but why would you want one? That tranny is bullet-proof...but it is also very heavy, the most inefficient tranny in GM's line of automatics, and does not have an overdrive range.

If you only want it for drag racing, and it is coming to you "free", maybe it would be a good idea. Otherwise, re-think which transmission you should install.
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Old Oct 13, 2013 | 04:45 PM
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I was thinking going from a 350 trans to a 400 trans would be an upgrade. I thought it would also help with highway driving.
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Old Oct 13, 2013 | 07:24 PM
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I don't think its going to help much to increase your fuel mileage, 400's are known for sucking a fair amount of HP.
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Old Oct 13, 2013 | 07:41 PM
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Your 1980 has lock up , so it will be better off with a TH350C then it would be with a th400
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Old Oct 13, 2013 | 08:20 PM
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Originally Posted by diehrd
Your 1980 has lock up , so it will be better off with a TH350C then it would be with a th400
Thanks for the input guys. I'll keep what I have and just fix the leaks and save a few bucks.👍
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Old Oct 13, 2013 | 11:10 PM
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Originally Posted by bschuus
Thanks for the input guys. I'll keep what I have and just fix the leaks and save a few bucks.👍
Take it to an auto trans specialist and suggest have him put a Transgo kit in it. It will shift better and the clutches will last longer with normal driving.

The 400 is a great trans, but the TH350 with a good kit in it will be as good as a TH400 and a hell of a lot cheaper to upgrade than to replace with a 400. The tailshaft length, output yoke, crossmember will all have to be changed if you go to a 400.

Regards from Down Under.

aussiejohn
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Old Oct 14, 2013 | 05:48 AM
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Doubt that the clutches will last longer with a shift kit. Hard shifts eat up clutch disc material. The shift strategy used by the manufacturer will provide the longest life for normal use (including the occasional 'hot foot').

Now, if you are drag racing the car a bunch, a shift kit might be the right thing to do.
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