Motor Trans Upgrage
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 119
Likes: 3
Motor Trans Upgrage
Looking to drop a crate motor in my 79 that has 430HP/450 Torque. The transmission is a stock Turbo 350 I believe. Will this trans handle it, need to be modified or replaced? Any suggestions are appreciated. Thx!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
If the trans is in good shape, it will last a little while. If you get to playing with the HP/TQ, not so much. I'd suggest a torque convertor that matches up stall speed with the engine and rear axle. Again IF the trans is in good shape a shift kit won't hurt a thing and will likely help longevity.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 160
From: new iberia la
If you intend on putting that HP to the ground , that tired old TH350 in stock form wont hold it.for long . either beef up that trans or replace it with one built for that amount of power . My stock 81 TH 350 lasted one day behind my motor and I was just breaking it in. .. but I already had a shiny new built up 700r4 on the way, so I did not care
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,171
From: Hermosa
You can get a brand new th350 rated for 500 hp with shift kit installed for about $800. Smoking deal. Then get a higher stall torque converter of GOOD quality , don’t go cheap here, and you’ll have a screaming combo.
i have 440 hp with a th350 and 3000 stall converter and it’s a blast to drive. Last week broke the tires loose enough to slide sideways in a 1 to 2 shift at 60 mph. Trans still going strong.
Of of course you’ll need to consider the rest of the drive train too, or the weakest link is gonna break.
i have 440 hp with a th350 and 3000 stall converter and it’s a blast to drive. Last week broke the tires loose enough to slide sideways in a 1 to 2 shift at 60 mph. Trans still going strong.
Of of course you’ll need to consider the rest of the drive train too, or the weakest link is gonna break.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 529
Likes: 113
From: Texas
This would be a good choice. Engine and 700R4. This is a good drive anywhere setup.
https://paceperformance.com/i-231689...ans-combo.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,171
From: Hermosa
OP, it depends on what kinda budget you got to work with. The TH350 is dependable, cheap and sturdy. If you got the money I would go with a 200-4R over the 700R4. Gearing is more optimal and no drive line mod needed.
In any case if your upgrading the HP and TQ, consider everything down stream in the drive train. It may all need some beefing up. You can baby it a bit until the $$ can be had for upgrades, but eventually it will need to be done if you really want to have fun with it.
In any case if your upgrading the HP and TQ, consider everything down stream in the drive train. It may all need some beefing up. You can baby it a bit until the $$ can be had for upgrades, but eventually it will need to be done if you really want to have fun with it.
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
450 ftlbs on a 40 year old transmission? You are a gambling man my friend. My odds are on the house. At least take it out and have it freshened up. Yeah, its going to cost you but who wants to blow a transmission on their first day of enjoying a new crate motor?
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
You can get a brand new th350 rated for 500 hp with shift kit installed for about $800. Smoking deal. Then get a higher stall torque converter of GOOD quality , don’t go cheap here, and you’ll have a screaming combo.
i have 440 hp with a th350 and 3000 stall converter and it’s a blast to drive. Last week broke the tires loose enough to slide sideways in a 1 to 2 shift at 60 mph. Trans still going strong.
Of of course you’ll need to consider the rest of the drive train too, or the weakest link is gonna break.
i have 440 hp with a th350 and 3000 stall converter and it’s a blast to drive. Last week broke the tires loose enough to slide sideways in a 1 to 2 shift at 60 mph. Trans still going strong.
Of of course you’ll need to consider the rest of the drive train too, or the weakest link is gonna break.
It is a pain to pull the trans back out so get a TCI Street Fighter or something equivilent with a 3000 converter......mucho fun with 450 horsepower and a set of pipes.....BUT, please buy a HD stand alone trans cooler......it is the key to longevity.Jebby