I changed to tranny fluid and found a moderate amount of metal shavings. I changed it because I thought I could hear a slight grinding noise when I put the car in gear. I suppose a rebuild is in my future but thought I might get some insight from you veterian vet owners. Any estimate on the cost? I'm fairly mechanical and have removed tran. from other vehicles. Thanks for the help!

 

Put in a SIXX speed, and while you're at it a 502 wouldn't hurt!!!...ok anyone else.....with some "real" help!?! :lol:

 

You got a 3spd now right? Time to swap in a 2004r O/D. It will change your car. All for the better. More get up and go from the hole, at the same time lower rpms on the highway. Probably one of the best mods you could do to your car.

 

Tell me more about the 2004r O/D does it bolt right up or do I need an adapter etc


[Modified by thebigradowski, 1:21 AM 7/29/2003]

 

Tell me more about the 2004r O/D

 

You have the TH350 now correct? i can offer direct expierence from swapping from th400 to 200r4 since that was my swap. Others have swapped out the 350's for the 200 or the 700. Its my opinion that the 200 when built right is better than the 700 in a number of ways. Mainly the gear ratios are closer on the 200. Others who have swapped out the 350 for an O/D, eithewr the 200 or the 700 say that the 200 is a more direct replacement that does not require that the driveshaft be cut. If you have the 350 it would be better for you to recieve advice from those who had swapped out 350's. Jump in guys and help out here. I know its basically a bolt in project. It does require som extra things such ad provisions for carb linkage and throttle valve cable which there are kits available to achieve. Also need to add a new brake pedal switch that controlls converter lockup and unlock. Stock shifter will work in stock form but wont allow you to manually pull it into 1st without being modified but again thats also easiely achieved by either modifying it yourself of getting a kit.

Check out http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com Also ill go now and try to find a post I made on my trans swap and post the link back. You could also do a search of the archives on the topic as there has been much discussion on the subject.

Anyone who has swapped out a 350 for either the 200 or 700 jump in and provide additional insight please.

 

This is the one thing you really, really want to do! I know because I did it. And I didn't even have a good excuse like you do! Bowtie is the vendor of choice for most of us. I also agree that the 200 is better than the 700 in an application like yours. Your total cost for parts and shipping should be well under $2000.

The 200 fits directly where the 350 currently resides. No driveshaft cutting. However, you may have issues with the transmission crossmember because your car is an '80 model. Up to '79 had a different x-member. Check with UKPaul to learn what he had to do with his '81. By the way, UKPaul bought an 200-4R from Bowtie...and had it shipped to England. We haven't heard from him since he got it installed...we last heard he was flying down the motorways with a huge grin on his face!

There's nothing finer than cruising down the freeway at 80 mph (sorry, officer) at less than 2500 rpm :yesnod:


[Modified by page62, 8:13 PM 7/28/2003]

 

If it was a normal 350 I would say get it rebuilt. But it's not.

That is a 350C with a lockup torque converter. Because of that the rebuild price doubles.

I swapped in a 700R4 into my 1980. The only major issue is the transmission crossmember. I would recommend Bow Tie Overdrives for the transmission, the tv cable, the converter and that stuff. Problem is that Bow Tie does not have a crossmember for a 1980, so you will have to have the stock crossmember modified. Drive shaft needs to be shortened also.

So, either $2200 for a new 700R4, get the 350C rebuilt, or put a rebuilt 350 without a lockup converter in place.

 

Thanks to all, I really appreciate your ideas and input. I'm impressed by the quick response and indepth knowledge you guys have. Thanks again.