81 350C Trans
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 930
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix Az
81 350C Trans
:confused: Can the 350C trans in my 81 (stock) be used as it came from the factory without the computer system being hooked up to it ? Since the lockup is controlled by the computer what will happen when it is not hooked up ? Will it operate just like a regular 350 ? :confused: :cheers: :seeya
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,662
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From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: 81 350C Trans (phxraptor)
One of the guys I work with has an 81 with the 350c, he has a non-computer distributor and a Holley 650 DP instead of the computer Q-jet. His convertor locks up, I have no idea how it is hooked up but when riding in it you can feel it lock and watch the rpm's drop when cruising at a steady speed over 40 mph. It must be hooked to the computer in some way, that doesn't require the rest of the stuff to be hooked up.
Maybe the lock up function of the computer only looks at speed and rpm to decide when to lock up.
Maybe the lock up function of the computer only looks at speed and rpm to decide when to lock up.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
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From: Living in the Hartland
Re: 81 350C Trans (phxraptor)
You can wire it to a switch for full manual control. Locking t/c are nice for dropping the rpm's a touch and reducing slippage that causes heat that can reduce trans life.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 672
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From: Quebec
Re: 81 350C Trans (Smokehouse69)
I guess that the 1981 350 THC is the same as the 1980. No computer is needed in the operation of the lock-up. The lock-up system only need a 12 volts signal that passes thru the brake pedal switch and a vacuum activated switch located on the firewall driver side. The voltage activate a solenoid that let oil pressure to lock-up the converter. The speed reference is taken ( I think) via the governor of the transmission (hydraulic signal).
Stephan
Stephan
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Joined: May 2001
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
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St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Re: 81 350C Trans (MIKER)
This diagram shows how the TH350C is wired on the non-computer 1980 models.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
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Re: 81 350C Trans (BSeery)
if you intend to run without the lockup install an oil cooler. Without the lockup the tranny will generate a lot of heat.
You can buy lockup kits for carbed applications from painless wiring and others.
You can buy lockup kits for carbed applications from painless wiring and others.
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Springfield PA
Re: 81 350C Trans (Fevre)
Locking t/c are nice for dropping the rpm's a touch and reducing slippage that causes heat that can reduce trans life.
