383 and 3 speed tranny holding up?
 

I am planning on putting a 383 in my 69 short bed which has the 3 on the tree in it. My brother is helping me with the whole process due to the fact he has all the knowledge on this. He keeps telling that the transmission is gonna go and that I need to put a automatic in it. Am just wondering if anyone out there has run a similar or more aggressive set up and how it held up. I REALLY want to stay with the 3 speed. But also don't want to be breaking stuff either. Thanks for any input or advise.

Re: 383 and 3 speed tranny holding up?
 

They are fairly strong. If it breaks, replacements are dirt cheap or you could go to an auto with too much hassle too. I have a mild 350 and the 3 speed still. Have a spare 3spd tranny in the rafters too.

Re: 383 and 3 speed tranny holding up?
 

It all depends on how you are going to drive it. If you do burnouts or drag raceing you will tear it up. Normal driving & just getting on it once in a while it will last a long time. I have an S-10 T-5 in my 56 behind a slightly warmed 350 & it is holding up good.

Re: 383 and 3 speed tranny holding up?
 

yeah I don't plan on getting on it. Buttttttttt we all know how that goes. Definitely no strip time. I have put to much hard earned cash in this thing so will have to take it easy on it and like the 3 speed option to much and spent a whole lot of time looking for it. Thanks again for the input.

Re: 383 and 3 speed tranny holding up?
 

The biggest factor is how much torque your 383 will produce......typically they are built to make lots of torque at lower rpm.....meaning that there will likely be lots of "twisting force" applied, not only to the transmission, but the entire drive line.....

one thing you can be sure of....the weakest part will break first....good luck with it....post results when you get it done...

Re: 383 and 3 speed tranny holding up?
 

Those trans are pretty strong,drive it like you want it to live and it will

Re: 383 and 3 speed tranny holding up?
 

If it breaks your neighbor has one sitting in his shop ;)

Re: 383 and 3 speed tranny holding up?
 

will get in touch with you about that. I do need a spare for sure.

Re: 383 and 3 speed tranny holding up?
 

Don't power shift. Pretty much will take any continuous load you can put to it. Tires break first. Unless you shock load it. No giant clutch dumps. No speed shifts. Lives forever.

Re: 383 and 3 speed tranny holding up?
 

Yep, all depends on how you drive. It definitely won't stand up to the abuse that 383 can dish out. But that's the beauty of more torque. You can run it down low and go. But you also have to watch lugging. That puts a big strain on a trans. You won't need to be dumping the clutch and banging gears to run it out good. It'll go! The combo of strong low end and taller gear will balance out