powerglide vs th350 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

hotrod 80 · 07-14-2008, 02:00 PM

I am about to make some pretty big ( in my world ) changes to my truck and im looking for opinions . The truck is a 1978 Chevy Luv with a 355 , th350 , Ford 9" 4.11 gears and a spool . I weighs as light as 2780 with me in it to as much as 3210 with me in it . I run a stock suspention , drag radial class that has a 410 ci limit and 3200# weight min . I also run a max of a 28" DR or a 26" slick @ the lighter weight . I will on rare occasions drive this on the street and it will keep current tags and inspection mainly for bragging rights . I will soon replace the 355 with a 397 SBC It should make around 600 hp + an 82 nitous jet ( around 230 hp) . I need a transbrake to be competetive in this class . I have a th350 that is in the truck that is fresh and works good that i could add a transbrake to or I also have a good powerglide with a cracked bell housing that already has a transbrake and works good . I have 2 other pg cases or could just have this one cut for an ultrabell bellhousing . Looking for opinions on which way to go and info on similar set ups .

Marv D · 07-14-2008, 02:56 PM

If you go to a glide, you will HATE the uneventfull launches, but love the traction and consistancy. I went from 6' wheelstands to barely bouncing the tires with the change from a TH400 to a 1.80 glide. Althought the launch is now somewhat boreing,,,, the launch is now 'uneventfull' which means less broken parts, no more crushed oil pans, no broken front suspension parts, total control, consistant short times and consistant ET's.

If your going to continue in a D/R class, I'd think a glide is the only choice if she ends up making 600 at the crank.

hotrod 80 · 07-14-2008, 03:35 PM

Thanks for the input . I will be happy if the new motor makes 500-525 to the ground . This one will go on the chassis dyno also .

regan wilson · 07-14-2008, 03:52 PM

At your weight I would say go to the Glide . I'll have to stay with my TH400 with my 3700lb tank .

bigjimzlll · 07-14-2008, 07:25 PM

Glide.i have never liked a brake on a th350.

ripdog28 · 07-14-2008, 09:45 PM

Glide, Then send your TH350 to me

I am looking at getting my 350 freshened up or a new one for my build so i do not have to pull it out after i brake it due to the new pwr.

djracer · 07-14-2008, 09:59 PM

as noted I would run a glide at your weight. If I was as heavy as Regan I would run the turbo 400. The 350 probably won't like the new power. I would go the ultrabell route!

regan wilson · 07-15-2008, 09:56 AM

Kevin is right about the 350 not liking the power . Unless you replace the input shaft you will definatly have problems . They will snap like a twig .

nxtruck · 07-15-2008, 01:48 PM

X2 on the th350 input shafts breaking.
At your weight and with the tire and suspension that you're running, I'd go with a 'glide. Those n2o launches will be a lot more manageable with a 'glide.

prostreet1967 · 07-19-2008, 12:03 AM

not to hijack but i am also intrested in this, ive been pricing getting a pg built i currently have a 400 but i want a brake i figured might be a good time to upgrade. my weight is also 3700 with 454 9in 4:56 gears and 33x16 mt slicks.

'

djracer · 07-19-2008, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prostreet1967

not to hijack but i am also intrested in this, ive been pricing getting a pg built i currently have a 400 but i want a brake i figured might be a good time to upgrade. my weight is also 3700 with 454 9in 4:56 gears and 33x16 mt slicks.

'

At your weight I would keep the 400! I might be able to get you a good price on a brake for it.

Kevin

hotrod 80 · 07-19-2008, 12:49 AM

While we are on this subject . How much power can a stock case powerglide take ? Mine has a hardened input shaft with a turbo spline and a manual valve body with a brake .

Outlaw72 · 07-23-2008, 11:38 PM

Another vote for glide here.....oh and prostreet, djracer is right with yours. Stay 400..

prostreet1967 · 07-24-2008, 11:46 PM

so should i go with a nice 350 over a 400. ive heard alot of bad about 400 being power hoggs and to heavy

Outlaw72 · 07-25-2008, 12:12 AM

With a BBC I would stay 400.....just my input. I have a 350 and even though I have put it through some abuse...I don't know how much longer it will last. If you have any plans to put a more powerful BBC in your truck....make a plan for a 400

ripdog28 · 07-25-2008, 12:19 AM

I am no tranny expert but i do know a little. A STOCK 400 will last longer then a 350 but you take both to a shop and get them built for racing or more abuse not all out race. I highly doubt there will be much difference in ability to handle the power. I know more guys go to 400s but i have seen a lot of guys run 350s in 9-10sec cars and not have any problems.

djracer · 07-25-2008, 06:37 AM

A 400 is much stouter than a 350. If you aren't crazy heavy go with a glide. Power glides are in 75% of all drag cars for a reason. This includes dodges and fords also! You can run an aftermarket bellhousing and put a glide in almost anything!

70rs/ss · 07-25-2008, 05:18 PM

I say the glide for the simple reason of the bell housing issue, as the needed fix is also a safety upgrade you should do as well and the limited street use. My brother ran a glide in has circle track cars too, couldn't break it!

View Poll Results: Powerglide or Th350
Powerglide	7	77.78%
th 350	2	22.22%
Voters: 9. You may not vote on this poll

07-14-2008, 02:00 PM	#1
hotrod 80 mini truck racer Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Baytown , texas Posts: 3,010	powerglide vs th350 I am about to make some pretty big ( in my world ) changes to my truck and im looking for opinions . The truck is a 1978 Chevy Luv with a 355 , th350 , Ford 9" 4.11 gears and a spool . I weighs as light as 2780 with me in it to as much as 3210 with me in it . I run a stock suspention , drag radial class that has a 410 ci limit and 3200# weight min . I also run a max of a 28" DR or a 26" slick @ the lighter weight . I will on rare occasions drive this on the street and it will keep current tags and inspection mainly for bragging rights . I will soon replace the 355 with a 397 SBC It should make around 600 hp + an 82 nitous jet ( around 230 hp) . I need a transbrake to be competetive in this class . I have a th350 that is in the truck that is fresh and works good that i could add a transbrake to or I also have a good powerglide with a cracked bell housing that already has a transbrake and works good . I have 2 other pg cases or could just have this one cut for an ultrabell bellhousing . Looking for opinions on which way to go and info on similar set ups . __________________ 1949 5-window 1969 Camaro 1976 Chevy Luv yellow 1978 Chevy Luv Blue 1976 Chevy Luv Black 1979 Firebird Flooded in Harvey 1999 F350 Dually 2005 GMC Sierra 4.8 RCSB 2014 Explorer (wifes) My build :http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=399148 Build #2: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=653583

07-14-2008, 02:56 PM	#2
Marv D Registered Truck Offender Join Date: May 2008 Location: hells training ground (aka Ariz) Posts: 3,118	Re: powerglide vs th350 If you go to a glide, you will HATE the uneventfull launches, but love the traction and consistancy. I went from 6' wheelstands to barely bouncing the tires with the change from a TH400 to a 1.80 glide. Althought the launch is now somewhat boreing,,,, the launch is now 'uneventfull' which means less broken parts, no more crushed oil pans, no broken front suspension parts, total control, consistant short times and consistant ET's. If your going to continue in a D/R class, I'd think a glide is the only choice if she ends up making 600 at the crank. __________________ Still playin with trucks, even at my age! When you're dead, it's only a problem for the people around you, because you don't know you're dead. .....It's kinda the same when your STUPID. I just did my taxes and reviewed my SS statement. Thanks to the current administration it looks like I will only have to work till noon on the day of my funeral.

07-14-2008, 03:35 PM	#3
hotrod 80 mini truck racer Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Baytown , texas Posts: 3,010	Re: powerglide vs th350 Thanks for the input . I will be happy if the new motor makes 500-525 to the ground . This one will go on the chassis dyno also . __________________ 1949 5-window 1969 Camaro 1976 Chevy Luv yellow 1978 Chevy Luv Blue 1976 Chevy Luv Black 1979 Firebird Flooded in Harvey 1999 F350 Dually 2005 GMC Sierra 4.8 RCSB 2014 Explorer (wifes) My build :http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=399148 Build #2: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=653583

07-14-2008, 03:52 PM	#4
regan wilson Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: tyler texas Posts: 1,538	Re: powerglide vs th350 At your weight I would say go to the Glide . I'll have to stay with my TH400 with my 3700lb tank . __________________ NHRA Super Street 469C It only runs 10.90 at 156 mph

07-14-2008, 07:25 PM	#5
bigjimzlll Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Redding,CA...USA Posts: 4,736	Re: powerglide vs th350 Glide.i have never liked a brake on a th350. __________________ It's called "drag racing" if they called it "tic..tic..WHAM!..BANG! F*&K!!!", they'd have to keep the magazines under the counter with the other men's publications click the clicky to join the site.... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php 67 lwb..first hotrod in 25 years..540 best ET is 9.45 @ 141.44 Anderson,CA

07-14-2008, 09:45 PM	#6
ripdog28 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Imperial Beach, CA Posts: 1,040	Re: powerglide vs th350 Glide, Then send your TH350 to me I am looking at getting my 350 freshened up or a new one for my build so i do not have to pull it out after i brake it due to the new pwr. __________________ 69 c-10 BBC 462ci, forged crank, H-beam rods, 10.5-1 KB forged pistons, Dart Iron Eagle 308cc, Straub Cam, Comp Cams chrome moly full rollers, Weiand Team G, Prosystems 950, TH400/3500 Dalenzie stall, Currie 9+ Detroit Locker w/31spline axles.3.5/6in drop. My Build.

07-14-2008, 09:59 PM	#7
djracer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Wetumpka, Al, U.S. Posts: 8,892	Re: powerglide vs th350 as noted I would run a glide at your weight. If I was as heavy as Regan I would run the turbo 400. The 350 probably won't like the new power. I would go the ultrabell route! __________________ Kevin Special Thanks to All who have helped on the TRUCK! My Pass Time Show http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p...Chapter1-0.mp4 So Far my best Times are: Motor only: 6.44 1/8 @ 104.13 10.39 1/4 @ 125.83 Nitrous Times: 5.785 1/8 @ 118.65 with a 1.336 60ft 9.168 1/4 @ 142.58 with a 250 shot dead out of the hole!

07-15-2008, 09:56 AM	#8
regan wilson Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: tyler texas Posts: 1,538	Re: powerglide vs th350 Kevin is right about the 350 not liking the power . Unless you replace the input shaft you will definatly have problems . They will snap like a twig . __________________ NHRA Super Street 469C It only runs 10.90 at 156 mph

07-15-2008, 01:48 PM	#9
nxtruck Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Jackson, Mo. Posts: 607	Re: powerglide vs th350 X2 on the th350 input shafts breaking. At your weight and with the tire and suspension that you're running, I'd go with a 'glide. Those n2o launches will be a lot more manageable with a 'glide. __________________ Chris 1966 Chevy C10 LWB, 434 sbc, TH350, 12-bolt, factory suspension, pump gas 7.02 @ 95.8, 1.45 60' 1965 Chevy C10 LWB, 355 sbc, TH350, daily driver

07-19-2008, 12:03 AM	#10
prostreet1967 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: fort worth texas Posts: 395	Re: powerglide vs th350 not to hijack but i am also intrested in this, ive been pricing getting a pg built i currently have a 400 but i want a brake i figured might be a good time to upgrade. my weight is also 3700 with 454 9in 4:56 gears and 33x16 mt slicks. '

07-19-2008, 12:49 AM	#12
hotrod 80 mini truck racer Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Baytown , texas Posts: 3,010	Re: powerglide vs th350 While we are on this subject . How much power can a stock case powerglide take ? Mine has a hardened input shaft with a turbo spline and a manual valve body with a brake . __________________ 1949 5-window 1969 Camaro 1976 Chevy Luv yellow 1978 Chevy Luv Blue 1976 Chevy Luv Black 1979 Firebird Flooded in Harvey 1999 F350 Dually 2005 GMC Sierra 4.8 RCSB 2014 Explorer (wifes) My build :http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=399148 Build #2: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=653583

07-23-2008, 11:38 PM	#13
Outlaw72 Hay Team!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ft. Worth, TX, USA Posts: 366	Re: powerglide vs th350 Another vote for glide here.....oh and prostreet, djracer is right with yours. Stay 400.. __________________ 1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne LWB "Orange and White" 8)

07-24-2008, 11:46 PM	#14
prostreet1967 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: fort worth texas Posts: 395	Re: powerglide vs th350 so should i go with a nice 350 over a 400. ive heard alot of bad about 400 being power hoggs and to heavy

07-25-2008, 12:12 AM	#15
Outlaw72 Hay Team!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ft. Worth, TX, USA Posts: 366	Re: powerglide vs th350 With a BBC I would stay 400.....just my input. I have a 350 and even though I have put it through some abuse...I don't know how much longer it will last. If you have any plans to put a more powerful BBC in your truck....make a plan for a 400 __________________ 1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne LWB "Orange and White" 8)



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07-25-2008, 12:19 AM	#16
ripdog28 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Imperial Beach, CA Posts: 1,040	Re: powerglide vs th350 I am no tranny expert but i do know a little. A STOCK 400 will last longer then a 350 but you take both to a shop and get them built for racing or more abuse not all out race. I highly doubt there will be much difference in ability to handle the power. I know more guys go to 400s but i have seen a lot of guys run 350s in 9-10sec cars and not have any problems. __________________ 69 c-10 BBC 462ci, forged crank, H-beam rods, 10.5-1 KB forged pistons, Dart Iron Eagle 308cc, Straub Cam, Comp Cams chrome moly full rollers, Weiand Team G, Prosystems 950, TH400/3500 Dalenzie stall, Currie 9+ Detroit Locker w/31spline axles.3.5/6in drop. My Build.

07-25-2008, 06:37 AM	#17
djracer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Wetumpka, Al, U.S. Posts: 8,892	Re: powerglide vs th350 A 400 is much stouter than a 350. If you aren't crazy heavy go with a glide. Power glides are in 75% of all drag cars for a reason. This includes dodges and fords also! You can run an aftermarket bellhousing and put a glide in almost anything! __________________ Kevin Special Thanks to All who have helped on the TRUCK! My Pass Time Show http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p...Chapter1-0.mp4 So Far my best Times are: Motor only: 6.44 1/8 @ 104.13 10.39 1/4 @ 125.83 Nitrous Times: 5.785 1/8 @ 118.65 with a 1.336 60ft 9.168 1/4 @ 142.58 with a 250 shot dead out of the hole!

07-25-2008, 05:18 PM	#18
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,270	Re: powerglide vs th350 I say the glide for the simple reason of the bell housing issue, as the needed fix is also a safety upgrade you should do as well and the limited street use. My brother ran a glide in has circle track cars too, couldn't break it!

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