anybody still running a powerglide? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jimmyboi082 · 10-09-2011, 11:18 PM

I have a 66 with a 350 and a powerglide. I was wondering if it would be good for in town driving and would bigger tire size keep the rpms down at higher speeds?
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**MisterC** · 10-10-2011, 12:22 AM

Hey Jimmy,

I just picked mine up with same powerplant and tranny. I plan on keeping mine. Maybe I'll see you around town some time.

Heater63 · 10-10-2011, 01:42 AM

A few things to remember. With only 2 speeds, Powerglides are very strong and light, thus a favorite with cars and drag and oval racing for 40+ years. Mine in my '68 Camaro is still going strong with ony one rebuild in 44 years!

Like any non-overdrive transmission, they are 1:1 in final gear. So, yes, taller tires will help keep rpms down with highway cruising- but you can only go so tall.

If your pulling loads, or using your truck to "work", I would opt for a newer 3,4,or 5 speed auto or manual. I put a TKO500 5 speed manual in mine.

**jocko** · 10-10-2011, 01:54 AM

while i agree with all of the above good info - the pglide would be the first thing to go on the ol truck in my book. It is ok for around town - but it's also no different (i.e. no worse than) on the highway than a TH350/400, both of which have a 1:1 final drive. The only problem is it only shifted once to get to that 1:1..... I've had a couple pglides, never liked em. Switched em out for TH350's that are a dime a dozen. Nowadays, I'd save up and get a 700R4 so you can have your cake and eat it too - deep 1st gear to make the truck "feel" a little more powerful as well as an o/d 4th so you can drive it on the highway with ease if you're so inclined every once in awhile.
My 2 cents. Just not a pglide fan - BUT, having said all that - I kept a few in original big block cars only because they came with the trans in the first place (65 Imp SS 396). But it was certainly the dog of the driveline. Yes, they can be used for racing when beefed up - but for day to day driving, ho hum, not much fun.

If you are concerned about rpm - then I assume you're gonna get on the highway at least some - best way to solve that is with a 700R4.

PAPA KENT · 10-10-2011, 02:21 AM

i like my powerglide mainly because it's original to the truck but mine only goes 8 miles to town and back,but a 700r would be nice for the highway.

10-09-2011, 11:18 PM	#1
jimmyboi082 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Visalia Ca. Posts: 36	anybody still running a powerglide? I have a 66 with a 350 and a powerglide. I was wondering if it would be good for in town driving and would bigger tire size keep the rpms down at higher speeds? Posted via Mobile Device

10-10-2011, 12:22 AM	#2
MisterC Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hanford, CA Posts: 1,027	Re: anybody still running a powerglide? Hey Jimmy, I just picked mine up with same powerplant and tranny. I plan on keeping mine. Maybe I'll see you around town some time. __________________ Poor and content is Rich...and Rich enough! - William Shakespeare 1966 C10 Custom Cab "Luigi" Big Window - SWB Fleetside 350 V-8 - Powerglide My not so much a build thread as a "Slow Progression Thread":http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=486894

10-10-2011, 01:42 AM	#3
Heater63 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: N Texas Posts: 580	Re: anybody still running a powerglide? A few things to remember. With only 2 speeds, Powerglides are very strong and light, thus a favorite with cars and drag and oval racing for 40+ years. Mine in my '68 Camaro is still going strong with ony one rebuild in 44 years! Like any non-overdrive transmission, they are 1:1 in final gear. So, yes, taller tires will help keep rpms down with highway cruising- but you can only go so tall. If your pulling loads, or using your truck to "work", I would opt for a newer 3,4,or 5 speed auto or manual. I put a TKO500 5 speed manual in mine. __________________ 292 + TKO500

10-10-2011, 01:54 AM	#4
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,975	Re: anybody still running a powerglide? while i agree with all of the above good info - the pglide would be the first thing to go on the ol truck in my book. It is ok for around town - but it's also no different (i.e. no worse than) on the highway than a TH350/400, both of which have a 1:1 final drive. The only problem is it only shifted once to get to that 1:1..... I've had a couple pglides, never liked em. Switched em out for TH350's that are a dime a dozen. Nowadays, I'd save up and get a 700R4 so you can have your cake and eat it too - deep 1st gear to make the truck "feel" a little more powerful as well as an o/d 4th so you can drive it on the highway with ease if you're so inclined every once in awhile. My 2 cents. Just not a pglide fan - BUT, having said all that - I kept a few in original big block cars only because they came with the trans in the first place (65 Imp SS 396). But it was certainly the dog of the driveline. Yes, they can be used for racing when beefed up - but for day to day driving, ho hum, not much fun. If you are concerned about rpm - then I assume you're gonna get on the highway at least some - best way to solve that is with a 700R4.

10-10-2011, 02:21 AM	#5
PAPA KENT Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Lolo montana Posts: 361	Re: anybody still running a powerglide? i like my powerglide mainly because it's original to the truck but mine only goes 8 miles to town and back,but a 700r would be nice for the highway.

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