Chevy loadmaster 51 with 454, what transmission do you need?

[sebas213]

Hello again, I'm Seba to Argentina, I have a question. I have a boyfriend, he has a chevrolet loadmaster 51, he want to buy a gm 454 with 430 hp approximately to your truck and asked me about what transmission is recommendable for this engine. Please somebody help me with this cuestion? here are a few pics of the truck.. thanks budies.

This is a Argentinian forum about chevrolet..

http://chevy-tech.com.ar

and this is a post of this truck..

http://chevy-tech.com.ar/index.php?topic=320.85

[prostreeter58]

I would use a GM Turbo 400 with a Gear Vendors overdrive,.............

[solidaxel]

My vote is for just the Turbo-matic 400 only, or just say tubro 400
Keep it simple!!

[mr48chev]

I agree with the Turbohydromatic 400 if he plans to use an automatic trForansmission. They are strong enough to handle that power easily and a he should be able to find a transmission some what easily. Also repair or rebuild parts and kits are readily available from many sources and are not that expensive nor is the labor to rebuild one if needed.

Rear axle selection and gear ratio would depend upon what he intends to do with the truck. For towing he would need a bit lower gear ratio than if he intended to use the truck mostly for cruising and going to shows.

For general street and highway driving I would think something like a 3.8 ratio would be ok while if he intends to drag race or tow with the truck probably a 3.7 ratio would be more desirable.

The gear vendors overdrive mentioned above by Prostreeter58 would be a great addition as one could run more aggressive gears for performace and still be able to cruise in overdrive down the highway. The rub is that they are not inexpensive.

[1-ton of fun]

i would suggest a th400 or a built 700r4 so you would have overdrive for better gas mileage

[sebas213]

Thanks budies, he plans to use an manual transmission, and mr48chev yes.. is to use the truck mostly for cruising and going to shows. Sow th400 is a good transmission??

[Daniel U]

Is nobody is a fan of the manual trans anymore? I know that the auto has the advantage if you're in traffic, but the manual gets more hp to the wheels and usuually better mpg. I plan on swapping the 700R4 in my IROC to a 5 speed. The '54, however, is my cruiser.

[jkaylor68gmc]

5 speed or 6 speed, check out keisler

[MrBeast]

In your neck of the woods it might be easier to get a SM465, they put em in chevy trucks for like 25 or so years. They are tough too.

[sebas213]

Originally Posted by Daniel U

Is nobody is a fan of the manual trans anymore? I know that the auto has the advantage if you're in traffic, but the manual gets more hp to the wheels and usuually better mpg. I plan on swapping the 700R4 in my IROC to a 5 speed. The '54, however, is my cruiser.

Yes I am a fan!! and my friend to and here in Argentina most people

[1-ton of fun]

for a manual, look at the tremec's

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by 1-ton of fun

for a manual, look at the tremec's

YES, the Tremac TKO600 is the best shifting and the strongest transmission I have had in one of my HP chevys in 40 years. It shifts like butter and the overdrive is the greatest.
If you drive in the city you may want to consider a automatic TH400, you cant go wrong with either one.
If your truck is a standard now you will have very little to change to a Tremac and the shifter will clear the stock truck seat