Transmission selection

[56ClassicTruck]

Hi every one, my question is on transmission selection, I am building my 56 Chevy truck going to ad a 350 GM crate motor just mild nothing crazy 1978 LT camaro 10 bolt rear end and I am hoping to drive it as much as possible so how do you know what tranny is best? I have a 350, 400 turbo will any of this work. Would like you experience advice thanks.

[solidaxel]

1st choice Tubro 400

2nd choice Turbo 350

3rd choice Tremac TKO 600

[2manyprojects]

The two trans you already have are good and very reliable. TH400 is stronger, but uses slightly more power to drive it. TH350 would be more than enough with a mild 350. Since you plan on putting some miles on it, if it were mine I would look for a 700R4. When gas prices go back up the overdrive will be nice to have. If you have a highway gear in the rear like a 3:08 the 350 or 400 should be ok , but it wont pull that hard if your looking for performance also.

[56ClassicTruck]

700R4? is there a big different in the installation? What year or model vehicle have the 700R4 that would work for my application?

[55Series2]

700R4s showed up in 1500 pickups and full size cars in the early 90s. Late '90s are probably a better choice dure to factory upgrades. To be honest I would suggest buying a prepped one outright that had the recommended upgrades. The other issue with the 700R4 is that the throttle valve (TV) cable must be properly set to prevent damage to the transmission. There is plenty of information on the web on setting up the TV cable; just do a search. TCI makes a kit to eliminate thelow line pressure problem resulting from an incorrect. TV cable adjustment. As long as you keep the above in mind this a great transmission. They have a 3.06 1st gear, and a 0.70:1 overdrive and a lock up feature. They give you good acceleration and a gas mileage friendly cruise speed.

[BIG CHEVY 3600]

SBC 350 HO crate 330 hp with a 700R4 and Camaro 10 bolt rear for me. The tranny has been beefed up by Phoenix.

[2manyprojects]

Originally Posted by 55Series2

700R4s showed up in 1500 pickups and full size cars in the early 90s. Late '90s are probably a better choice dure to factory upgrades. To be honest I would suggest buying a prepped one outright that had the recommended upgrades. The other issue with the 700R4 is that the throttle valve (TV) cable must be properly set to prevent damage to the transmission. There is plenty of information on the web on setting up the TV cable; just do a search. TCI makes a kit to eliminate thelow line pressure problem resulting from an incorrect. TV cable adjustment. As long as you keep the above in mind this a great transmission. They have a 3.06 1st gear, and a 0.70:1 overdrive and a lock up feature. They give you good acceleration and a gas mileage friendly cruise speed.

What 55Series2 said is good info. They came in lot's of things from early 80's up to now. 94 and up is a electronic version called the 4L60E.You would need a computer and harness to use that. Pre 87 has issues they upgraded in later versions, rebuilt should have the upgrades. 87- 93 would be best for your application. you will just need a switch for the lockup converter. They came in full size trucks, vans, and cars, almost anything with a V8 and overdrive will have it. It has the same bell housing as a TH350/400 it's just a few inches longer. Some cheap tricks are to use a MPFI 4.3 S10 torque converter. It gives you a 2500-2800 stall with a 350, and a corvette servo to firm up the shifts (if anyone is interested I'll find the part numbers you need). I did this to my GTA and it made a big difference. The only drawback is this trans is more expensive to buy rebuilt than a TH350/400.

[56ClassicTruck]

Man yea I wish I can buy a new trany, but on my budget I must fine one on Craigs list our something. But yes that 700R4 with over drive that would be nice for freeway driving. what would be a good price for one more or less?

[BIG CHEVY 3600]

I paid $1,400 for mine. Of course it was beefed up.
Check this out:
http://www.phoenixtrans.com/html/catalog.html