powerglide vs th350

[hotrod 80]

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]

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]

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]

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

[bigjimzlll]

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

[ripdog28]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.










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[djracer]

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.










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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]

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 .

[Malibu 496]

I had a stock case glide in my #3400 malibu and my 496 made 612hp and 608tq and I would spray a 150hp shot on top of that, and I had about 50 passes and alot of street miles on it without any problems.

[djracer]

Originally Posted by hotrod 80

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 .

A stock case glide can handle quite a bit but I think you said your bel housing was cracked if thats the case go ahead and get and ultrabell so you don't have to fool with a flywheel shield.

[Outlaw72]

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

[prostreet1967]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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!