PROS and CONS on Powerglide - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

meyer4589 · 10-11-2009, 06:49 PM

So I have a L6 and 3 ONT right now and I bought a 327 that came with a powerglide over the summer and im looking for any suggestions on how to run it to run the powerglide in my truck at all

KrazyRay · 10-12-2009, 12:24 AM

I would not run the powerglide in your truck. (IMO) I think you would be better off running a th350 or even better a 700r4. The racing community loves the powerglides so maybe you could sell it to them and use the money towards a 700r4

vectorit · 10-12-2009, 12:39 AM

Two words.

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR:CLUNK!
BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Well, maybe that was three?

I'd trade that baby in on a 350TH or a 400TH.

**special-K** · 10-12-2009, 06:50 AM

Pros

rag racers like them because they only shift once.

Cons:Street drivers don`t like them because they only shift once.

In reality,they worked just fine and are a pretty cool piece of nostalia these days.You can upgrade them just like so many do to the 3 and 4 spd autos.They are one smooth operator.The one behind a 401,then 425 dual quad,in my `63 Riviera did it`s job just fine.No clunk,I never knew when it shifted most of the time.

1968SWBBigBlock · 10-12-2009, 09:14 AM

The biggest issue with a glide in a heavy truck is that you spend the majority of your time outside the sweet spot of the power band
the additional gears in the 3 & 4 speed automatics allows the engine to run in its better power band more of the time

1956cameo · 10-12-2009, 09:58 AM

I have a two speed powerglide in one of my trucks. Other than having to get used to it only shifting once, I have no complaints. The truck doesn't feel any different with it in there versus a t350.

caja_larga · 10-12-2009, 11:23 AM

I had one in my 63 c-10 it was nice no complaints.. but I would not but one in for a trans swap if you are going to go trough the trouble at least use a turbo 350 and for get about it. putting in a used trans is a gamble and could cost more in the long run if its doesn't work right.

kgt · 10-12-2009, 11:52 AM

so many better choices out there, 200r4, 700r4, t350,or 400...sell the glide to a racer and pick a t350 is want a inexpensive way out or instal a 700 and enjoy alot better performance and fuel mileage.

72BlckButy · 10-12-2009, 12:24 PM

My '69 came stock with a 2spd p/g and overall it seems to be a fairly good tranny. Now, I wish it had an additional one or two more shifts, but I'll still run it. Smooth and enough power.

69GMCLonghorn · 10-12-2009, 12:24 PM

I'd keep the 3 on the tree... How many vehicles are still around that have this?? Plus, it's more fun if you ever have the truck valet parked...

meyer4589 · 10-12-2009, 12:34 PM

thanks for all the info guys, I think I'm gunna try out the TH400. My uncle is an oldsmobile freak and he has a stock pile of them, I'm pretty sure I can get one from him.

kgt · 10-12-2009, 02:12 PM

olds t-400s have a different bell housing if i recall????

meyer4589 · 10-12-2009, 03:17 PM

yes I think they do but i have seen adapter plates to match the olds bellhousing to the chevy motor

*Dylan · 10-12-2009, 03:53 PM

I have a 2 Spd. Powerglide with 3.73 gears. It shifts at roughly 15 MPH and that's it, you're done with the shifting. At around 60 MPH if I let off it with those gears and that transmission my truck nosedives a little bit. The mileage is also horrible. If you're not planning on racing it, I vote a TH 350/400.

10-11-2009, 06:49 PM	#1
meyer4589 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Highland, IN Posts: 64	PROS and CONS on Powerglide So I have a L6 and 3 ONT right now and I bought a 327 that came with a powerglide over the summer and im looking for any suggestions on how to run it to run the powerglide in my truck at all

10-12-2009, 12:24 AM	#2
KrazyRay Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, CA Posts: 4,827	Re: PROS and CONS on Powerglide I would not run the powerglide in your truck. (IMO) I think you would be better off running a th350 or even better a 700r4. The racing community loves the powerglides so maybe you could sell it to them and use the money towards a 700r4

10-12-2009, 12:39 AM	#3
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: PROS and CONS on Powerglide Two words. RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR:CLUNK! BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Well, maybe that was three? I'd trade that baby in on a 350TH or a 400TH. __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU

10-12-2009, 06:50 AM	#4
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,859	Re: PROS and CONS on Powerglide Prosrag racers like them because they only shift once. Cons:Street drivers don`t like them because they only shift once. In reality,they worked just fine and are a pretty cool piece of nostalia these days.You can upgrade them just like so many do to the 3 and 4 spd autos.They are one smooth operator.The one behind a 401,then 425 dual quad,in my `63 Riviera did it`s job just fine.No clunk,I never knew when it shifted most of the time. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

10-12-2009, 09:14 AM	#5
1968SWBBigBlock Active Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,643	Re: PROS and CONS on Powerglide The biggest issue with a glide in a heavy truck is that you spend the majority of your time outside the sweet spot of the power band the additional gears in the 3 & 4 speed automatics allows the engine to run in its better power band more of the time __________________ 1968 SWB 454 + .040, 490HP x 540 FT pounds of Torque 10-1 Kb Forged pistons, recon rods w/ ARP wave loc bolts 781 heads Ported with 2.19/1.88 SSTvalves Lunati 60204 cam, Micro Trol lifters, Ported Edelbrock Performer Rpm manifold armor coated, Pertronix Triple Strike Ignition Holley 770 Street Avenger carb,Headers armor coated Built by Watson Ruppel Performance in Sarahsville Ohio. Hardshift Tranny Built Turbo 350,TSI 10" 3000 stall 12 Bolt Eaton Posi 4.10 Richmond Gears moser axles 18.5" x 31" Hoosier Pro Street Radials ET Classic 5 Wheels - polished Power Steering, Power Brakes,Disc Brakes,Tach & Gauge Dash, Tilt,Factory Air (gone) Custom Paint & Body Work Special thanks to my wife, my son and my money tree

10-12-2009, 09:58 AM	#6
1956cameo Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Angleton, TX Posts: 2,219	Re: PROS and CONS on Powerglide I have a two speed powerglide in one of my trucks. Other than having to get used to it only shifting once, I have no complaints. The truck doesn't feel any different with it in there versus a t350. __________________ I don't always drive trucks; but when I do I prefer Chevy's. Stay driving my friends. '72 blazer 2wd build 67-72 Factory Big Block Registry

10-12-2009, 11:23 AM	#7
caja_larga Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Tucson, Az Posts: 172	Re: PROS and CONS on Powerglide I had one in my 63 c-10 it was nice no complaints.. but I would not but one in for a trans swap if you are going to go trough the trouble at least use a turbo 350 and for get about it. putting in a used trans is a gamble and could cost more in the long run if its doesn't work right.

10-12-2009, 11:52 AM	#8
kgt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver Posts: 147	Re: PROS and CONS on Powerglide so many better choices out there, 200r4, 700r4, t350,or 400...sell the glide to a racer and pick a t350 is want a inexpensive way out or instal a 700 and enjoy alot better performance and fuel mileage.

10-12-2009, 12:24 PM	#9
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: PROS and CONS on Powerglide My '69 came stock with a 2spd p/g and overall it seems to be a fairly good tranny. Now, I wish it had an additional one or two more shifts, but I'll still run it. Smooth and enough power. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

10-12-2009, 12:24 PM	#10
69GMCLonghorn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Porter Ranch, CA Posts: 978	Re: PROS and CONS on Powerglide I'd keep the 3 on the tree... How many vehicles are still around that have this?? Plus, it's more fun if you ever have the truck valet parked...

10-12-2009, 12:34 PM	#11
meyer4589 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Highland, IN Posts: 64	Re: PROS and CONS on Powerglide thanks for all the info guys, I think I'm gunna try out the TH400. My uncle is an oldsmobile freak and he has a stock pile of them, I'm pretty sure I can get one from him.

10-12-2009, 02:12 PM	#12
kgt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver Posts: 147	Re: PROS and CONS on Powerglide olds t-400s have a different bell housing if i recall????

10-12-2009, 03:17 PM	#13
meyer4589 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Highland, IN Posts: 64	Re: PROS and CONS on Powerglide yes I think they do but i have seen adapter plates to match the olds bellhousing to the chevy motor

10-12-2009, 03:53 PM	#14
*Dylan Mean Buzzin' Half Dozen Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 1,081	Re: PROS and CONS on Powerglide I have a 2 Spd. Powerglide with 3.73 gears. It shifts at roughly 15 MPH and that's it, you're done with the shifting. At around 60 MPH if I let off it with those gears and that transmission my truck nosedives a little bit. The mileage is also horrible. If you're not planning on racing it, I vote a TH 350/400. __________________ "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." MY TRUCK (Now for sale) 1967 C10 SWB *Dylan* IIMY?



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