What's going on here??? trans swap woes - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

amstaff · 11-19-2002, 09:11 PM

I have talked to a couple of people in my area (Central Pennsylvania) about installing a 700r4 in my 72 C10. First guy, who works at a highly recommended trans shop, said that he wouldn't dare install that in the truck... said it was "too hard to hook up and get right." I then asked what if we mated it up to a brand new crate engine??? Still said,"No way, Jose." Mentioned that a th350 is no problem though.
Next guy owns a shop were they service high end imports and build/work on muscle cars and drag cars (they have their own Pro Streeter sitting in their reception area!). Anyway, he tells me that it would not be worth it as it could be up to 50 hours labor to install an auto (700r4 and/or th350) and take out the 4-speed Muncie. Labor alone would be over $3,000, not to mention parts, etc. He thought I should just put different gears in the rearend to help out with MPG.
What is going on here?!?!?!
I read post of our members w/ these transmissions being installed all of the time. Is Central PA just a little behind in the times???
Is there anyone who will do this, and how much should it cost
I would like to do this in the Spring, if anyone can stear me in the right direction I would appreciate it! Would be willing to travel to get this done right the first time.

Greg

- Sorry for the long post

bigvinnie · 11-19-2002, 09:15 PM

I'll take a stab at what's going on.... you've been talking to people who are either clueless or trying to ream you, or possibly both...

this swap is a slam dunk, hardest part (if you wanna call it hard) is getting all the parts together for the swap.... lots of people on the board can give you a list of what you'll need to complete the swap, or you can use the search feature to find it cuz it's been covered lots here.... maybe someone has a recommandation of a reputable place near you that can do the job without trying to blow smoke up your skirt...

let me know if you need more info, glad to help...

amstaff · 11-19-2002, 09:23 PM

So this is not an unreasonable project... Where do I go from here?

mooneyes · 11-19-2002, 09:24 PM

i agree with bigvinnie...50 hours labor??????my god!!!!! its basically a bolt in with maybe some crossmember aand driveshaft work..and shifter and flexplate ..but 50 hours!!!!!i think not

Truckstr · 11-19-2002, 09:28 PM

I'm with "bigvinnie" - this IS NOT a bad swap to do - at all.

Here's a link to a site with loads of info on this transmission:

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sum.../techinfo.html

and

http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/

Bowtie Overdrives even has a bolt in crossmember to fit our trucks.

Don't be put off by people that are "either trying to ream you" or "don't have a clue" - as "bigvinnie" so eloquently put it.

bigvinnie · 11-19-2002, 09:32 PM

try this link also...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/tech/trannyswap.html

bigjimzlll · 11-19-2002, 10:11 PM

none of the local shops here would touch the conversion..said it always turned into a night mare...I did the swap in an afternoon all by myself...dont get me wrong,,its not easy..but its simple...heavy tranny..lining up stuff..

TERRYP · 11-20-2002, 04:55 AM

I went with a 200R4, mainly because it is controlled just by a TVI cable, and the much better 1-2 shift. If I deduct the ***** of a time I had getting the old bell-housing x-member out, it took 6 hours to eyeball x-member, change columns, mount tranny cooler, then I had to move the whole assembly 4' foreward bcause the driveshaft I scrounged somehow grew without my knowledge!

busterwivell · 11-20-2002, 09:02 AM

Just got mine back from the tranny shop. Took in a 700R4 core, a column shift steering column, a new Delco turn signal switch and my truck with a 4 speed. Drove home with a 700R4 hooked to my 402, and all the old parts in the bed. My bill was about half what you were quoted. Couldn't be happier! If you want to bring your truck to Tucson on vacation, I'll hook you up.
P.S. This is the 3rd overdrive they have done for me, never had a problem with any.

Mixup · 11-20-2002, 01:49 PM

I switched from a 350 to a 700R4 and after I got all the parts ready it took a Sat morning to complete it on my back in the garage. The hardest part is the driveshaft and I didn't have to cut mine because I had the middle length 350 and it's the same size as the 700R4.

70c10 · 11-20-2002, 02:03 PM

My dad is doing this on his 70' and he was just quoted $1000 for the whole job.

sam's 72 · 11-20-2002, 03:35 PM

I have a 72 c/10 LWB, it had a 350 TH short tail shaft in it, I bought built up 700r4 from a friend of mine for $ 500, then had the tranny guy that built this tranny install it for $ 250, this tranny does not have any wireing required on it, it goes into over drive hydroliclly. that included everything. Shortening of drive shaft, new TV cable, new bracket for cable, and new tranny dip stick. I called the tranny guy today when I read your post he told me he does these conversion all the time in older cars and trucks, the price depending if you bring him your own 700r4 or if he has to get one for you and build it and install it goes from any where between
$ 250 to $ 1100, and that $ 1100 is if he has to send some one out and get one from a yard, bring it to his shop, rebuild it, and install it. This guy is very very good. He is the best that I know of locally. What impressed me so much about this guy, is that he builds ALL, I MEAN EVERY SINGLE ONE of his own torque converters. He gave me a tour of his shop, and he has about
$ 70,000 tied up in just equipment to build torque converters.
I live in the Houston area, and I don't know of any one doing this. He does a lot of tranyy for drag racers in this area. Sorry for the long post, but just wanted to encourage you to keep looking for a good tranny guy.
Sam

Billy Porter · 11-20-2002, 05:51 PM

I did a tranny swap from a manual to automatic not a real problem ... I put in a turbo 350 perfect fit....... total 75. 00 for parts at the junk yard ..........The B&M shifter cost the most.....

slam33 · 11-20-2002, 11:34 PM

Most shops don't what to do it becuse first, it's a pain in the rear to pull all the parts, trans, cross, colume, ect.. then if something isn't just right they may have to stand good for it even if you bring them the parts. I just did mine from a stick to a 350. Parts, if you want all the good stuff is a pain to put all together unless you have a donner. As for the conversion get out your tools and get a little dirty. The colume is a snap, the crossmember is a pain but a good chisle and a hand sledge will do the job. Getting the tranny in works better if you have a buddy to help but you can do it yourself with a floor jack and a homemade tranny saddle. Once it's in the rest is downhill, mine took me 2 days to do by myself. I'm very happy with it, it's like driving a whole new truck. Do your reseach and get all the parts together first, every nut bolt and bracket.

11-19-2002, 09:11 PM	#1
amstaff Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: State College, PA Posts: 178	What's going on here??? trans swap woes I have talked to a couple of people in my area (Central Pennsylvania) about installing a 700r4 in my 72 C10. First guy, who works at a highly recommended trans shop, said that he wouldn't dare install that in the truck... said it was "too hard to hook up and get right." I then asked what if we mated it up to a brand new crate engine??? Still said,"No way, Jose." Mentioned that a th350 is no problem though. Next guy owns a shop were they service high end imports and build/work on muscle cars and drag cars (they have their own Pro Streeter sitting in their reception area!). Anyway, he tells me that it would not be worth it as it could be up to 50 hours labor to install an auto (700r4 and/or th350) and take out the 4-speed Muncie. Labor alone would be over $3,000, not to mention parts, etc. He thought I should just put different gears in the rearend to help out with MPG. What is going on here?!?!?! I read post of our members w/ these transmissions being installed all of the time. Is Central PA just a little behind in the times??? Is there anyone who will do this, and how much should it cost I would like to do this in the Spring, if anyone can stear me in the right direction I would appreciate it! Would be willing to travel to get this done right the first time. Greg - Sorry for the long post

11-19-2002, 09:15 PM	#2
bigvinnie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: escondido, ca 92026 Posts: 1,222	I'll take a stab at what's going on.... you've been talking to people who are either clueless or trying to ream you, or possibly both... this swap is a slam dunk, hardest part (if you wanna call it hard) is getting all the parts together for the swap.... lots of people on the board can give you a list of what you'll need to complete the swap, or you can use the search feature to find it cuz it's been covered lots here.... maybe someone has a recommandation of a reputable place near you that can do the job without trying to blow smoke up your skirt... let me know if you need more info, glad to help... __________________ '72 short step, 350, 700R4, tilt, ps, pdb, a/c, lowered coils, etc., other work in progress... San Diego, CA 72 Stepside Project Last edited by bigvinnie; 11-19-2002 at 09:23 PM.

11-19-2002, 09:24 PM	#4
mooneyes Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Slippery Rock PA USA Posts: 1,692	i agree with bigvinnie...50 hours labor??????my god!!!!! its basically a bolt in with maybe some crossmember aand driveshaft work..and shifter and flexplate ..but 50 hours!!!!!i think not __________________ Ken Lyons, Slippery rock pa 68 short step 327 t10 4 gear 72 2wd blazer project 70 lwb 305/700r driver 78 caprice project 02 cavalier D.D ( hate it!!)

11-19-2002, 09:28 PM	#5
Truckstr Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Lebanon, Tennessee Posts: 1,372	I'm with "bigvinnie" - this IS NOT a bad swap to do - at all. Here's a link to a site with loads of info on this transmission: http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sum.../techinfo.html and http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/ Bowtie Overdrives even has a bolt in crossmember to fit our trucks. Don't be put off by people that are "either trying to ream you" or "don't have a clue" - as "bigvinnie" so eloquently put it. __________________ Jeff '67 short Fleet; my ongoing project. '66 long Fleet; my original "baby." Live life or bust trying.

11-19-2002, 09:32 PM	#6
bigvinnie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: escondido, ca 92026 Posts: 1,222	try this link also... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/tech/trannyswap.html __________________ '72 short step, 350, 700R4, tilt, ps, pdb, a/c, lowered coils, etc., other work in progress... San Diego, CA 72 Stepside Project

11-19-2002, 09:23 PM	#3
amstaff Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: State College, PA Posts: 178	So this is not an unreasonable project... Where do I go from here?

11-19-2002, 10:11 PM	#7
bigjimzlll Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Redding,CA...USA Posts: 4,736	none of the local shops here would touch the conversion..said it always turned into a night mare...I did the swap in an afternoon all by myself...dont get me wrong,,its not easy..but its simple...heavy tranny..lining up stuff.. __________________ It's called "drag racing" if they called it "tic..tic..WHAM!..BANG! F*&K!!!", they'd have to keep the magazines under the counter with the other men's publications click the clicky to join the site.... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php 67 lwb..first hotrod in 25 years..540 best ET is 9.45 @ 141.44 Anderson,CA

11-20-2002, 04:55 AM	#8
TERRYP GYRO GEARLOOSE Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Nevada City, CAEverett, WA Posts: 361	I went with a 200R4, mainly because it is controlled just by a TVI cable, and the much better 1-2 shift. If I deduct the *** of a time I had getting the old bell-housing x-member out, it took 6 hours to eyeball x-member, change columns, mount tranny cooler, then I had to move the whole assembly 4' foreward bcause the driveshaft I scrounged somehow grew without my knowledge! __________________ Nevada City, CA Everett, Washington 57 3/4 rat, 235, 3spd 66 C-10 Panel, SWB. 350 from '68, 200R4 tranny, 3.07 rear ratio, restoring 68 C10 LWB 350 4spd, 4.56 rear dump runner 82 Camaro, 305, THM-200-R4 84 Monte Carlo 305 TH350, land tuna 85 Tercel SW, snow runner DISGRACED OUTLAW MEMBER OF THE DRUM BRAKE CLUB**

11-20-2002, 09:02 AM	#9
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	Just got mine back from the tranny shop. Took in a 700R4 core, a column shift steering column, a new Delco turn signal switch and my truck with a 4 speed. Drove home with a 700R4 hooked to my 402, and all the old parts in the bed. My bill was about half what you were quoted. Couldn't be happier! If you want to bring your truck to Tucson on vacation, I'll hook you up. P.S. This is the 3rd overdrive they have done for me, never had a problem with any. __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

11-20-2002, 01:49 PM	#10
Mixup Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 358	I switched from a 350 to a 700R4 and after I got all the parts ready it took a Sat morning to complete it on my back in the garage. The hardest part is the driveshaft and I didn't have to cut mine because I had the middle length 350 and it's the same size as the 700R4. __________________ 1980 Chevy Shortbed Pickup 1969 Z28 engine Turbo 350

11-20-2002, 02:03 PM	#11
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	My dad is doing this on his 70' and he was just quoted $1000 for the whole job. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

11-20-2002, 03:35 PM	#12
sam's 72 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Pasadena, Texas, USA Posts: 1,005	I have a 72 c/10 LWB, it had a 350 TH short tail shaft in it, I bought built up 700r4 from a friend of mine for $ 500, then had the tranny guy that built this tranny install it for $ 250, this tranny does not have any wireing required on it, it goes into over drive hydroliclly. that included everything. Shortening of drive shaft, new TV cable, new bracket for cable, and new tranny dip stick. I called the tranny guy today when I read your post he told me he does these conversion all the time in older cars and trucks, the price depending if you bring him your own 700r4 or if he has to get one for you and build it and install it goes from any where between $ 250 to $ 1100, and that $ 1100 is if he has to send some one out and get one from a yard, bring it to his shop, rebuild it, and install it. This guy is very very good. He is the best that I know of locally. What impressed me so much about this guy, is that he builds ALL, I MEAN EVERY SINGLE ONE of his own torque converters. He gave me a tour of his shop, and he has about $ 70,000 tied up in just equipment to build torque converters. I live in the Houston area, and I don't know of any one doing this. He does a lot of tranyy for drag racers in this area. Sorry for the long post, but just wanted to encourage you to keep looking for a good tranny guy. Sam __________________ 72 LWB chevy truck. Pasadena, Texas

11-20-2002, 05:51 PM	#13
Billy Porter Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Petersburg, Virginia Posts: 178	I did a tranny swap from a manual to automatic not a real problem ... I put in a turbo 350 perfect fit....... total 75. 00 for parts at the junk yard ..........The B&M shifter cost the most..... __________________ 71 GMC Stepside 250/350 Turbo better known as "Fred Sanford 77 240 Mercedes Benz 92 300E Mercedes Benz 70 Firebird 400 85 600 Ninja

11-20-2002, 11:34 PM	#14
slam33 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Long Beach, Ca Posts: 1,432	Most shops don't what to do it becuse first, it's a pain in the rear to pull all the parts, trans, cross, colume, ect.. then if something isn't just right they may have to stand good for it even if you bring them the parts. I just did mine from a stick to a 350. Parts, if you want all the good stuff is a pain to put all together unless you have a donner. As for the conversion get out your tools and get a little dirty. The colume is a snap, the crossmember is a pain but a good chisle and a hand sledge will do the job. Getting the tranny in works better if you have a buddy to help but you can do it yourself with a floor jack and a homemade tranny saddle. Once it's in the rest is downhill, mine took me 2 days to do by myself. I'm very happy with it, it's like driving a whole new truck. Do your reseach and get all the parts together first, every nut bolt and bracket. __________________ 71 LWB 350/350still working on it but it's going tp be sweet. www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html " TARGET=_blank>http://www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html?1004806705410 </A>



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