TH350 to 700r4 swap

[bad72c10]

Alright guys, I need some assistance here. For those of you who have done it, or know exactly what is required, what is required?? Not sure, but I think my Th350 just dropped that R gear today Thanks in advance guys, Justin

[krue]

I didn't do the 700, but I did put a 200 in my truck (for about a day ). You'll need a TV cable setup, wiring harness for the convertor if you plan on using the lockup, and a shorter driveshaft. www.700r4.com has the cable kit and harness.

[bad72c10]

Thanks Krue, anybody else?? I know everyone says to get an '87up 700r4, but how about an 84? Did these trannys still have problems at that time, or were they good by then?? Thanks, Justin

[jorgensensc]

I just switched out a th350 in the '56 Bel Air for a 2004r tranny. I bought it nicely rebuilt and it cost about the same as a nicely rebuilt 700r 4 tranny. I chose the 2004r because it is the same length as the th350 and bolts right up, with no driveshaft mods. You just need to move the crossmember 6 inches. Some will argue about the strength of the 2004r vs the 700r 4 tranny, but when I got mine done it will withstand over 350 hp garanteed and it has a better first gear ratio than the 700r 4. It was behind the Buick Grand Nats so they must be pretty good. I got my tranny from phoenix transmissions in weathorford Tx. with a 2 year 24,000 mile warranty. JMHO.,
Shawn

[hvychve]

NICE choice, bowtieoverdrives.com is a good sight to get some insight, I have installed one in my 72 , I used one with a lock up converter, make sure you buy a tv cable that belongs with these trannys and make sure it is adjusted right on the money, these do not control shift points but throttle valve pressures in the transsmission and is very vital to the longevity of the transmission, I had to drill different holes in frame , I used a long drill bit to get straight up both sections of the frame(was'nt to terribly bad) and I have the two piece drive shaft, I had the front shaft shortened a couple inches, but messures yours to determine your cut length, bowtieoverdrives.com can also hook you up with some different valves and springs to change in the valve body for improvement points of lockup converter and brake cancel switches, to allow tcc to disengage when brakes are applied, this is vital for when on freeway or when engaged and brakes are hammered on , that the engine dont die , due to fact its in high gear, check out the sight, many good tips and how to's..... also there is a shift indicator that has the extra digit that looks original that mounts on the factory columns, good luck........happy overdriving.. p.s. the 700r4 also have a lower 1st gear, so it will have better low gear launches, and than you also with low gears in rear(I have 4:10) w/18 inch tires , so at about 80 mph im taching about 2800 r's.......

[kenm78]

I want to do the same will be watching this thread!

[Film Guy]

I did the swap. I took out a T400 and installed a 700r. I built transmissions for Cadillac for 15 years. This was just a bunch of old parts I had laying around. I did the swap because I had 3.73 rear gears and like to drive fast. @ 80mph with the T400 I was pretty much maxed out. High rpm. Now I can cruise @ 80mph and only turn around 2300rpm. W/ converter locked up. Oh.. I almost for got, I have a 3000 stall converter w/ lock-up. Its a good mod! I recommend it.

[bad72c10]

Thanks for your help so far guys. Will I have to do any modifications to the coulumn other than a new lens? Film guy, why a 3000? Isn't that way high for a modified 355? And what's that wink for, lol.
If I find a used 700r4 for cheap, I was going to rebuild it with a B&M Transkit. They say it has all of the components to their Street and Strip trannys, just you install them, including a shift kit. Has anyone used this kit? I'm not sure what else to ask, other than has anyone found a FAQ or walkthrough type thread on this??
Will I have to cut my driveshaft if my TH350 turns out to have a 9" tailshaft? What vehicles did these come in?? Thanks Guys, Justin

[Film Guy]

I had a 1800 Stall converter and truck was a little sluggish from a stop. I installed a 3000 and now I can boil the hides in 3 gears. Its a big block. Is your truck a long bed? I am converting to a SWB. I may have some parts you could use.

As for the wink... Hey! I don't roll like dat.

[Film Guy]

Almost forgot, No mods to the shifter. Just adjust the linkage in neutral. Trans in neutral align indicator in neutral tighten adjustment bolts. Everything should line up and work. I used a shift kit from Bowtie Overdrives. No problems.

[bad72c10]

Naw, mine's a SWB. Thanks though. I may have to look into that stall a little more, though. I just think it might be to big for my pu... well you know, Small block, compared to your Big Block, lol. j/k on the wink, lol

[krue]

TH350 w/ 9" shaft is ~the same length as a 700.

[VetteVet]

Here's a website to help.

http://transmissioncenter.net/700R4_Swap_Info.htm

Also if you look into the FAQS and go to the index made by KRUE you will find a thread on the swap.