Transmission advice

[ADBob]

Thinking of changing the plan for my 1950 Chevy 3100. Was going to put a 261 and T-5 in but am now considering a SBC for the performance, price and availability of parts. The truck will be a weekend and evening cruiser.
If I go with a carbureted 350, what auto transmission do you recommend? I was thinking a TH350 (cheap and easy to install) or a 700R4 for the OD. I have no experience with the 700R4 so I don't know how difficult the installation is or if a computer is required. The rear ratio isn't an issue as I still have to find a new rear end for the truck.
Thanks.

[robin58]

700R4 is not computer controlled but depending on the year the speedo is either cable or electronic I believe.

[bigmike71]

For a cruiser I would say to go w/ the 700R4. Gas prices arent going down and you don't want to pass everything but the gas station. I am currently building a 280-300 hp 350 and will be going w/ 700 for the OD, also a lower first gear. I will be going w/ 373 gears so I can still do the occasional burn out !!OCCASIONALLY!! (really for a more aggressive take off)The 350 will be cheaper to build but will run more rpm's on the highway. The 350 will probably be a stronger tranny for the lead footed driver.....just my 2 cents

[cajundragger]

Originally Posted by bigmike71

For a cruiser I would say to go w/ the 700R4. Gas prices arent going down and you don't want to pass everything but the gas station. I am currently building a 280-300 hp 350 and will be going w/ 700 for the OD, also a lower first gear. I will be going w/ 373 gears so I can still do the occasional burn out !!OCCASIONALLY!! (really for a more aggressive take off)The 350 will be cheaper to build but will run more rpm's on the highway. The 350 will probably be a stronger tranny for the lead footed driver.....just my 2 cents

700R4 is far suprior to the TH350. I say 700R4 all the way. I know the later model ones in vette's(92ish) have electronic speedo's...

[Igotachevyor2]

DEFINATELY GO WITH THE 700R4 it can handle most all the hp and torque a masaged small block can dish out.

[55ChevyPU]

Ive got a th400 in my truck, not having that overdrive sucks. Go with the 700r4 so you can drive around on the freeway.

[ADBob]

Thanks for all the advice. The '69 GMC I built and sold 10 years ago had a TH400, great truck but it really chugged the gas on the highway. Did a bit more research and the 700R4 looks like an easy install and shouldn't be too difficult to rebuild.

[Smurfer643]

Get some help with your kickdown cable or you'll eat your transmission in 100 miles!

[bull1kevin]

the 700r4 will not hold up to a stout small block! I've been building drag raceing cars for years. 400-450 hp max on a 700r4 without spending big coin to make it survive.