Just got 700R4 Installed!

[SS317]

Man, I'm so excited I can hardly sit still. I just picked up my truck from the tranny shop! I removed the old powerglide and installed the 700R4 I've been thinking about for a year.

We only ran into a couple of things:
Had to change out the flexplate and the starter. PO installed a 350 in front of the powerglide so the flexplate was different.

Went ahead and had the carrier bearing and all U Joints replaced when I had the driveline cut. This made the cost of the driveline go from $80.00 budget to $350.00.

Other than that the install went pretty good. First gear is lower than I thought it would be. I am going to drive it a few days and go back for the guy to check everything out and do any shift point adjustments I need. Right now it sits in first for quite a while before it shifts to second. All shifts are nice and firm, but don't knock you out of your seat.

It was really cool to be driving 65 down the highway and have the engine RPM's so low. Quite a difference from the powerglide. It's like I have a new truck!! MAN, I LOVE THIS MODIFICATION!

[awbrown]

I would be interested in how much you gain in gas milage....

[krazy_texan]

plan on doing mine soon as soon as i get that fat check from the IRS

[SS317]

Everything I researched about the install points toward 30% savings in fuel. I use this truck as my work truck so I'm hoping to get that. The engine isn't working near as hard as it was.

[steverino66]

Originally Posted by SS317

Everything I researched about the install points toward 30% savings in fuel. I use this truck as my work truck so I'm hoping to get that. The engine isn't working near as hard as it was.

This swap on my 66 El Camino increased highway mileage by more like 18% (350TH to 700R4); don't be too disappointed if you don't see 30% in the truck since its drag coefficient is roughly equivalent to a rolling refrigerator box. Just enjoy that 2200 rpm quiet rumble on the interstate!

[SS317]

Originally Posted by steverino66

This swap on my 66 El Camino increased highway mileage by more like 18% (350TH to 700R4); don't be too disappointed if you don't see 30% in the truck since its drag coefficient is roughly equivalent to a rolling refrigerator box. Just enjoy that 2200 rpm quiet rumble on the interstate!

With the power glide gone I'll be happy with any increase. I drive this truck all day pulling my landscaping equipment, so any gain is a good gain. I'd be happy with 5%

[fleetsidelarry]

you'll be happy no matter what. this is the single best upgrade I think you can make, you'll want to drive your truck everywhere, all the time.

just make sure you have the proper linkage on the side of the carb and that the TV cable is properly adjusted (I'm guessing you know this already)

next thing is: change your signature!

[doobiebro]

SS317 Did you stay with the original rear differential (6 cyl)?

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by SS317

With the power glide gone I'll be happy with any increase. I drive this truck all day pulling my landscaping equipment, so any gain is a good gain. I'd be happy with 5%

...and based on our experiences with in-and-around-town driving, you may be much closer to reality than many of us might otherwise guess. After all, you're gonna be starting off in a considerably (& possibly not necessary) lower 1st gear. Also, you may find the need to get to a faster speed before getting into 3rd, or the 1:1 gear!

[williamsboys]

Sounds good. Did you get it from a local place or a place off line? I heard monster is a awesome place to get trans. Im getting the same trans to put behind my 327. Cant wait! Just havent decided where to get it from.
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[likaroc13]

Originally Posted by williamsboys

Sounds good. Did you get it from a local place or a place off line? I heard monster is a awesome place to get trans. Im getting the same trans to put behind my 327. Cant wait! Just havent decided where to get it from.
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same here...i currently have a 327/Powerglide combo...but i wanna swap for a 700R4....we already swapped rear end gears, & that made a pretty noticeable difference...can't wait to see how the 700 changes things

[SS317]

I looked all over and read a ton on this site about the whole job. I looked at bowtie overdrives and many others, and finally decided I didn't need a transmission way overbuilt for how I drive the truck.

I found a local guy that has his own shop, has been doing transmissions for years, and his shop is always full. He constantly has new vehicles in and out of his shop. I got 4 quotes for the job and my guy was the only one who could spout off most of the things brought up on this site by memory.

[DoubleL]

Originally Posted by SS317

I looked all over and read a ton on this site about the whole job. I looked at bowtie overdrives and many others, and finally decided I didn't need a transmission way overbuilt for how I drive the truck.

I found a local guy that has his own shop, has been doing transmissions for years, and his shop is always full. He constantly has new vehicles in and out of his shop. I got 4 quotes for the job and my guy was the only one who could spout off most of the things brought up on this site by memory.

I have had my 700r4 for about 3 months. I have 4:11 gears but will be swapping to a 3:73 posi I aquired. Did you use the original shift column?

[chevyguys]

I am running a 700R4 with 3.73's and 27 inch tires. Quite honestly this setup is sweet. I have zero complaints and the truck is a blast to drive. Rpm's are 2300-2400 at 75. The motor just hummmmmms. Don't care about fuel mileage since it's better that my 07 Dodge RAM HEMI by a long shot.

Purchased the trans from Gearstar, they included everything ( cooler, TV cable, torque coverter, synthetic trans fluid, inspection cover, dipstick, kickdown switch) The only thing I had to buy was the geometry corrector for the carb. They even included the correct speedo gear for my gear ratio and tire size. Great guys to work with. 1500.00 delivered to the door with a three year warranty.

[kieth]

One cannot make universal statements about how a transmission will perform with a 700r4 without taking into consideration a lot of variables. Here is a list of those variables:

1. engine HP and torque curve,

1a. torque at clutch engagement

2. transmission ratios

3. rear axle ratio

4. Tire size

I currently have a 200 hp 350 tbi engine out of a 91 burb, 3:73 gears, 700r4, 265-70r 17 tires (30" diameter). This combo works fine, since the tall rubber , light weight of my truck, and overall ratio I cruise at 70 mph at 2000 rpm approx. But this is not a barn burner, If I went to lower series tires the torque would increase but so would my rpms at cruising speed. I was looking for normal use, cruising down the expressway, and fuel mileage, so this set up works for me. One has to take all this into account before jumping off into the overdrive world.

i.e. 3:07 gears with tall tires and a 700r4 could only be run if you have a stump pulling big block since it has lots of torque, when the transmission goes into the overdrive gear it actually gives up torque for reduced rpms
(400 ft lbs X .75 = 300ft lbs at the tailshaft of the transmission) IF one is running 24" wheels it may reduce the overall ratio so much that the truck will be sluggish with only a small hp 230 engine , the truck would not get out of its own way and would have to be downshifted to go up a hill (lugging the engine)

HP=RPM X TORQUE / 5252

OR CONVERSELY HP X 5252 / RPM = TORQUE

MY TRUCK AS AN EXAMPLE 200 HP@ 4000RPM

200 X 5252 / 4000= 262.6 FT LBS OF TORQUE

NOW WE LOOK AT HOW MUCH TORQUE IS AVAILABLE AT THE TAIL SHAFT OF THE TRANSMISSION

TORQUE X RATIO= TORQUE AVAILABLE AT TAILSHAFT IN ANY GIVEN GEAR


700R4 350 400
1ST GEAR: 3.06 2.25 2.48

2ND GEAR: 1.62 1.52 1.48

3RD GEAR: 1.00 1.00 1.00

OD RATIO: .70 (30% INCR IN SPEED W 30% REDUCTION IN TORQUE)

263 FT/LBS X .70 = 184.1 FT LBS X 3.73 (REAR RATIO)= 686.69FT LBS / 2.5=275FT LBS OF TORQUE TO THE GROUND.

=392 FT LBS IN 3RD GEAR

=636 FT LBS IN 2ND GEAR

=1201 FT LBS IN 1ST GEAR

THIS REALLY ONLY TAKES ON MEANING WHEN YOU COMPARE IT TO SOMETHING THAT YOU ALREADY KNOW HOW IT WORKS.

HERE IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE:

250 6 CYLINDER 3 SPEED ON TREE OR 350/400 AUTOMATIC 3:73 26" TIRE DIAMETER

160HP X 5252 / 3500RPM = 240.10 FT LBS OF TORQUE

240. X 1 X 3.73 =895.54 FT LBS / 2.25" = 398FT LBS OF TORQUE TO GROUND
other engine, trans, wheel diameters, rear ratios will perform differently

240 X .70 X 3.73 / 2.25 =278.5 FT LBS OF TORQUE TO THE GROUND WITH A 700 R4
350 OD
3SPD 700R4

160HP 6 398 278 TORQUE TO THE GROUND

2OOHP 350 392 275 TORQUE TO THE GROUND


THE BIG DIFFERENCE HERE IS SMALLER TIRES ON THE 6 CYLINDER, HENCE THE TORQUE TO THE GROUND IS ABOUT THE SAME.....AND THE 6 CYLINDER OPERATES AT A LOWER RPM HENCE THE HIGHER TORQUE NUMBER.

THE OTHER FACTOR IS AT WHAT RPM IS THE ENGINE OPERATING AND AT WHAT SPEED IS THE TRUCK TRAVELING. I AM BUILDING A CALCULATOR FOR ANALYZING TORQUE WITHIN A USABLE RANGE OF SPEED SO IT CAN BE USED AS A EVALUATION TOOL FOR ALL COMBINATIONS.

[Chvy2NV]

A parts list would b e cool
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[shortbed70]

In my honest opinion because I ran my 700 for a total year now, granted my tire is only 26"tall a 3.55-3.73 would be ideal. Anything shorter gear wise an taller tire its going to lug the motor down and make the truck work harder to keep going. Just my opinion! I know my truck loves te 3.73/26"tire and 700! I can cruise 70-80 no problem not that I want to but I can!! Just saying. I think after all the pars I put in my trans I should've bought one but its got every bolt on possible externally. Set your pump pressure by the book also... If not they won't live, long!
Trans cooler, tv correction bracket of bowtie od kit, driveshaft, crossmember.
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[purebred]

What rpm at 60 MPH?

[hd74]

mine runs around 2000 rpm at 75mph

[X24]

gosh, i really want to hear more about the new transmission... HOW MUCH DID EVERYTHING COST?

[shortbed70]

My total cost in my tr annoy swap from 350-700r4..
Tranny (used) $300
Converter $200
Pump rings,gasket,servos and diamond gov $250
Build driveshaft $80
Tranny mount $20
Tv correction bracket $20

Haven't drove it much yet but hopefully soon with video...
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[SS317]

Total I was 1850 installed, out the door. I drove it everywhere today and love it. WIth the 350 the thing feels like a hot rod rocket ship. I step on the gas and it just keeps going faster and faster. I love living miles from down on the back roads,,, good "testing" areas.
I did leave in the original rear end but I'm really not sure which one it is. I don't know what engine was original as the 350 was already installed when I got the truck. And I just haven't researched the VIN to find out.

[X24]

dang! sounds like you gotta good deal... thanks for the info... i'm running a straight 6 with a powerglide transmission... needless to say, I'M JEALOUS!

[purebred]

I'll ask again, how many rpm's at 60 mph?

[SS317]

Originally Posted by purebred

I'll ask again, how many rpm's at 60 mph?

Sorry, as soon as I get the speedometer readjusted I'll let you know. Right now I'm about 20MPH too fast. Part should be here Monday or Tuesday.

I can tell you RPM's are way lower than they were.