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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 9
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Transmission Conversion
Hello everyone, I currently have a 1970 Short Bed Step Side. It has a 350 engine with a 350 transmission. I am thinking about converting the transmission over to a 700r4 and wanted to do some research on this. I would like to hear pros and cons if possible. If you can share your information, your experience with the conversion, what to look for and what to say away from. Also, if there is anyone here in the San Gabriel area of Los Angeles who knows of a local shop they can recommend it will be greatly appreciated.
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#2 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Gods country East,Tn
Posts: 8,545
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Re: Transmission Conversion
There are no cons you will be very happy with the swap
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Smyrna, GA
Posts: 709
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Re: Transmission Conversion
I made the switch 2 years ago. I also swapped out my 3.08 for a 3.73 rear end and I like the final drive... You should defiantly look into a lock up converter from TCI, you cant go wrong. You may also want to research how much stall, if any, you will need for the cam you are running. If you are stock or somewhere around an RV cam you should not need anything more than stock. You can do this on a pretty tight budget if you are able to do the install yourself.
Good luck!
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Rottenwood Garage 1970...71...72 C1500 aka Orange aka Sideshow Bob 540 BB Straub Roller Cam, AFR Magnums, XP 950, TKO 600 2 Tons of Fun |
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#4 | ||
"I ain't nobody, dork."
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Whidbey Island, Washington
Posts: 8,940
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Re: Transmission Conversion
Make sure the TV cable is set up properly. If not you can destroy a 700R4 pretty darn quick.
Gary
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'cuz chicks dig scars... My 1972 GMC 1500 Super Custom (Creeping Death) "long term" build thread. The Rebuild of Creeping Death after the wreck Quote:
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#5 |
Roto Reuter thats the name...
![]() Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Darien, NY
Posts: 1,853
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Re: Transmission Conversion
Have you considered a 2004R at all? From what I understand, you would not need to change the length of your driveshaft and pretty straight-forward swap. Some will argue the strength of a 2004R compared to a 700R4, but if it's properly built I don't believe it would be a problem. Either way… I'm watching this thread. Chime on!
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~ Dan ![]() My 70 K10 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782232 My 71 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651394 1970 SWB Fleet K10 4X4, 5.3L LM7, 4L60E, Dakota Digital RTX, Vintage Air, Ididit tilt 1971 SWB Fleet C10 - Original SWB Arizona truck, new custom restoration project "Kick out your motor and drive while you're still alive - kick it out!" - Heart 1977 |
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#6 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Fairview, ks
Posts: 203
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Re: Transmission Conversion
Didn't have to mess with drive shaft length on the long bed I used to have. Just moved the cross member to the TH400 holes and the drive shaft bolted right up. Don't know if the short beds are that easy or not
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Midland, TX
Posts: 1,267
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Re: Transmission Conversion
I'm in the middle of the same install now. Check out my build thread for more.
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1969 RS/SS Z10 Camaro Pace coupe 1972 GMC Short Step buildhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6356218 1979 Mazda RX7 1979 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 & 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary 1999 Honda Valkyrie 2006 Corvette Z06 2010 BMW 650i |
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#8 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Tucson
Posts: 2,183
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Re: Transmission Conversion
Quote:
With a 350 engine (which I assume is stock) you probably don't develop enough torque to make the 700 behave any differently than the 200 but if you start hot rodding that motor be sure to buy a later version of the 700 from a knowledgeable trans builder. You will like either one and the difference at 70 mph IS noticeable between either one and the TH350. For the 200R4 I would use Art Carr in Huntington Beach. California Performance Transmission 5502 Engineer Dr Huntington Beach, CA 92649 (714) 901-3777 for the 700R you are on your own. I have not used that box. Good Luck with your truck! Last edited by Fitz; 01-15-2014 at 12:13 AM. |
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#9 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Cedar Park, Texas
Posts: 7,500
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Re: Transmission Conversion
Quote:
I dont believe the 200 4r was ever installed behind a big block. Nothing bigger than a 307 Olds, actually. In stock form neither of the original od trans had the necessary torque capacity. |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 2,151
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Re: Transmission Conversion
Correct. The 200R4 was never installed behind any big block or even a 350. Even though the TPI Corvette and the Grand National both are very close in horsepower the 'Vette got the 700R4 and the GN got the 200R4. I think besides the no BOP bellhousing on the 700 a big reason is that the stock Vette will hook up where the turbo Regal will not. When you get the GN to hook up, then you need to build the trans and the cycle continues. The 200R4 can be built to handle the power for sure, but a 700R4 can do it with a lot less mods. The current 4L60E shares some internals with some of the last 700R4 transmissions.
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'83 K20-TPI '73 C10 '79 C10-ex-diesel(SOLD) '07 Tahoe(Son driving) '14 Suburban-DD '71 C10-current project |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Stigler,OK
Posts: 125
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Re: Transmission Conversion
I swapped an 87 700R4 into my 71. Swapped right in. I didn't have to shorten my drive shaft. I did have to move the cross member back about 3 inches or so and drill new holes. I love it. The lower 1st. and 2nd. gears made a huge difference. I do want to change the 3.08 gears to 3.73 eventually.
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#12 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Tucson
Posts: 2,183
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Re: Transmission Conversion
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#13 | |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2013
Location: WEST PALM FLORIDA
Posts: 1,174
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Re: Transmission Conversion
Quote:
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68 Long Fleet , ly6 , turbo 350 , 3-5 drop , original paint , front discs 67 Small window , 7 foot bed , tweaked 6.0 LSX 2004R Medium Olive 58 Apache fleet , 235 , offy intake , dual exhaust , 4 on the floor , red/white 69 Long Fleet , Custom , 6.0, 4l60 , AC , Medium Olive |
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#14 | |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 99
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Re: Transmission Conversion
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#15 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Cedar Park, Texas
Posts: 7,500
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Re: Transmission Conversion
700r4 actually has a lower first gear than the 200 4r. There is a noticeable difference in rpm drop on the first to second shift on the 700r4 as opposed to the 200 4r.
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#16 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Chandler AZ
Posts: 1,149
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Re: Transmission Conversion
I have a 700R4 in my Longhorn. It has worked great since 1997. I did have to cut the shaft and do a little bit of electrical to get the lock up to work right.
If you are going to street the truck go 2004R. A lot fewer mods and is great on the street. If you are going to tow or pull, a 700R4 with a big cooler works well but requires drive shaft cut. Measure the transmission you have and compare. I don't usually race my truck...ahem...but got on it with a new Chevy off the line Saturday. Accross the intersection, he had no chance! After that, it was me that had no chance. 700s get you out of the hole.
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1970 Longhorn, Front Disc, 350/4 bolt, 882 heads, HEI, Edelbrock, 700R4, HO-52/4.11. 1996 Corvette, Collector Roadster, LT4, 396, 450RWHP, 6sp, 4.11/Dana44/posi 5 point roll bar And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal 6:9 |
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