NEW 700r question

[PHAT TONY]

My query is: has anyone here used the B&M lock-up switch that works from a speed switch in line with speedo cable? Seems whizzy, part # is 70244 for mechanical speedo.

[mr._bowtie]

Nope, never heard of it even. But B&M isnt typically a company thats into gymics.

[mrh33916]

I know what you're talking about, I like the idea but it's pretty pricey at $175 from Summit Racing. I just run mine in 3rd gear below 45 mph.

[PHAT TONY]

Soooo, do you use a non lock-up converter or is it locked all the time?

[Andy4639]

I have the B&M lockup in mine but nothing hooked to speedo it's all inside the transmission. I have over 100,000 on it with no problems. I have a toggel switch on the dash to lock & unlock it.

[mrh33916]

Mine is the same way as Andy4639 I believe, the internal lockup kit locks the converter only when you shift into 4th gear. I also have a switch under the dash to shut it off completely but i never us it.

[67ChevyRedneck]

I used the bowtie overdrives kit. I like their kit because it has a switch that taps into the brake line (via the brake switch under the dash) that unlocks the transmission when you brake. Why is this important you may ask? I used to have a TCI kit that didn't have the brake switch and had to make a "panic stop" when a car pulled out in front of me years ago. My truck stalled from the hard braking, making it further difficult to stop the truck. I did some online reading and found out that it's possible to stall the truck if the brakes are applied hard/fast enough if the TC is locked in OD. Well, that scared the piss out of me so I bought the BTO kit. I've had to get on the brakes a few times over the years and no stalling with the BTO kit. My point, with whatever kit you get, get one that can unlock the TC too!

Lately I've been accused of sounding like a BTO salesperson, I assure you I am unemployed, broke, and have no affiliation with them

Do you have a link to the kit? It sounds very interesting. I'd like to see how an electronic transmission can unlock in conjunction with a manual speedo cable... maybe they're using the 700R's with the electronic speedometer? My BTO kit is all inside the tranny using pressure switches and a wiring harness, with the unlock connection too (everything to install it is included.) The kit also comes with a stiffer spring for the throttle valve body for firmer shifts.

[pmpski_1]

As much as I like the thought of OD, my idea of switching to a 700R4 is getting less and less shiny because of all the extras that seem to be coming up.

[67ChevyRedneck]

It's really not cheap to do it once and do it right. I think I had $1,500 into mine by the time I was all done.

Things I needed to swap from 3spd manual to 700R:

700R & torque converter

Auto tranny crossmember

Driveshaft shortened.

Transmission yoke (splines are different).

Radiator with automatic coolant tank.

Additional tranny cooler (highly recommend this).

Steel lines for tranny.

Longer speedometer cable (the 3spd manual one is too short to reach the back of the 700R, I got one from a junkyard TH350 truck.)

TV cable adjustment kit.

Torque converter lock up kit.

Lokar floor shifter and boot.

I don't know if you need to swap flywheels and starters or not, I had a junk V8 for parts that had a 700R behind it, so I used the stuff off of that on my new motor. Can't remember if there was a difference or not.

[mrh33916]

There is a cost involved in setting it up right. But......

70MPH

3.55GEARS

2100RPM

PRICELESS???

[6772owner]

If it helps I just used the Jet Performance vacuum switch to engage the torque conv lock up. It has worked great for me and simple to hook up. One vac line and 12v switched. Just my 2 cents

[PHAT TONY]

My plans for the truck in question are to keep it as stock as possible; std steer, std brakes, 307 2bbl. It's a 3spd std with 3:73 gears, I'm installing 700r4, tilt auto column and tach dash cluster and a pile of rally wheels. I saw this B&M gadget in a Summit catalogue; it goes in line at speedo cable on trans, works with mech. speedos and simply has an adjustable speed switch that locks/un locks converter in the 30-90 mph range. You power it, plug it into the tranny, set it and go. The engine stalling on hard braking won't affect std brakes/steering. I may use a different set up in a GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn that I'll prolly turn into a shorty half ton.