Trans ????? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

67 chevy heaven · 01-06-2011, 07:35 PM

I have the origional 2 speed powerglide transmission for my 67 C-10 truck. It has been totally rebuilt.
But.... I am not sure that it will be satisfactory in my truck behind a built small block 383 stroker. (for highway use)
I have been thinking of going with a TH 400 instead.
Will some of you guys that know about this give me your opinion. Any and all feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Shawn

Valhalla · 01-06-2011, 07:45 PM

Really it depends on horsepower and how the transmission was rebuilt.

If the motor is pushing 400+ hp then the tranny would need to have been built to handle that power. this is a lesson me and my buddies learned the hard way more than once in our younger years of supercharging and putting turbo kits on stock internal motors/trannys.

Stock th400 are beefy but the higher the torque and hp then higher the risk of failure.

67 chevy heaven · 01-06-2011, 07:52 PM

I forgot to mention that the engine in pushing well over 400 hp!
What trans would be best. The powerglide was only rebuilt stock.
If a use a TH 400 I will have it built a little heaver to take the stress. More opinions PLEASE

dave2953 · 01-06-2011, 08:19 PM

What gears are you running? I had a Powerglide and it was a great transmission, but wasn't practical because with 3.73 gears I was turning 3K @ 60 mph. I am in the process of switching to a 700R4, but I've heard that unless they are built they can crap out when exposed to high horsepower. Not sure if the TH400 is susceptible to the same problems, though.

67 chevy heaven · 01-06-2011, 08:42 PM

I am running 3.73 gears in the rear.
Posted via Mobile Device

dave2953 · 01-06-2011, 08:47 PM

If you stayed with the PG you'd be turning pretty high rpm's on the highway and fuel mileage wouldn't exactly be stellar. I would think a TH400 would be the way to go, but I'm far from a transmission expert. Of course the downside to going with anything other than a PG is that you'd have to spend the money to go that particular route. What is a built TH400 going for these days?

66skylarkpost · 01-06-2011, 09:59 PM

i'd pull the powerglide and save or sell it . i've built a handful for circle track use in 3200 pound street stocks and a stock rebuild wont handle 400 horses in a heavier package . theres a number of key components to upgrade ( input shaft, hubs, drums and good clutches ) and can be costly for a converter . being its the same length and uses the same yoke spline on the driveshaft as a 350 turbo with a 6" tail (short),a mildly built 350 would be fine for less money

geezer#99 · 01-07-2011, 01:01 AM

Powerglide and 400 turbo both have a final drive of 1 to 1. Rpm at 60 is the same.
Powerglides are one of the toughest trannies built. They were available behind 425 horse 409's in the sixties. They'll take a lot of abuse. I know. Every weekend. 60 mph down the highway. Into reverse. Tires smokin trying to go backwards. Finally stopped. Back we go for 100 feet. Slam her into drive. More smoke. Stop. Back to 60 again. Did this at least 3 times a weekend. That tranny outlived the car.
Makes me tear up thinkin bout the old days. LOL!!!
I'd use the glide especially with the 3.73's.

rn2fine · 01-07-2011, 03:51 AM

I agree with Geezer#99. Final drive ratio of 1 to 1 is same as TH400. Rebuild the Powerglide and have a shop use parts that will handle the HP. Should not be a problem since Powerglides are racers most favored auto transmissions. And you keep all else exactly the same like linkage, driveshaft, crossmember, etc...

*Fitz* · 01-09-2011, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave2953

What gears are you running? I had a Powerglide and it was a great transmission, but wasn't practical because with 3.73 gears I was turning 3K @ 60 mph. I am in the process of switching to a 700R4, but I've heard that unless they are built they can crap out when exposed to high horsepower. Not sure if the TH400 is susceptible to the same problems, though.

Both the powerglide and the turbo 400 will take significantly more HP and torque than the 700R4. Johnny Winter built my turbo 400 for 1000 HP and it's lived for three years in my 67 stepside.
Check here:http://www.racewithjw.com/

Maxxd07 · 01-09-2011, 01:15 AM

With enough green stuff ALMOST any tranny can be made to take high HP.

*Fitz* · 01-11-2011, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maxxd07

With enough green stuff ALMOST any tranny can be made to take high HP.

Not a 700R4!

hugger6933 · 01-11-2011, 06:40 PM

The pg is great but with the heavy truck you would be better off withthe 400. I used to run pg's in my drag car [as did everyone else i knew] lasted forever launched off the brake alot at 4400 rpm car was 3860 with me and went 1.32 60ft times. Should have had a lower geared 400 to get it moving but it was leaving so hard could'nt stand much more[ she would stand almost chest high every pass] some times I miss that car. Jim

406 Q-ship · 01-11-2011, 09:12 PM

A 700 R4 can be used behind 500 hp as long it is in a very light weight vehicle. In a truck with over 400 hp......then no on the 700 R4. I would use a TH400 over the glide for the gear multiplication of 3 forward speeds. I have been looking at GMPPs 4L85E (an electronic TH400 with a .75 OD) as alternative for an heavy duty 4 speed auto trans. You can hang a Gear Vendors on the rear of a TH400 for that extra gear too. A overdrive is a must on a highway hauler with 3.73 unless you enjoy stopping at every gas station.

Maxxd07 · 01-11-2011, 10:47 PM

If built and setup right a 700 can be a fine tranny. I have one I built in my 80 4wd with a decent 327 (300+hp) and have beat the living crap out of and is still alive after 7 years of abuse. Some people have better luck than others but like 406 Q-ship said for the big hp and abuse the sure thing will be to use a 350, 400, or 4l80e.

67 chevy heaven · 01-11-2011, 11:15 PM

Thanks so much guys for all info, ideas,and thoughts.
I think I am going to keep the glide. I have decided to incorporate a few things that you guys suggested.
I have contacted a guy that runs a trans shop who has performed work for me and some of my friends in the past. I am going to put the money in my trans and get something that I will be happy with. I am not too concerned with fuel consumption because I am not building it to use as a vehicle that I take on long trips.
You all are great! Thanks for everything.
Wish me luck!!!
Shawn.
Posted via Mobile Device

CEE1NG_RED · 01-24-2011, 11:03 PM

...is running a 2 spd powerglide transmission with a 4:11 gears practical for a daily driver? I believe the engine is either a 327 or 350.. I have a friend that wants to buy a 68 w/ a 2 spd powerglide trans with 4:11 gears. The engine is questionable...either its a 327 or 350. Either or, is this a good combination? Pros/cons please?

packers05 · 01-24-2011, 11:13 PM

A 2004R is a direct boltin and can easily handle your engine with cheap upgrades

gr8fun · 01-25-2011, 05:45 PM

Your stroker is mild at 400HP, and a 700R4 will take it fine on these trucks. I had a performance-built 700R4 behind a 519 HP 383 and I put 40K miles on it before I sold that project. My new-to-me 67 C-10 has a real mild 383 in it (I may liven it up with better heads, cam, and intake in the future) and I'm thinking hard on a 700R4 to replace the TH400 for cruising. A GV-unit is just no an option for me because for the price of one to bolt to the 400, I can have and extreme duty 700R4 and all the extras needed to install it, including a modified driveshaft.

01-06-2011, 07:35 PM	#1
67 chevy heaven Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: york, SC Posts: 223	Trans ????? I have the origional 2 speed powerglide transmission for my 67 C-10 truck. It has been totally rebuilt. But.... I am not sure that it will be satisfactory in my truck behind a built small block 383 stroker. (for highway use) I have been thinking of going with a TH 400 instead. Will some of you guys that know about this give me your opinion. Any and all feedback will be greatly appreciated. Shawn

01-06-2011, 07:45 PM	#2
Valhalla Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Chandler, Arizona Posts: 295	Re: Trans ????? Really it depends on horsepower and how the transmission was rebuilt. If the motor is pushing 400+ hp then the tranny would need to have been built to handle that power. this is a lesson me and my buddies learned the hard way more than once in our younger years of supercharging and putting turbo kits on stock internal motors/trannys. Stock th400 are beefy but the higher the torque and hp then higher the risk of failure. __________________ My build thread for Project TiC TaC/Jazzmin Oh Yeahhh Cheap work is never good and good work is never cheap. Lesson = learn to do it all the right way on your own. SqueegeeMan

01-06-2011, 07:52 PM	#3
67 chevy heaven Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: york, SC Posts: 223	Re: Trans ????? I forgot to mention that the engine in pushing well over 400 hp! What trans would be best. The powerglide was only rebuilt stock. If a use a TH 400 I will have it built a little heaver to take the stress. More opinions PLEASE

01-06-2011, 08:19 PM	#4
dave2953 Dave's not here, man Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winder, Georgia Posts: 2,000	Re: Trans ????? What gears are you running? I had a Powerglide and it was a great transmission, but wasn't practical because with 3.73 gears I was turning 3K @ 60 mph. I am in the process of switching to a 700R4, but I've heard that unless they are built they can crap out when exposed to high horsepower. Not sure if the TH400 is susceptible to the same problems, though. __________________ - 2014 VW Jetta - 2015 VW Jetta - 1966 Ford F-250 Last edited by dave2953; 01-06-2011 at 08:20 PM.

01-06-2011, 08:42 PM	#5
67 chevy heaven Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: york, SC Posts: 223	Re: Trans ????? I am running 3.73 gears in the rear. Posted via Mobile Device

01-06-2011, 08:47 PM	#6
dave2953 Dave's not here, man Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winder, Georgia Posts: 2,000	Re: Trans ????? If you stayed with the PG you'd be turning pretty high rpm's on the highway and fuel mileage wouldn't exactly be stellar. I would think a TH400 would be the way to go, but I'm far from a transmission expert. Of course the downside to going with anything other than a PG is that you'd have to spend the money to go that particular route. What is a built TH400 going for these days? __________________ - 2014 VW Jetta - 2015 VW Jetta - 1966 Ford F-250

01-06-2011, 09:59 PM	#7
66skylarkpost Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: kearney,nebraska Posts: 443	Re: Trans ????? i'd pull the powerglide and save or sell it . i've built a handful for circle track use in 3200 pound street stocks and a stock rebuild wont handle 400 horses in a heavier package . theres a number of key components to upgrade ( input shaft, hubs, drums and good clutches ) and can be costly for a converter . being its the same length and uses the same yoke spline on the driveshaft as a 350 turbo with a 6" tail (short),a mildly built 350 would be fine for less money __________________ '70 k-10 longbox- mid 70's drivetrain 350/350 487x heads 10.1:1 flowmasters ,35's 3.73's auburn posi ,rear shackle flip. '72 short stepside U.S. forestry truck, '73 455 buick,400 turbo,dropped 2"-4 1/4" ,3.07 posi,:'89 silverado 1500 ,OK truck ,5.7 holley tbi ,trick 700r4 3.07 auburn posi ,and my '66 skylark ,'73 centurion and my '84 monte carlo imca stock car

01-07-2011, 01:01 AM	#8
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,591	Re: Trans ????? Powerglide and 400 turbo both have a final drive of 1 to 1. Rpm at 60 is the same. Powerglides are one of the toughest trannies built. They were available behind 425 horse 409's in the sixties. They'll take a lot of abuse. I know. Every weekend. 60 mph down the highway. Into reverse. Tires smokin trying to go backwards. Finally stopped. Back we go for 100 feet. Slam her into drive. More smoke. Stop. Back to 60 again. Did this at least 3 times a weekend. That tranny outlived the car. Makes me tear up thinkin bout the old days. LOL!!! I'd use the glide especially with the 3.73's.

01-07-2011, 03:51 AM	#9
rn2fine Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 157	Re: Trans ????? I agree with Geezer#99. Final drive ratio of 1 to 1 is same as TH400. Rebuild the Powerglide and have a shop use parts that will handle the HP. Should not be a problem since Powerglides are racers most favored auto transmissions. And you keep all else exactly the same like linkage, driveshaft, crossmember, etc... __________________ 72 C10 Burb 350 700R4 70 C20 LWB 350 Crate TH400 68 Chevelle

01-09-2011, 01:15 AM	#11
Maxxd07 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: ND Posts: 520	Re: Trans ????? With enough green stuff ALMOST any tranny can be made to take high HP. __________________ Name: Les ---------------------- Couple 80s Couple 70s One 68

01-11-2011, 06:40 PM	#13
hugger6933 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Marianna Arkansas Posts: 7,269	Re: Trans ????? The pg is great but with the heavy truck you would be better off withthe 400. I used to run pg's in my drag car [as did everyone else i knew] lasted forever launched off the brake alot at 4400 rpm car was 3860 with me and went 1.32 60ft times. Should have had a lower geared 400 to get it moving but it was leaving so hard could'nt stand much more[ she would stand almost chest high every pass] some times I miss that car. Jim

01-11-2011, 09:12 PM	#14
406 Q-ship Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 632	Re: Trans ????? A 700 R4 can be used behind 500 hp as long it is in a very light weight vehicle. In a truck with over 400 hp......then no on the 700 R4. I would use a TH400 over the glide for the gear multiplication of 3 forward speeds. I have been looking at GMPPs 4L85E (an electronic TH400 with a .75 OD) as alternative for an heavy duty 4 speed auto trans. You can hang a Gear Vendors on the rear of a TH400 for that extra gear too. A overdrive is a must on a highway hauler with 3.73 unless you enjoy stopping at every gas station. __________________ Lifes journey is not to arrive at the gate well preserved, it is to slide in sideways all used up and wore out yelling.....God what'a ride! Where patience fails, force prevails Stapp's Ironical Paradox "The universal aptitude for ineptitude makes any human accomplishment an incredible miracle."

01-11-2011, 10:47 PM	#15
Maxxd07 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: ND Posts: 520	Re: Trans ????? If built and setup right a 700 can be a fine tranny. I have one I built in my 80 4wd with a decent 327 (300+hp) and have beat the living crap out of and is still alive after 7 years of abuse. Some people have better luck than others but like 406 Q-ship said for the big hp and abuse the sure thing will be to use a 350, 400, or 4l80e. __________________ Name: Les ---------------------- Couple 80s Couple 70s One 68

01-11-2011, 11:15 PM	#16
67 chevy heaven Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: york, SC Posts: 223	Re: Trans ????? Thanks so much guys for all info, ideas,and thoughts. I think I am going to keep the glide. I have decided to incorporate a few things that you guys suggested. I have contacted a guy that runs a trans shop who has performed work for me and some of my friends in the past. I am going to put the money in my trans and get something that I will be happy with. I am not too concerned with fuel consumption because I am not building it to use as a vehicle that I take on long trips. You all are great! Thanks for everything. Wish me luck!!! Shawn. Posted via Mobile Device

01-24-2011, 11:03 PM	#17
CEE1NG_RED Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: LBC California Posts: 497	Re: Trans ????? ...is running a 2 spd powerglide transmission with a 4:11 gears practical for a daily driver? I believe the engine is either a 327 or 350.. I have a friend that wants to buy a 68 w/ a 2 spd powerglide trans with 4:11 gears. The engine is questionable...either its a 327 or 350. Either or, is this a good combination? Pros/cons please? __________________ - 1967 Chevrolet C/10 SWB fleetside (New Project). - 1969 Chevrolet C/10 SWB fleetside (SOLD) - 2000 Ford Mustang 232 (DD) - 2003 Ford SVT Cobra "Terminator" 281 (Once in a blue moon driver/weekend driver)



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01-24-2011, 11:13 PM	#18
packers05 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: minonk illinois Posts: 224	Re: Trans ????? A 2004R is a direct boltin and can easily handle your engine with cheap upgrades

01-25-2011, 05:45 PM	#19
gr8fun Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Jersey Posts: 11	Re: Trans ????? Your stroker is mild at 400HP, and a 700R4 will take it fine on these trucks. I had a performance-built 700R4 behind a 519 HP 383 and I put 40K miles on it before I sold that project. My new-to-me 67 C-10 has a real mild 383 in it (I may liven it up with better heads, cam, and intake in the future) and I'm thinking hard on a 700R4 to replace the TH400 for cruising. A GV-unit is just no an option for me because for the price of one to bolt to the 400, I can have and extreme duty 700R4 and all the extras needed to install it, including a modified driveshaft.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.