Someone save this truck

[Thundarr]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

Very nice!!!!

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

X2, looks great

Thanks guys.

With this at it's heart, there is no way I can put the two Swiss Cheese & Bondo'd front fenders back on there.

Not a lick of rust, but enough bondo to mortar a retaining wall.

[Trio]

Originally Posted by Thundarr

It comes with all the parts that won't fit on an LS transplant (which should be everything) and has EFI. Only bad thing is that its a 3 speed Turbo 400 transmission, so I will probably add an overdrive kit from Gear Vendors. Does anyone have experience they can share?

I just had my local transmission shop build and install a 700R4 to replace my TH350 - love the extra gear, and the 700R4 is smooth as butter. The shop owner and I discussed a GearVendors overdrive kit which he had experience with, but for roughly the same price he recommended a built 700R4.

Note that I have a stock 350 engine, and not towing, hauling, or pushing through extra HP - although he claims it can handle up to 450HP with his build. I am pleased with the results.

[Thundarr]

Originally Posted by Trio

I just had my local transmission shop build and install a 700R4 to replace my TH350 .....

That was my initial request if I was having to source a transmission. The rep at RRS indicated that 1) they have had great results with the overdrive kit, 2) the Turbo 400 from the donor is newer & strong and then finally 3) suggested that the 700R4 can be hard to find. Maybe that's just the case in my area.

Thank you, Trio. Glad to hear it worked out for you.

[57taskforce]

You made the right choice, I’d take 100 gear vendors/th400 combos over any “built” 700r. They can’t be “built” to make me comfortable or happy when any real horsepower is involved.

The gear vendors kit is notoriously stout.

[Thundarr]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

You made the right choice, I’d take 100 gear vendors/th400 combos over any “built” 700r. They can’t be “built” to make me comfortable or happy when any real horsepower is involved.

The gear vendors kit is notoriously stout.

Awesome. Thanks!

[HO455]

Originally Posted by Thundarr

It comes with all the parts that won't fit on an LS transplant (which should be everything) and has EFI. Only bad thing is that its a 3 speed Turbo 400 transmission, so I will probably add an overdrive kit from Gear Vendors. Does anyone have experience they can share?

I put a used GV in my Burban back in 2020. It works great and it was only $600.
With the foot switch control to shift it out of OD it is much easier driving around town than having to shift a 700R4 in and out of OD with the column shifter. I used a T350 with a lock up converter so it has all the same basic features as a 700R4. The only drawback I can think of is sometimes I would like to have that lower 1st gear ratio that comes in a 700R4

[Thundarr]

Well, I think I'm about to split the middle on this one.

The TH400 is getting the GearVendors for the Blue 72 Chevy and it looks like they found a 700r4 to replace my leaky Turbo 350 for the White 71 GMC. Cheaper/Easier to replace with a 700r4 than rebuild the 350 plus add GearVendors.

[Trio]

Originally Posted by Thundarr

Well, I think I'm about to split the middle on this one.

The TH400 is getting the GearVendors for the Blue 72 Chevy and it looks like they found a 700r4 to replace my leaky Turbo 350 for the White 71 GMC. Cheaper/Easier to replace with a 700r4 than rebuild the 350 plus add GearVendors.

If your transmission shop is as good as the one I used, you won't be disappointed in the 700R4. Be sure to report back once you have both of them done, would love to hear an update on both options.

[Thundarr]

Originally Posted by Trio

If your transmission shop is as good as the one I used, you won't be disappointed in the 700R4. Be sure to report back once you have both of them done, would love to hear an update on both options.

My GMC motor internals are in good shape; but, it is an older motor, so it really just needs the gearing and overdrive of the 700r4.
The Chevy is going to be a fresh build with a much more aggressive 383. So in line with 57taskforce's opinion, that TH400 is strong and will benefit from the fourth gear at highway speeds.

So different applications, but I expect both are right for each situation. The bigger issue is that all this is decimating my build fund that was intended for the Chevy only. But oh well, you can't take it with you.

[Trio]

Originally Posted by Thundarr

The bigger issue is that all this is decimating my build fund that was intended for the Chevy only. But oh well, you can't take it with you.

I hear ya. I am spending a crap ton on mine, and it will not be worth what I put into it. But to your point, you can't take it with you, and I love the truck.

[Thundarr]

Originally Posted by Trio

I hear ya. I am spending a crap ton on mine, and it will not be worth what I put into it. But to your point, you can't take it with you, and I love the truck.

And as I remind my wife over and over, these old trucks are worth more every day.