what is the best transmission?

[brawley]

I have a 350 small block- what would be better a turbo 350 or 700R? what fits the best in these trucks and needs the least modifications? thanks

[Chevy Fleetside]

First you have to ask yourself "What do you want to use the truck for"? Do you want fuel mileage? If so you go with a 700R4 with lock up converter for nice freeway crusin. If you want The TH350 is a good all around tranny, but with no overdrive. I use the 700R4 in everything just about. I have one in my 79 4x4 and will have one in the 65 also..

[89 crew]

It depends on what you are going to use the truck for. the 700r4 won't live long if you put a big load on regularly. If it is going to be used as a passenger vehicle then the 700 will hold up, and it will give you better economy. personally I prefer the feel of a 350 shifting over a 700, that said, my wife has a 700 in a burb for a d.d.

[greg64]

My feeling is if you're doing any mileage (highway especially), then the overdrive is a real bonus (better mileage and less noise). There's also the 200-4R, which I've read a lot of good things about, even though it's not as popular as the 700. I had a th350 in my 77 for years and it was great around town, but a pain on the highway.

Greg

[1974k5blazer]

200's are junk be warned do not use them in these big of trucks! junk junk junk junk!

[badriand]

If you are use to an overdrive, ie newer vehicles go with the 700. I like feel of the 350 myself but if you aren't use to it at first you will be asking yourself "when is this thing going to switch gears". O, yea it doesn't have any more to switch to.

[Chevy Fleetside]

Originally Posted by 1974k5blazer

200's are junk be warned do not use them in these big of trucks! junk junk junk junk!

Sounds like he has some experiences with them..

[04Xrider]

I went with the 700R4. It has served me well. I also tow a trailer and a boat from time to time and I like the aggressive 1st gear, it gets you rolling very easily from a stopped position. The space between 1st and second is a little wide for my liking, but I have got used to it. All and all I think the 700R4 is a great trans for pulling and cruising. As far as the least amount of setup, that would be the th350, another good choice, but no over drive and with the cost of gas these days, the 700R4 is worth the extra trouble.

[harbourmicah]

dont forget about a 400 if you got some horses

[jchav62]

700's are okay for a cruiser. Personally, I don't like the way they shift...Kinda lazy. I DO like the fact that they have a lower first gear. I have a th350 with a B&M shift kit, with a Gear Vendors overdrive behind it. So I have the snappy shifts of a 350, with an OD. I know they are pricey...I got lucky, bought the unit used for $500...

[David Flores]

Originally Posted by jchav62

700's are okay for a cruiser. Personally, I don't like the way they shift...Kinda lazy. I DO like the fact that they have a lower first gear. I have a th350 with a B&M shift kit, with a Gear Vendors overdrive behind it. So I have the snappy shifts of a 350, with an OD. I know they are pricey...I got lucky, bought the unit used for $500...

I just looked on there website. I didn't know they were $2400 pricey.

You pretty much stole it.

[12volt]

NV4500 Hands down. 5 speed and overdrive.

[greg64]

Those Gear Vendors units sure look neat, but for the $ you could probably be in for a 4L80E, and that's got everything above beat. I thought the NV4500 was the greatest thing since sliced bread, but in the last few years, the opinions seem to be souring somewhat from the folks who have used it for a swap. I've got an SM465 in my 77 that is a really stout piece, and I suspect a GV behind this would be pretty special. I think I'm going with a TKO 500 in my 64.

[502tripower]

Personally I like the 4L60, good for about 500 hp which is available from GM for around 1300.00. I saw one on craigs list last month that was a usable working trany that had come out of a state patrol car for 150.00. For that price I almost bought it just to rat hole.