Just got 700R4 Installed!

[SS317]

Man, I'm so excited I can hardly sit still. I just picked up my truck from the tranny shop! I removed the old powerglide and installed the 700R4 I've been thinking about for a year.

We only ran into a couple of things:
Had to change out the flexplate and the starter. PO installed a 350 in front of the powerglide so the flexplate was different.

Went ahead and had the carrier bearing and all U Joints replaced when I had the driveline cut. This made the cost of the driveline go from $80.00 budget to $350.00.

Other than that the install went pretty good. First gear is lower than I thought it would be. I am going to drive it a few days and go back for the guy to check everything out and do any shift point adjustments I need. Right now it sits in first for quite a while before it shifts to second. All shifts are nice and firm, but don't knock you out of your seat.

It was really cool to be driving 65 down the highway and have the engine RPM's so low. Quite a difference from the powerglide. It's like I have a new truck!! MAN, I LOVE THIS MODIFICATION!

[awbrown]

I would be interested in how much you gain in gas milage....

[krazy_texan]

plan on doing mine soon as soon as i get that fat check from the IRS

[SS317]

Everything I researched about the install points toward 30% savings in fuel. I use this truck as my work truck so I'm hoping to get that. The engine isn't working near as hard as it was.

[williamsboys]

Sounds good. Did you get it from a local place or a place off line? I heard monster is a awesome place to get trans. Im getting the same trans to put behind my 327. Cant wait! Just havent decided where to get it from.
Posted via Mobile Device

[likaroc13]

Originally Posted by williamsboys

Sounds good. Did you get it from a local place or a place off line? I heard monster is a awesome place to get trans. Im getting the same trans to put behind my 327. Cant wait! Just havent decided where to get it from.
Posted via Mobile Device

same here...i currently have a 327/Powerglide combo...but i wanna swap for a 700R4....we already swapped rear end gears, & that made a pretty noticeable difference...can't wait to see how the 700 changes things

[SS317]

I looked all over and read a ton on this site about the whole job. I looked at bowtie overdrives and many others, and finally decided I didn't need a transmission way overbuilt for how I drive the truck.

I found a local guy that has his own shop, has been doing transmissions for years, and his shop is always full. He constantly has new vehicles in and out of his shop. I got 4 quotes for the job and my guy was the only one who could spout off most of the things brought up on this site by memory.

[purebred]

What rpm at 60 MPH?

[hd74]

mine runs around 2000 rpm at 75mph

[steverino66]

Originally Posted by SS317

Everything I researched about the install points toward 30% savings in fuel. I use this truck as my work truck so I'm hoping to get that. The engine isn't working near as hard as it was.

This swap on my 66 El Camino increased highway mileage by more like 18% (350TH to 700R4); don't be too disappointed if you don't see 30% in the truck since its drag coefficient is roughly equivalent to a rolling refrigerator box. Just enjoy that 2200 rpm quiet rumble on the interstate!

[SS317]

Originally Posted by steverino66

This swap on my 66 El Camino increased highway mileage by more like 18% (350TH to 700R4); don't be too disappointed if you don't see 30% in the truck since its drag coefficient is roughly equivalent to a rolling refrigerator box. Just enjoy that 2200 rpm quiet rumble on the interstate!

With the power glide gone I'll be happy with any increase. I drive this truck all day pulling my landscaping equipment, so any gain is a good gain. I'd be happy with 5%

[fleetsidelarry]

you'll be happy no matter what. this is the single best upgrade I think you can make, you'll want to drive your truck everywhere, all the time.

just make sure you have the proper linkage on the side of the carb and that the TV cable is properly adjusted (I'm guessing you know this already)

next thing is: change your signature!

[doobiebro]

SS317 Did you stay with the original rear differential (6 cyl)?

[X24]

gosh, i really want to hear more about the new transmission... HOW MUCH DID EVERYTHING COST?

[shortbed70]

My total cost in my tr annoy swap from 350-700r4..
Tranny (used) $300
Converter $200
Pump rings,gasket,servos and diamond gov $250
Build driveshaft $80
Tranny mount $20
Tv correction bracket $20

Haven't drove it much yet but hopefully soon with video...
Posted via Mobile Device

[SS317]

Total I was 1850 installed, out the door. I drove it everywhere today and love it. WIth the 350 the thing feels like a hot rod rocket ship. I step on the gas and it just keeps going faster and faster. I love living miles from down on the back roads,,, good "testing" areas.
I did leave in the original rear end but I'm really not sure which one it is. I don't know what engine was original as the 350 was already installed when I got the truck. And I just haven't researched the VIN to find out.

[X24]

dang! sounds like you gotta good deal... thanks for the info... i'm running a straight 6 with a powerglide transmission... needless to say, I'M JEALOUS!

[purebred]

I'll ask again, how many rpm's at 60 mph?

[SS317]

Originally Posted by purebred

I'll ask again, how many rpm's at 60 mph?

Sorry, as soon as I get the speedometer readjusted I'll let you know. Right now I'm about 20MPH too fast. Part should be here Monday or Tuesday.

I can tell you RPM's are way lower than they were.

[61_FL_Apache]

Congrats on the 700. I wanted to do that when my 350 blew up but my budget had me stay with the 350. I would like to trade up to the 700 someday.

[purebred]

Before gas started to rise like it is now I was completely satisfied with my turbo 350, I drive a short distance to work and at 60 with my 307 rear end I am turning 2500 rpm's. I don't know if I could justify the expense of a 700 conversion now. If I ran mine open on the road more I am sure the conversion would be worth it but short distant drives, my 350 seems fine for now, I could probably use the extra money more wisely in a brake conversion, AC install or some other install to make driving more bearable here in the Texas summers.

[SS317]

Originally Posted by purebred

Before gas started to rise like it is now I was completely satisfied with my turbo 350, I drive a short distance to work and at 60 with my 307 rear end I am turning 2500 rpm's. I don't know if I could justify the expense of a 700 conversion now. If I ran mine open on the road more I am sure the conversion would be worth it but short distant drives, my 350 seems fine for now, I could probably use the extra money more wisely in a brake conversion, AC install or some other install to make driving more bearable here in the Texas summers.

I almost went with the T350 and was getting a lot of pressure from my uncle to do it (he's a big gear head). I figured since I drive this truck almost every day it was worth it. I had to save almost a year to do it but I'm pretty happy right now.

[fleetsidelarry]

Originally Posted by purebred

I'll ask again, how many rpm's at 60 mph?

purebred, it depends on your tire diameter, but a 3.07 (which is what mine is)
is doing about 1600 at 60. 700r4 are .70 gear ratio in OD

try this if you're curious:

http://www.wallaceracing.com/gear-speed.php

[purebred]

Appreciate the info, I know the wear and tear on the engine and lower gas mileage is a plus but I think I will stick with my 350 for awhile longer. I just don't do that much freeway driving to justify the switch, I do alot of stop and go, that the 700 wouldn't make that much difference anyway.

[gimmy 64]

i am in the process of putting in a 2004r in my truck right now. it will be a great improvement from the t350. what did you use for a tv cable bracket and what did you use for the carberator bracket ? thanks