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Old 07-23-2015, 12:36 AM
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BobKnake BobKnake is offline
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Question BBC / trans question '71 Malibu

After MANY set backs in life, I'm getting ready to start my Chevelle resto...

Need some light shed for me, since I've always been a Ford guy and I'm not overly versed in GM.
What my plan is as of now... Drop my 396/402 in my 71 Malibu.. It's going to basically stock.
I was originally planning on a 4spd (which I have), but due to increasing left knee issues, I've decided to go with an automatic.
My question is.... Turbo400 or Turbo350? My car is originally 350/350 - but long gone. Honestly, I would consider an o.d. tranny too, but it doesn't really matter to me, at least not at this point. Can't say putting a bbc in is really going to be a huge benefit in mpg's....



Also, Will my stock trans mount work?


Sorry for the stupid question... but I need to get a plan going. Really hate back tracking.
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1971 Malibu (thinking SS clone)
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Old 07-23-2015, 03:57 AM
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chevymaher chevymaher is offline
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Yes the trans mount works with everything. A 700R4 is a OD. And it would be nice with a 330 to 373 gear. They sell beefed up versions that will handle a big block. It is the 2nd gear that is weak on stock transmissions. They use a beast sunshell and it solves that.

If you go with a 350 or 400 either will hold up and work. 400 is the stronger. 350 has less parasitic hp loss.
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Old 07-23-2015, 07:02 AM
carpoor carpoor is offline
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For simplicity, a TH350 would be great. I have run TH350s behind mild 396/402s in the past with no issues.

As far as 700R4s, I am not a fan. The clutch packs in them are tiny. A clutch plate from one will float around inside a clutch plate from a TH350 or TH400 because they are so much smaller in diameter. (Less surface area) Just my $0.02
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1972 SS 454 Chevelle LS5/M21/12 bolt 3.73 posi
1969 Malibu COPO L72/M20/12 bolt 3.31 posi
1968 Malibu LQ9/4L80E/12 bolt 3.73 posi
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Old 08-02-2015, 10:34 PM
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thanks for the responses
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1971 Malibu (thinking SS clone)
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Old 09-08-2015, 11:41 PM
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BobKnake BobKnake is offline
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well as luck may have it....

They guy I bought my Chevelle from is on the search for a 396 & 4spd for one of his up coming projects.

He has tentatively offered me a 454 & turbo 400... It's a complete motor and has all the brackets. His original intention was to put it in the car I bought from him. When he sold it, it just didn't have a Home.

No details have been worked out, but I've know Mike since I was born. He really doesn't have any details on the 454, so I'm a little nervous on it's soundness. But I trust him.

My 396 came out of a running car (all-be-it, a junk car), it was running.

Not sure if his intention is even swap or if cash is needed from me or if he's willing to send some cash my way.
If my memory serves me correctly, the engine is either a 73 or 74 (definitely not a big HP motor)... I'm hoping he'll throw a little cash my way...

We are supposed to talk after harvest. He's retired, but drives semi's for farmers during harvest.

If the deal doesn't go through, I'm not going too be upset. I'll still have a BBC and that's always been in the Plan of my Chevelle.
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1971 Malibu (thinking SS clone)
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Havana, IL
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Old 09-09-2015, 07:11 AM
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badrad badrad is offline
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Those 73/74 454s were likely a LS4. They have decent parts but tiny cams and low compression. You could always go through it for the cost of a gasket set.
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Old 09-09-2015, 03:31 PM
carpoor carpoor is offline
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If it is of that vintage, should have 049 or 781 heads. They really wake up with the right cam, intake, & exhaust... despite being low compression.
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1972 SS 454 Chevelle LS5/M21/12 bolt 3.73 posi
1969 Malibu COPO L72/M20/12 bolt 3.31 posi
1968 Malibu LQ9/4L80E/12 bolt 3.73 posi
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