Transmission suggestions

grumpy · #1 10-01-2010, 06:17 PM

Been really giving some thought to changing to an auto with an overdrive. At 65 mph were running about 3-3100 rpm. I know thats not too bad but for longer hauls id like to bring it down a bit. Problem is I know nothing about trans.

I have been scanning many web sites and catalogs, plus reading up all over the place. What I want is a trans that won't hurt ET's too much at the strip, can handle a little auto crossing and run lower rpm for gas mileage on the highway. Sure, I know thats a lot to ask for, but does it exist ?

Really trying to avoid the computer controllers for some trans, they just cost too much. Seems like some like the 700R4 and some don't. My main problem is it will need to handle close to 600 horse and approx that much torq.

Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

Dave

flash · #2 10-01-2010, 08:53 PM

Im not running that kind of horsepower but I love the 700R4 in Joans vert.

Berg · #3 11-15-2010, 08:04 AM

Grumpy- I've seen the 4L80E modified to be a manual shift only with no computer. It is like having a stick without the clutch. The only problem is the size. These things are like a TH400 on steroids. What trans are you currently running? I had a lifted Blazer that had a bunch of work done to it and that truck ran a modified 700R4 that was built to handle 450hp. The guy I got it from swore if it blew up I could call him up and he'd have his friend fix whatever failed as long as I pulled the trans and brought it back to him. I never had 1 bit of problems with it at all and it shifted very firm and still retained the lockup Torque Converter Clutch that ran off a single wire switch. There are plenty of articles from different hot rod magazines about this swap and aftermarket parts suppliers offer shifter detent conversion kits.

grumpy · #4 11-15-2010, 08:23 AM

Right now I have a stock TH350 that we are babying. Pretty sure one outing to the track, and it will blow.

smokenjoep01 · #5 11-15-2010, 09:44 AM

Not to get off subject, but arent there electronic lock up TH350's?

Ms Grumpy · #6 11-15-2010, 05:54 PM

I want to be able to drive my car and I don't want grumpy to over think this one. I guess I want the best of both worlds. Driving on the street and down the track.

Hank70SS · #7 11-15-2010, 06:27 PM

The 4l80E is a pretty hefty trans. The 700R4 is basically a TH400 with overdrive. A well built one should be a good option.

Rattler · #8 11-16-2010, 01:34 PM

You can get a 700R4/4l60e transmissions built up to handle 600-700 hp at a decent price. Some racers frown on them because even the built up ones can blow up.

The 700R4 is basically an overdrive TH350. It's no where near as strong as a built up TH400.

The 4l80e is the heavy duty overdrive trans that is in the same family as the TH400. They can be built to handle massive amounts of power, but they can get expensive and they don't have as low of a first gear as the 700R4/4l60e transmission.

If your going to race the car a lot and want the street overdrive then I'd go with the 4l80e and a stand alone controller or manual valve body.

If your mostly using it for street use with it seeing the track every now and then the 700R4 should be fine, but get it built to the hilt especially if your running slicks on the car.

grumpy · #9 03-10-2011, 05:40 PM

I have been looking closely at the CK Performance stage 3 700R4 or the full billet pro 200R4. The price is not that different but the 200-R4 has a much higher torq rating.

Dave

Highway Star · #10 03-10-2011, 08:03 PM

You know my opinion on this grumpy. 200-4R is the only way. Shorter gap between 1st and 2nd gear, less work to the car to put it in, and only if you want it, an electric lockup switch.