Transmission Lines Again

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mikester

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Mar 10, 2010
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Im still trying to get the transmission cooler lines done in my 81. From what Ive read most people say the prebent lines for a TH350 dont work with a TH400. I dont want to use braided lines. I bought a set of regular steel lines from Inline Tube thinking I might be able to use at least some of it and modify the ends that dont fit. I started at the radiator since most of the bends are at that end. After I got them tightened it looks like the ends at the transmission will work if I tweak them a little. Im not 100% sure about that though. I figured on cutting the lines in front of the starter and making new from there back to the fittings on the 400. My plan was to get the right shape with the steel line and the pieces spliced in and then sending that back to Inline so they could use it as a template for a custom set of SS.
I know some of you guys have used a TH400. Besides the braided lines, what have you guys done as far as cooler lines ? Has anyone modified a set from a 350 ? The folks at Inline said no other lines from a different model that came with a TH400 will work in a G body.
As I said in my previous post Im not that experienced in bending tube. I think its a huge pain in the butt.
Also, Im assuming the top line on the TH400 goes to the upper fitting on the radiator ?
 

pagrunt

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Sep 14, 2014
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Just find an spot that would be an easy access spot under the car, cut & flair for a home bent section to addapt to the TH400. This way you'll have an easy disconnect location if the TH400 has to come out for a repair or up grade.
 
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GroceryGetter83

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What's wrong with braided lines?
 

mikester

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Mar 10, 2010
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Just find an spot that would be an easy access spot under the car, cut & flair for a home bent section to addapt to the TH400. This way you'll have an easy disconnect location if the TH400 has to come out for a repair or up grade.

Wouldnt it be just as easy to disconnect the lines at the transmission ?


What's wrong with braided lines?

Nothings wrong with braided line. I had a custom SS line made that goes from the proportioning valve to the right side due to header clearance and its clamped to the top of the frame rail on both sides. I really dont want to run AN line on the top of that.
 

pagrunt

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Sep 14, 2014
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Wouldnt it be just as easy to disconnect the lines at the transmission ?
At times having a spot the is in the open instead of right at the transmission is easier. And I should of added that with a connection in such a location would allow an easier swap of a different transmission, like going to a TH200 4R, a Th700R4/4L60, or back to a TH350 by just having to replace that small section of line.
 
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mikester

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To be honest I dont think Im ever changing back to a different transmission.
I also want to keep the lines solid. Call me picky but I do wiring the same way. No splices if I can help it. LOL

I still dont know the answer to the last question. Top fitting on thr TH400 to the top fitting on the radiator ?
 

pontiacgp

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Mar 31, 2006
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what about using cunifer tubing, you can bend it by hand and it never corrodes. I think 565bbchevy used the cunifer for his transmission cooling lines in his Cutlass
 
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mikester

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Mar 10, 2010
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what about using cunifer tubing, you can bend it by hand and it never corrodes. I think 565bbchevy used the cunifer for his transmission cooling lines in his Cutlass

Thats what I was using to mock up the ends by the transmission. I know its easy to work with but since I use SS lines everywhere else I'd like the cooler lines to match. I also want the lines bent nice instead of just throwing it together and since I suck at using a tubing bender this is really bugging me. LOL
 

melloelky

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Oct 22, 2017
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what about trying to find some kind of gm product that uses a th400 orginally and look into those lines?
 

mikester

Comic Book Super Hero
Mar 10, 2010
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Small town NY
what about trying to find some kind of gm product that uses a th400 orginally and look into those lines?

I already tried that. Spoke to the tech guy at Inline and he said nothing from the older GM cars will work with a G body.
I cant believe there isnt someone on this forum thats come up with a solution for this besides AN lines.
 
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