700R4 Conversion

[Joeymartin7]

Currently running a built TH350 in my 80 El Camino.

I have a 700R4 I am about to build to swap for the TH350.

Anyone have swap details that i could look at to make the swap as smooth sailing as possible?
I know I will have to move my cross member back 3" and get a 3" shorter drive shaft...

What else do I need to know before I dive off into this?

 

[Longroof79]

You'll need a new cross member, or if you're on a budget you can modify the stock TH 350 cross member. You'll also have to setup a lockup system.
This link might help explain things a little better. http://nastyz28.com/threads/my-th350-to-700r4-transmission-swap-experience.129805/

 

[1bad79]

The t.v. Cable has to have the correct brackets and correct geometry to operate right otherwise your going to burn that trans up immediately if you have a qjet carb it’s pretty easy to obtain the right brackets but if your running a holly or edelbrock your going to need that stuff

 

[MTP-Madmat]

Be sure to set the TV cable correctly before you run it. Brackets for specific carbs are available and cheap. Check out bowtie overdrives for detailed info. They are good transmissions. I ran one for a year in my 78 MC and I autocross it. Now I have a T56

 

[TURNA]

You do not need a new Xmember if you are handy

I did this mod to mine many many years ago.

The car had tons of power never had an issue.

 

[Doug213xrj]

I trimmed the stock TH350 crossmember mount (because the mount hit the pan on 700R4) . Measure for the new drive shaft length, Mine needed to be trimmed 2/58". I used a toggle switch to unlock the converter at lower speeds and racing. My 700R4 is built to lock up in fourth gear only.

Doug

 

[84cutspreme]

I needed:

-driveshaft shortened
-dual exhaust crossmember
-geometry correction bracket
-throttle cable/tv cable bracket
-tv cable
-camaro shifter cable
-alterations to shifter for different shifter cable end
-wired microswitches in for park lock and reverse lights
-dimpled floor pan slightly for speedo cable
-bent existing cooler lines to work
-dipstick
-168tooth flexplate
-i had lockup with stock trans so didnt need lockup kit, also wired trans internally to only lockup in 4th

also have seen guys bend linkage for column shift from th350 to work on 700r4

 

[ssn696]

Go to the About tab on my profile page on the Forum to find a description of how to assemble a lockup kit. A simple pressure switch in the third gear test port can be used to lock the trans, and a later-model dual-function brake light switch can be used (figure out which circuit opens when the plunger is depressed. I used an old school floor highbeam switch to lock and unlock the TC when downshifting instead of the expensive vacuum switch, but you could add that back in later. I was able to use the stock column shifter with a 700-R4 without more than adjusting the lock bolt on the arm. Don't lost the spring or plastic hemispheric bracket bushings when you take the shift arm out the car. I have an extra driveshaft already shortened for a 700-R4 if you need one.