Need some recommendations on build

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Centex85

n00b
Oct 3, 2019
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Hey y’all in the process of swapping motor out of an 85 cutlass. Grandpa had a 455 in it but there was no room at all to ever work on it. Picking up my 383 this weekend and need to get a transmission figured out. It’s going to be automatic and ditching the olds th350 for a Chevy one so I can have correct bell housing to match the Chevy block. Thinking of going with a manual valve body because it’s going to be a street car mainly but hoping to bring it to the track and have some fun when I want. Need some recommendations on a transmission for it. Was leaning towards th350 but hoping someone can help me out if there are better options I should be looking at. Not sure rebuilding current th350 will be an option because of the bell housing. Would like to try and keep it under 2k total. Also plan on putting ford 9” in the rear if that makes any difference.
 

bracketchev1221

Royal Smart Person
Jan 18, 2018
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A t-350 would be fine for the amount of power you are most likely looking at. I would consider having it built with an automatic valve body and shift it manually at the track. My t-400 in the Chevelle works fine for around town driving, and then put it into first and plant it and it will hold till I shift it. Mine was built by FB transmissions in NY.
 

1320John$$$

G-Body Guru
Sep 18, 2019
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Th350 is a workhorse in full body street cars can’t go wrong in that department
The rear gearing depends on what your willing to live with or your primary purpose for your vehicle
Using it for work or school
Drag racing only
Fast street strip car
Excessive wear and tear on the motor
Fuel mileage
Daily driver go with 3.50gears
 
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Centex85

n00b
Oct 3, 2019
2
0
1
Th350 is a workhorse in full body street cars can’t go wrong in that department
The rear gearing depends on what your willing to live with or your primary purpose for your vehicle
Using it for work or school
Drag racing only
Fast street strip car
Excessive wear and tear on the motor
Fuel mileage
Daily driver go with 3.50gears
It’s going to be a street strip car. Driving around town It’s a toy not a daily driver
 

1320John$$$

G-Body Guru
Sep 18, 2019
951
2,043
93
Pennsylvania
Then put 4.88 gears in it with 28” tall rubber your love it and even if you miss on the converter it will still work my 383 loves them 88s
 

oldsofb

Royal Smart Person
Supporting Member
Dec 7, 2007
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My first recommendation is to ship that 455 to me :cool:

Hutch
 
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wskirvin

Master Mechanic
May 22, 2017
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Indianapolis, In
Hey y’all in the process of swapping motor out of an 85 cutlass. Grandpa had a 455 in it but there was no room at all to ever work on it. Picking up my 383 this weekend and need to get a transmission figured out. It’s going to be automatic and ditching the olds th350 for a Chevy one so I can have correct bell housing to match the Chevy block. Thinking of going with a manual valve body because it’s going to be a street car mainly but hoping to bring it to the track and have some fun when I want. Need some recommendations on a transmission for it. Was leaning towards th350 but hoping someone can help me out if there are better options I should be looking at. Not sure rebuilding current th350 will be an option because of the bell housing. Would like to try and keep it under 2k total. Also plan on putting ford 9” in the rear if that makes any difference.


I have a 455 in my cutlass and have a ton of room, but 383 is definitely cheaper to build
 

oldsofb

Royal Smart Person
Supporting Member
Dec 7, 2007
1,367
3,958
113
Maryland
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