Transmission help for old guy

[bracketchev1221]

Can somebody lay out the different types of OD transmissions and what is needed to use them, what is best to use etc? I hate to admit it, but my expertise in transmissions ended with the T-350 and 400 series. From what I understand, the 4L60 and 4L80 are the 350 and 400 with OD. Beyond that I know nothing, do all transmissions require a lockup converter, how do they make them work? I am planning on putting the 450-500 hp 454 out of my 70 in the Malibu at some point and as of right now, my plan is a t-350. But I have been wondering if maybe there is something better that is not TOO difficult to put in and use. So before I pick up a core for a 350, let me know what is out there. Thanks.

P.S. if it matters at all my car has the factory floor console and shifter and I would like to find a way to keep it if possible. I would be open to using a later for example Monte SS shifter for the OD position, but if using the factory shift with OD, Drive, 2 and not having enough travel for 1 is the answer I can do that too.

 

[TURNA]

700r4 and 200-4r just need a lock up kit and frame extension

4l60-4l80 need a complete stand alone computer control for them to work

and of course xmember mods or an aftermarket one and driveshaft cutting

 

[lilbowtie]

But I have been wondering if maybe there is something better that is not TOO difficult to put in and use.

Unless your looking to have a daily driver or to get some economy there is nothing wrong w/ your current plan. You can always change gears to get your desired cruising rpms. Would recommend the tougher 400.

 

[TURNA]

P.S. if it matters at all my car has the factory floor console and shifter and I would like to find a way to keep it if possible. I would be open to using a later for example Monte SS shifter for the OD position, but if using the factory shift with OD, Drive, 2 and not having enough travel for 1 is the answer I can do that too.

You dont have to worry about that the console insert or shifter plate they are interchangeable

Either way I believe the difference is made up in the shifter pattern not the hole size in the console plate

You would also need the longer shift linkage rod coming off the steering column to the trans shift linkage or weld an inch or so to it to adjust it for the 4th gear

You could also leave that off and just rewire your neutral safety and reverse lights

But you would be able to move the shifter even with the key out then

 

[bracketchev1221]

Unless your looking to have a daily driver or to get some economy there is nothing wrong w/ your current plan. You can always change gears to get your desired cruising rpms. Would recommend the tougher 400.

My current plan is t-350, 3.42 gears and a 255/60 tire. So it’s not terrible. Just don’t want to commit and wonder what I shoulda done. I just feel so far behind with technology. The above combo is what I used in my last street car 25 years ago!!!

 

[lilbowtie]

What do you really want to accomplish?

 

[pontiac guy]

Like you I used to run three speeds but I have abandoned them for overdrive's. A basic rundown is like this. 700R Chevy bolt pattern only 200 come dual bolt pattern usually. I've never seen one without both bolt patterns but I'm sure somebody will say it happened. Behind a Chevy I would use a 700. All the for Ellie's are full electronic and personally I don't see the point in using them. Young people like them because they're electronic but I'm an old valve body guy so I don't bother. Not only do you gain in overdrive with those transmissions but you also will get a lower first gear which really wakes the car up. Since you've been running three speeds you will never miss the lock up don't bother with it get a non lock up converter and throw away the check ball in the trans because 4th gear is oiled through the converter. It's a simple conversion if I were to run an automatic that's what I would do.

PS the 700 is stronger than the 200 in stock form unless you get a 200 from a Grand national or similar.

 

[1320John$$$]

Pontiac guy is on the money with the 700 behind your big block as long as you have the patience in getting the TV cable adjusted properly and get a stout build on the transmission you’ll be very pleased with it plenty of these transmission’s lying in junk yards behind 2WD pickups

 

[pontiac guy]

Thank you, I neglected to mention the cable. It does not adjust like a turbo 350. it is absolutely critical you adjusted properly and get the appropriate bracket. You cannot use a turbo 350 bracket either. There are a number of aftermarkets some are better than others honestly I haven't done an automatic in 20 years I am strictly manual now so I can't give you any advice as to what bracket is the best. However a whole lot of people use the 700 behind Pontiacs Buicks and Oldsmobiles successfully. Getting it behind a Chevy should be a non-issue

 

[pontiac guy]

One more thing, the 700 is the same length as a 400 and uses the same slip yoke. whereas the 200 will mount in place of a turbo 350 and uses that slip yoke. Back in the day when we used to break the overdrive's we would go the opposite direction with a 3-speed in their place. That was before anybody really knew what to do with the overdrive trans or any of its weaknesses. These days you can make them bulletproof or darn near