What transmission for BBC 598cc?

[drphibes]

I plan on putting a Scott Shafiroff 598 BBC rated at 755hp 755 TQ in a 69 Camaro. This will mostly be a street car, with an occassional trip to the track and dragstrip. I'm looking for a transmission recommendation for this setup.

Basic specs:

Driver configurable Auto or Manual valve body.
Rear ratio: 3.42 Ford 9"
Gear Vendors Over/Under drive for crusing driveability.

Thanks.

[John McIntire]

I'd go with a 4L80E. It's all in one, 4 speed automatic, overdrive, electronic control.

[Steve Chryssos]

What are your rear tire specs?

[drphibes]

What are your rear tire specs?



345/30 19 Rear
285/35 18 Front

[67 caprice]

I plan on putting a Scott Shafiroff 598 BBC rated at 755hp 755 TQ in a 69 Camaro. This will mostly be a street car, with an occassional trip to the track and dragstrip. I'm looking for a transmission recommendation for this setup.

Basic specs:

Driver configurable Auto or Manual valve body.
Rear ratio: 3.42 Ford 9"
Gear Vendors Over/Under drive for crusing driveability.

Thanks.
I have a 540 Procharger. The HP and Torque is similar to your set up. But the car is a 1967 Caprice. I set up this 4600 pound monster to be street driven. I have smoked torque converters, transmission gears, and snapped the pinion. The current set up I have seams to be the answer to all my Snapping Cracking and Popping issues. The current setup is as follows. Turbo 400, manual valve body, Trans brake “I haven’t used the Trans brake yet, and was told not to go beyond 3,500 RPM” Neal Chance Torque converter with a tight 2500 stall. I'm like you, the car is a driver. The Gear Vendors gives me a final drive of 272. The Rear ratio is 3.55 I used a 12 bolt with Ford big bearings, and end caps. This way I could use the Ford Expedition rear disk brake set up. I went with the 12 bolt because the axels are 33 splin, the 9" is a 30 spline. So far the True Trac is holding up fine.

[Steve Chryssos]

Russ,
I love your car! WOW!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

As for the 598, it probably makes 750 Ft-Lbs of torque at idle all the way thru redline. I don't expect that your tires will be able to harness that power. The TH400 solution is more affordable and the 4L80E solution is more versatile. With the '80 you have control over tuning as well as the ability to switch between manual and auto on the fly. The 4L80E also allows you to have lock up capability for 100% converter efficiency at speed.

Either solution, TH400 or 4L80E, will work. The transmission equation for your 598 is easy--expensive, but easy. The challenge will be finding a torque converter that makes your combination drivable. With all that power, the last thing you need is torque multiplication. You probably want low mutiplication/high efficiency (and a seriously wide or multi-disc lock up clutch if you go 4L80E)
If someone tries to sell you an off the shelf converter, run away. Be prepared to spend some time sourcing a converter. Ask each source for an explanation regarding converter calibration. Think in terms of the converter for a high performance diesel truck--not a street/strip converter. And prepare yourself for the distinct possibility that the converter will need to come out for an adjustment. That's just how it goes with special engines such as your 598.

[67 caprice]

Thanks Steve.
Your right. There is no off the shelf part for the torque that engine is putting out. The torque converter in my car started as a chunk of billet steel. Be prepared to lay out a grand for a custom converter.

[drphibes]

Thanks guys. I want to do this right the first time. I appreciate the advice. Will let you know what I finally decide.

Robert

[John McIntire]

Yeah, I know the 4L80E is a little pricey, but when I saw that you were looking for a complete trans, AND the Gear Vendors unit, The 4L80E would be my choice, probably cost the same in the end, and its a little smaller of a package.