Cost to Swap to TH350 or 700R4?

[jtkirk00]

I have a 1963 Impala and I would like to swap out the powerglide for a TH350 or a 700R4. I know cost varies by location (I live just outside D.C.), but I was wondering if anyone had a ballpark estimate for what the swap should cost if done by a shop. The cost would include cost of new trans, parts and labor.



Also, any idea what an aluminum powerglide can be sold for?

[volvojohn]

2004r requires less mods to fit you might look in to that

[jtkirk00]

Thanks volvojohn! I figured from a cost perspective that the 200R4 would be between the 350 and 700R4. I'm trying to get a feel for the two extremes of the swap. I got an estimate of $1,200 for the 350 and $2,000 for the 700R4. The estimate includes the new transmission, parts and labor.

Are these numbers high?

[dontlifttoshift]

Nope, those numbers are dirt cheap, too cheap I think. Go to gearstar.net and price transmissions.

If the shop you are dealing with is supplying a 700R4 for say $1,500 with a convertor. Now add a driveshaft (or at least mods to it), dipstick, throttle valve cable (or kickdown with the 350), some sort of torque convertor lock up device, transmount, trans yoke, and fluid, and you may need a flexplate......there's more I think but you get the idea. That leaves about $10 bucks for labor which includes remove old trans, install new, modify trans crossmember, modify shift linkage as needed and hookup, measure length for driveshaft, install shaft, test drive and set tv cable.

That said the differenc in cost between swapping the 2 (350 or 700) is only the initial cost of the trans, i would definitely go with the Overdrive. it pays you back when you drive it and it will pay you back when you sell it.

Donny

[jtkirk00]

Thanks Donny. That's interesting. The guy told me that the 350 was pretty much a straight swap and required little to no modifications. He estimated he'd have the car for 2 days whereas with the 700R4 he'd likely keep the car for 2 weeks.

The guy I spoke with comes highly recommended and is supposed to be THE transmission guy in my area. He's known mostly for building super tough powerglides for drag racers.

[dontlifttoshift]

Th 350 depending on what tailshaft you have on the glide and which one you are getting can be almost a bolt in......I really wouldn't consider spending the money on a trans swap if you are not getting the overdrive but that's me.

I am not doubting your guy, your question was if those prices were high, and to me they are not.

[jtkirk00]

Cool. I appreciate your input. And I don't mean to be defending the guy... I don't know him from Adam.

[John Wright]

Not sure how much cam, gearing, and weight...etc the car has....but lock-up converters are a bit more expensive for a 200R or 700R than the TH350-400 types...just so you know to add that in, if need be.

[jtkirk00]

John - Thanks for the tip. I was told the price included all parts including the appropriate converter.

[volvojohn]

I put a my 700R4 in my nova it cost me close to $1000. I Did all the labor myself
If I had known about the 2004r having the same dimensions as the P.G., I would have done a 2004r