Transmission Advice...

[Defender67]

Hi there,

I'm looking to swap my TH400 for a 700r4, mainly for the overdrive. I'm not closed off to higher horsepower aspirations for the future (500-550hp or so, possibly through power adders) so I am also looking for a 700r4 that is built up for those kind of numbers. I'm just looking for advice from those out there who have much more experience on the topic, please chime in.

The TH400 has a GM shift kit (according to the receipt) and is in a 67 camaro coupe with a ZZ4 350 and a 12 bolt w/ 4.10s. Drag radials, ladder bars and sub-frame connectors. The car is 90% street, 10% track. I'm not looking for the best track times, but something that can hold its own. Since most of the time it is street driven, I would really like to have a lock up overdrive to extend its range. (65mph right now is about 3300 rpm).

Due to the previous owner not installing a kickdown lever in the TH400, and possibly the weights being off so it shifts far too early, I find myself manually shifting most of the time. It doesn't bother me as this has been my first automatic car in about 10 years.

Questions:
Who is a reputable builder for a 700r4? I'm not turned off to buying from someone out of the area (or out of state), but I'm located on the central coast of CA.

Any problems with running a 700r4 with a reverse pattern manual valve body? Would a manual valve body affect the function of the overdrive lockup?

Any issues with a 4.10 gear and the steep first of the 700r4? Especially if I build up to the hp I want?

Any advice is appreciated, thanks in advance

[Defender67]

Anybody? I know there are people in the know here that can steer me in the right direction. I've also looked at bowtieoverdrives, from what I have researched they seem to have a decent 700r4. Opinions?

[Defender67]

Well, nevermind I guess...

[carguy502]

Hi there,

I'm looking to swap my TH400 for a 700r4, mainly for the overdrive. I'm not closed off to higher horsepower aspirations for the future (500-550hp or so, possibly through power adders) so I am also looking for a 700r4 that is built up for those kind of numbers. I'm just looking for advice from those out there who have much more experience on the topic, please chime in.

The TH400 has a GM shift kit (according to the receipt) and is in a 67 camaro coupe with a ZZ4 350 and a 12 bolt w/ 4.10s. Drag radials, ladder bars and sub-frame connectors. The car is 90% street, 10% track. I'm not looking for the best track times, but something that can hold its own. Since most of the time it is street driven, I would really like to have a lock up overdrive to extend its range. (65mph right now is about 3300 rpm).

Due to the previous owner not installing a kickdown lever in the TH400, and possibly the weights being off so it shifts far too early, I find myself manually shifting most of the time. It doesn't bother me as this has been my first automatic car in about 10 years.

Questions:
Who is a reputable builder for a 700r4? I'm not turned off to buying from someone out of the area (or out of state), but I'm located on the central coast of CA.

Any problems with running a 700r4 with a reverse pattern manual valve body? Would a manual valve body affect the function of the overdrive lockup?

Any issues with a 4.10 gear and the steep first of the 700r4? Especially if I build up to the hp I want?

Any advice is appreciated, thanks in advance

I cannot speak for a reputable builder of transmission nor running a reverse manual valvebody, but I can speak about running 4.10s. With the 700r4's 3.06 1st geal, 4.10s are probably way too deep, presuming you are not running a super tall tire (30 in plus). I was able to generate 1.85 60ft times with a bone stock corvette L98 and peg leg 3.08s. With 4.10s, you would run out of gear very quickly. With a torque biased motor, I'd go for 3.42s and enjoy a great cruising speed on the freeway.

Bump for more answers/opinions!

Good Luck!

Don