I have a 69 chevelle and am currently running a th-350 with a B&M transpack, a B&M 2400 convertor(er?), and a B&M Hammer shifter. I will hopefully be switching to a tko-500 but will have this til then. I have a few questions about the performance with a manual valve body. This is a street car, however, I dont mind shifting all the time, I actually want to. I do most of the time anyways.

The car has a 750 double pumper and I had read that these carbs are bad for the modulator valves on autos due to the vacuum signal or something, so would a manual valve body help with this problem.

Will a manual valve body help with the firmness of the shifts? I recently had the trans rebuilt at a local shop and the guy said it would prolly bark second no matter what now, but i think it still shifts like a wimp, so too firm wouldnt be a problem.

Finally, if i do install one would I be able to put the stock valve body back in later or is this a permanent change.

On a side note do any of you guys run trick shift or other Hi-Po fluid and if so does it help performance wise.

Once again, thank you guys so much for your time and the info.

Heath

I'd rather see a street or street/strip car use a manual/auto valve body. That way you don't run high line pressure all the time. A harsh shift to 2nd gear will shorten life of the sprag and to me is foolish. A properly-timed FIRM shift to 2nd is much better. Trick Shift is nothing I'd ever use/recommend. You can't see discoloration due to the dark dye in the fluid. It's not much different that Type F with maybe a few additives. I don't recommend Type F either, no need for it. Use a Dexron/Mercon style conventional fluid and you'll be fine. If heat is an issue then use Mobil 1 synthetic fluid. One other thing... use Teflon rings inside the trans on the pump instead of the metal ones. That along with a good sprag race and Spiroloc retainer for the sprag is about all you need in a TH350 for the street.

Steve, I converted one of my valve bodies to full manual with a B&M kit years ago, and you had a choice to either discard or retain the modulator to lower line pressure. I kept mine, and it didn't shift any worse than a manual/auto vb at part throttle. The kit came with a plug to stick in the modulator hole to hold the valve in if you wanted to discard the modulator.

You are correct Oldani, I am indeed young and foolish. I suppose I believe if it isnt broke Im not driving hard enough.:D jk Anyways, thanks alot for the advice. I suppose I will just hold out for the 5-speed. However, do you know anything I can do to firm up the shift to 2nd. Thanks again.

Heath