Got it all in yesterday. I drove it on the interstate. Crusing @ 75 was so much better:hurray: I used the Painless vacuum kit and Lokar cable and universal colum shift linkage. My only grip is my shift indicator is way off when the trans is in drive the indicator is showing reverse and the reverse lights were on I worked on the install most of the day so I haven't tackeled that problem yet, I just removed the bulbs.

I am so glad to be rid of that @#&$!%# Powerglide

7oor4 are a very nice tranny for cruising, I loved mine and have since upgraded to a stage three. Have not yet had the chance to run it yet but can't wait since the weather is so nice. have fun with it.

I'm Looking to put a 700R4 in my 71 that I'm doing a frame off on. My buddy is running one in his chevelle and I'm pretty sure thats the direction I want to go. I'm talking to a couple local people about building a bullet proof tranny for me but am left hanging on the info presently. How much are you guys spending overall (tranny, converter, shifter etc.) and how much power can they take? Are you mail ordering or having a local shop build one? Whats the skinny? I have a stroker 383 that should be in the 450+/-hp range and presently have a 4:11 12 blt rear.
Thanks,

Get the kit from shiftworks. It will have a new detent for the gear selector and new lens for the indicator.

Bowtie, Your running close to the same set up as I am including tire size. How is the 4:10 gears with the 700.

Get the kit from shiftworks. It will have a new detent for the gear selector and new lens for the indicator.
:thumbsup::thumbsup: Couldn't agree more.

http://www.cahallperformancetransmissions.com/

This guy builds bullet proof 700's for a reasonable price. He is doing one for my 69 Camaro now. Check out his reputation on www.camaroz28.com (http://www.camaroz28.com) Tell him Frank Garbacz sent you. :yes:

Thanks Frank, at least someone responded. Must be too much to ask.
I'm about to drop approx $2K into a tranny/converter and no one can tell me their opinion...thanks! great thread.

I have a 700 R in my 70 SS 454 Sta. Wgn. since 2002, Drove it to CB--07 from Pittsburgh Pa. On the interstate without the air on. 1950 RPMs = 75 MPH. A N D----- 19.46 MPG. with a Auto zone rebuilt Q-Jet $115.00 plus core. When I had the 396 engine in it I was getting 21-and 22.
P.S. it has a 3:08 12 bolt. Bob ACES--AACA:hurray:

Thats what I'm talking about! Thanks for stepping up Bob thats some of the info I'm looking for. Crazy mileage for a big block...very nice! Still wondering if the 4:11 is going to be too much. I can imagine it'll launch like a bastard and still get a decent ride on the highway, I may never know.

I have a 4.11 with the 700 R4 and love it The 28 inch tires help out 70 or so is only 2500 rpm. This was built by my Father who is a master GM Mechanic who specializes in Transmissions and performance. It has a billet lock up converter with all of the good parts that I could find. I did have it set up for a season with a manual VB, was fun but grew old real quick. I have the Transgo kit in it right now that is the stage three and love it. 2K is probably about what I would expect with the converter.

These guys at Cahill Performance Transmissions (CPT) http://www.cahallperformancetransmissions.com/ that 'fgarbacz' turned me onto previously seem pretty serious about their tranny's, gave me a price of $1300 + shipping (approx $80 ea way to my location) for a "pro race" 700 tranny that are being run on 10 second cars. Converter will be another $400-$600 depending on which I choose.
Thanks for your input 'clean7t' thats what I wanted to hear.:thumbsup: