I've got a TH400 that needs to get down to the tranny shop for a build. I've got to decide what direction I'm going to go with the build. I know I will be running a reverse shift pattern, 1-2-3, from the top down, which means reverse valve body, right?

Also, I need to figure out if a transbrake or line lock is the way to go. The car is a '78 Malibu, and will be about 3400 pounds with me in it. I will hopefully be putting out 600 HP at the flywheel, and a little less torque. The rear end setup is a Ford 9 inch, BMR upper/lowers, Moroso trick springs, M/T slicks, with a ten point cage.

Any other suggestions out there for what I need to ask the trans guy to do to the tranny?

Thanks.

The line lock is for burnouts. I don't think it is use much for launching except by stick cars on sloping tracks.

Can't run the brake if you want to run a No/Electronics class.

At our track, we do not have an electronics class but a bunch of car use tranbrakes. I couldn't find any prohibition in the NHRA rule book. I think electronics refers to delay boxes, data recorders, and/or computers.

in Div. 7 you can run a brake in a non electronics class

Line locks are for burnouts.

Trans brakes are for launching.

Ok, forgive my stupidity on autos...all I've ever raced was a four speed. So I want both, or is the transbrake going to be too hard on parts?

Yes to your reverse valve body question. Will need excellant suspension to handle 600hp/torq and a transbrake. Plus will need a transbrake converter, gets pricey for quality. Goodluck with your combo! graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Transbrake's are very hard on parts. It's just like side stepping the clutch. The entire drivetrain is shocked very hard. Converter should have anti-balloon plates. The plus side is you can bring the engine up on the converter without extending the suspension.

hey sean that it how i am able to get such good 60 ft times out of my monte with a small tire smile.gif
i just would recommend that you check your driveshaft and u joints which are the parts you will kill first i had a custom 4 inch shaft made for my heavy car and they put the 1350 yokes in it at the same time and 250 + passes and no problems now i am not sure about 9 inch rears but in a 12 bolt you HAVE to put a solid spacer in not a crush sleeve or you will spit the gears out the cover so check with a guy who built your rear to see if fords are the same as our 12 bolts
oh yeah if you decide to go with the brake you had better be ready for the launch cause it will hurt ya if you are not ready ... i smacked my helmet against my main hoop and got a headache on the first pass
bryan