My TH350 is dying in my 71 chevelle (350 small Block). I have had several shops give me quotes of $500-$600 to rebuild it. But I have a good TH400 sitting here in my shop. Anybody have an opinion why I should or should not use it. And what surprises await me if I put it in (driveline,yoke).

Steve 71 Chevelle
68 Chevelle

400's use a different yoke, a different kickdown (electric,I think), and are longer than 350's so the driveshaft will need shortening. I am not sure about the crossmember; I don't know if it can be relocated, or if the 400 takes a dedicated crossmember. Otherwise, no reason not to use a 400 that I know.

If you are going to keep the small block, I would stay with the THM350, the price seems steep, check around and I'm sure you could get it done for half or better, also, consider offering the 400 in trade, short shaft Chevy 400 transmissions are in demand.
Ralph

$500-$600 for a tranny rebuild?!?! Is this on the bench or does it include removal and reinstallation?

Yes, I am going to keep the 350 it has about 3000 miles on it. In fact the tranny is one of the few things that hasn't been restored or rebuilt. $500 was on the bench $600 was in the car. I seen a B&M Street/Strip TH350 in the JEG's catalog. Anybody know anything about these. Good or Bad?

I don't know about B&M's 350, but I've been happy with my B&M 700R4 for over 3 years now. Upshifts are pretty hard. Make sure your U-joints and rear-end are in good shape.

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http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Strip/4523/ElkyPage.html

Chad Landry
TC Member #643
'68 El Camino

Hey Chad, good looking El Camino. Tell me a little more about that 700R4 Tranny. I'm not really familar with it. Will it bolt right in place of my TH350? What is it 3 or 4 speed?

Thanks for the compliments.

The 700 will bolt up to your engine. But with some modifications to driveshaft and crossmember. You also have to wire for the lockup solenoids. I found it very easy to do, but I'm also an electrician.

It's a 4-speed automatic with lock-up converter. Overdrive ratio is .70

First gear is really low, so with the 3.73 gears out back it comes out of the hole screaming. I haven't done the math, but it feels like a TH350 with a 4.11 or 4.56 rear.

The downside is that the shift from 1st to 2nd is a big jump. People are running 200R4's these days which (they say, I can't confirm) bolt up in place of a TH350 with no major driveline mods. It also has closer upshifts without the extremely low 1st.

Check out http://www.700r4.com for loads of good info if you're interested in going overdrive. I highly recommend it if it fits in your budget.

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http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Strip/4523/ElkyPage.html

Chad Landry
TC Member #643
'68 El Camino

the th400 can take alot more abuse then the th350 does ,but for the small block I would keep the th350 in.You should be able to find someone to rebuild it for less than 350.00/r&r. As for the crossmember ,there should be a feww sets of holes in your frame so you can move it back and fourth.

Here's my 2 cents worth. Install a 200R4! it's virtually a bolt in except for the crossmember mount. You may have to move the cross member in the frame. Drill 4 new holes. Big whoop. Make sure you get one with a tail cone that has bolt holes for the cross member. If you have to, find one at a junk yard and buy a performance kit from B&M. THEM have a trans shop do the work. By going to junk yard , you'll get the TV cable, brackets and converter. You'll have to spring ~$60 bucks for a lock up switch for the converter too. Whatever it takes to put it in and all of the hassles, it's still well worth it. With the Overdrive, you'll pick up 5-6 MPG. That's a good thing these days!

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You could also order a Transkit from either B&M,Transstar,Fairbanks,ATI,for lot less and rebuild it yourself,most of the companies offer a VHS format How to´s also.
I dont know the price but you can check out : www.summitracing.com (http://www.summitracing.com) or www.pawinc.com (http://www.pawinc.com)
HR

Malibu kid. that's way steep. Did you ask the local racers who does their tranny work? Best guy I know here is $350 includes new drum, shift kit, but not standard parts like pump, etc if they're hosed. Man if shipping wasn't so expensive, I'd say ship it to Buffalo.

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Chaas
Gold #62/ACES
67 SS396/(427L88) (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/chaas1.jpg)

Thanks guys, from what I've been told here my estimates are way overpriced. And I have a few more options to think about. I'm not going to rule out a good Muncie either! This site is great it really has helped me out over the last year or so restoring my 71 Chevelle. One day I will figure out how to get some pics on here so everyone can see.

Steve
71 Chevelle
68 Chevelle

Here is the part nr. for the B&M Trans kit and price :. BMM-30229 - B&M TransKits
GM: 1968-81 TH-350, 375B, M38, transmission rebuild kit A B&M transmission in a box This B&M TransKit gives you the same high quality components that are used in all B&M Street/Strip transmissions. It includes all necessary parts, springs, plates, etc., to convert your valve body to a B&M manual/automatic valve body. It will improve the shift feel and will still retain the full automatic features. B&M even includes full instructions so you can do it yourself. Sold individually.
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Add To Cart
Price: $216.75
And there you go http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif
HR

I am doing the same thing, changing over my th-350, most people are telling me to go overdrive. The question then is 700 or 200. The popular vote is to go 700, but Art Carr Trans, claims that a properly built 200 is stronger than a 700. And for current th350 users, the 200 is a bolt in. The crossmember distance is close(so close that you can in most cases use the factory holes in the frame) but you will have to shim the mount for proper driveshaft phasing. You should not have to modify your driveshaft and the yoke is the same 27 spline as the th350.
You will just have to wire it for converter lock up (get a kit, B&M, Painless wiring etc).
I am doing this, getting a junkyard 200 that looks good, Putting in a TransGo shift kit, performance lock-up converter, and a lock=up harness from painless wiring. I'll use it until it goes, then have a shop rebuild it with a performance kit From B&M, TransGo, or TCI.

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67 Malibu Conv (always under construction)
mirabile95@earthlink.net

th400 is stronger tranny but also consumes more hp to operate

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Rich
Cocoa Beach, Fla
Team Chevelle #380
46 but feeling like 20 when i'm in my 70 SS 454
wa3men@aol.com
www.chevelles.com/showroom/70_SS_454.jpg (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/70_SS_454.jpg)