Have you folks heard the story about the TH400 eating-up 50 hp compared the the TH350?
I called B&M and they said that "that's nonsense"... but the parts ARE a little heavier, so it probably does take somthing.
I'm looking for a future tranny and for the price difference, the 400 seems like a better deal. (in case I get a BIG BLOCK or whatever down the line)
What do you pros out there think about this tranny issue? This application is for driving on the street to the track and drag race. No daily driver!
Phil

I've always heard that it takes approximately 35 hp to turn a T350, compared to about 55 to 60 for a 400. A T350 is definitely lighter than a 400.

The reason B&M sells a TH400 only because they know it will withstand peoples abuse and it keeps them profitable without warranty claims. Because some people think there 750 Hp motor is only 500hp. Yes a properly built TH350 will cost equal to a TH400 From B&M. A th350 has a lower 1st gear and is less power robing than the 400 as mentioned, and lighter. All a benifit. Could be worth a tenth or two. A lot of racers use the 350 for those reasons.

[This message has been edited by 1bad67 (edited 03-19-99).]

All things being equal the TH350 is worth about 2 tenths. The 400 can be lightened up with aluminum clutch drums but they are very costly. I read an article there is a transmission shop in Canada that sells a modified Ford AOD (sorry) to run behind any motor that has about 5 - 8 lbs less rotating mass than a TH400. Plus you get the super low first (something like 2.84) along with the OD and its race proven. I called and they were asking around 1600 for the tranny with no converter.

If a Th400 eats 50 hp (at cruise) this would take about 150% of what it takes to push the car down the road. And if it were true, the trans cooler would need to be about the size of the radiator. Sounds like some bad info to me.

The vehicle manufacturers rate horsepower 2 different ways: one is at the rear wheels, and one is at the flywheel. Those numbers tell basically how much you lose through a transmission and rearend. Generally speaking, a 300 hp motor will usually have around 250 at the rear wheels, meaning that the drivetrain "robbed" 50 hp. A T400 has more clutch packs in it than a 350, therefore it has more friction and would require more power to operate. That's my opinion anyway.

[This message has been edited by Peerce (edited 03-20-99).]

When I had my TH400 built, I had 2.75 first/ and 1.75 second gears installed. This way, I didn't have to go as low with my rear-end, while keeping the strength of the 400.