[1971-Chevelle]

After all of that time waiting for my engine to be rebuilt, now I have to pull the transmission out - AGAIN - and have it gone through. The RPM jumped WAY up when I shifted into third earlier today, then things settled down when I let off the throttle. I figured maybe it was a fluke, but it wasn't. I went to drive it again today and it made a horribly loud whining/grinding type of sound after if shifted into third (and this was under very little throttle). I am guessing that the converter has failed, which is irritating, since it is supposed to be a heavy duty max blah, blah, blah. I truly wish there was a local builder who actually knew what they were doing and could build a reliable product.

 

[69SS454]

Sorry to hear that. I hope you get it worked out. Don't forget to flush out the cooler and lines before you install the new trans.

 

[1971-Chevelle]

Sorry to hear that. I hope you get it worked out. Don't forget to flush out the cooler and lines before you install the new trans.

I always flush it. I am truly at a loss on this latest one.

 

[Ericnova72]

Not the converter, or it would do it in any gear.

Problem is inside the trans...high gear clutches or the gear train.

Zero Gravity Performance in Mesa isn't helpful?

FOX Performance Transmission in Apache Junction?

5-1/2 hour drive...but maybe California Performance Transmission in Huntington Beach, CA?

 

[1971-Chevelle]

Not the converter, or it would do it in any gear.

Problem is inside the trans...high gear clutches or the gear train.

FOX Performance Transmission in Apache Junction?

5-1/2 hour drive...but maybe California Performance Transmission in Huntington Beach, CA?

I would need lots of references for another shop - it is way too hard to find a builder who knows what they are doing these days. As for California, I will not set foot in that state again.

 

[1971-Chevelle]

When I get it to the shop where it came from, would it worth it to have them upgrade it to a 36 element forward sprag?? And depending on what let go, what about upgrading the clutch packs to 6 clutches each??

 

[Ericnova72]

Good sprag for the TH-400 is the 34 element, but yes, that would be a necessary upgrade. When a stock sprag blows up you lose 2nd instantly, usually right at the hit of the shift. Becomes a 2nd nuetral
Your engine shouldn't need any increased clutch count if done correctly with good rebuild parts.

Any car clubs, racers, cruise events or even Facebook groups near you that you could mingle with and find out who they have build their transmissions? You'll generally find in any given area there will be a good reference or two used by eveyone who wants good work.

 

[1971-Chevelle]

Good sprag for the TH-400 is the 34 element, but yes, that would be a necessary upgrade. When a stock sprag blows up you lose 2nd instantly, usually right at the hit of the shift. Becomes a 2nd nuetral

They offer a 36 element sprag upgrade. I think mine already has the 34 element. And they also offer an even higher upgrade that elminates the sprag altogether, but I think that only works with a full manual valve body.

 

[shovelrick]

Brian didn't you have the trans rebuilt not too long ago ? will they repair it under warranty or is it one of those shops that's not worth the headache to take it back ?

 

[1971-Chevelle]

Brian didn't you have the trans rebuilt not too long ago ? will they repair it under warranty or is it one of those shops that's not worth the headache to take it back ?

The warranty is only one year, and I had it rebuilt in like 2018 (I think).

 

[shovelrick]

Oh, Man that really stinks, I think they may not be to good of a trans shop but have you talked with anyone at the other shops mentioned but more $$ out the window..again

 

[1971-Chevelle]

No other shops have really been mentioned. The one above has one Google review and it is one star. If I had the money, I would have someone build me a 4L80E, utilizing a Reid Super 80 case, along with a Reid bell housing. It is so disheartening when a transmission fails yet again (especially after all of the problems I had with them after giving them a good 400 core to build).

 

[mjc]

I would need lots of references for another shop - it is way too hard to find a builder who knows what they are doing these days. As for California, I will not set foot in that state again.

I know what you are saying about going back to CA, but I have a great trans builder in Moreno Valley. He has built many pro-mod powerglides i know of, so he knows his stuff.
My traneshop is the place.

Sent from my SM-T500 using Tapatalk

 

[shovelrick]

Maybe the 5 hr drive is worth it? I wouldn't waste any time or $ at the previous shop just put a review up and 1 star is minimum if you want to even leave a review, they should use -* --*

 

[smitty454]

No need for a drive. Hughes performance is located in central Phoenix off of McDowell and the I17. Can't really get much better than that

 

[1971-Chevelle]

No need for a drive. Hughes performance is located in central Phoenix off of McDowell and the I17. Can't really get much better than that

Umm, except for that it is one of their transmissions.

 

[shovelrick]

Oh wow I thought Hughes was a top line trans? guess not

 

[dyno jonn]

kilgoretrans.com/

Only problem, he's in Kalifornia, but he is among the very best.

 

[1971-Chevelle]

Can someone explain to me the benefits of running a manual valve body, and exactly how they operate (meaning I know I have to manually upshift, but when can you downshift, etc.)??

 

[ChevelleFan70]

Oh man, I think I remember you being very anti-700R4 in another thread after having several issues with a couple different units, and now you have a failed TH400?? That's rough.

-Dave