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2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

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Old 09-07-2011, 03:33 PM
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Car: 1984 Camaro Sport Coupe
Engine: 2.8l v6 soon to be 350
Transmission: auto
2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

Ok I have an 84 with a 2.8l v6 and 700r4, and I have a 350 with a th350 almost ready to do a swap. I have read the swap guide here talking about the motor mounts, brake lines (which are rusted out anyways), special crossmember, etc

I have the th350 crossmember from UMI.

My question is, is it worth it to put the th350 in? The 700r4 (that currently slips and leaks) wont require a crossmember change, or shifter linkage fab work, or custom driveshaft.

Should i spend my money on a stand alone lockup controller? I want to get in this car and drive. It isnt meant to be raced. much

I am knee deep in this project and i am getting lost as for what direction i am going in.

anyone?
Old 09-07-2011, 04:36 PM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

V6 tranny wont work on v8. 60 degree block vs. 90 degree.

Last edited by musicfreako; 09-08-2011 at 12:05 AM.
Old 09-07-2011, 04:56 PM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

The v6/v8 use the same trans. You've got one listed. It depends on the engine output and bolt pattern if it bolts right up.
Old 09-07-2011, 05:13 PM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

The V6's and V8 transmissions use different bellhousing patterns. V6 is a 60 degree housing while V8's use 90 degree bellhousing. Unless you have a 90 degree 700R4 you'll pretty much have to use the TH350.
Old 09-07-2011, 06:53 PM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

Also, TH350 doesn't have a lockup system that I know of. It's a 3speed tranny - depending on rear gears mileage will suck compared to the 700R4 with the overdrive and locking converter.

But as mentioned, you cannot use the V6 700R4 - different bellhousing pattern so it will not bolt up.
Old 09-07-2011, 07:24 PM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

Finding a 700R4 or taking the time to do a T5 or T56 swap would be a better option imo. It will net you much better gas mileage in the end and with a T5/56 you would have alot more enjoyment. But it all depends on how much time and you have.
Old 09-08-2011, 12:00 PM
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If the car isn't going to be raced, I assume that means it'll be driven on the street/highway. In that case, forget the TH350 and find a V8 or 4.3 V6 TH700R-4.
Old 09-08-2011, 06:20 PM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

for the replies. The car has a 3.23 rear gear.

Can someone explain lockup to me? I know its a dumb question, but i see nothing explaining exactly what happens when the converter is locked up, what exactly is happening and do i even need it to happen?



BTW gas mileage isnt a concern, as this is my toy, not my daily driver.
Old 09-08-2011, 06:25 PM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

hmm it appears to be a clutch inside the converter that is engaged by the computer (which will be disconnected after the swap). So now i understand how it works. Now i just need more $$$$
Old 09-08-2011, 06:51 PM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

OK now that i know how it works, and i see a few kits available for stand alone installs like i am doing. Do you all think these kits can be installed by myself or should a shop do it? My knowledge of transmissions is limited to filter changes.
Old 09-28-2011, 10:04 PM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

Hey, im the kid you bought this from in riverside . Can you send me pics of what you have done to it? And ill send some of my IrocZ
Old 09-28-2011, 10:56 PM
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Originally Posted by James76
OK now that i know how it works, and i see a few kits available for stand alone installs like i am doing. Do you all think these kits can be installed by myself or should a shop do it? My knowledge of transmissions is limited to filter changes.
If you can change the transmission filter, you can install the lock-up kit.
Old 09-28-2011, 11:03 PM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

speedway motors sells a trans adapter for the 2.8/3.1/3.4 engines.
i belive its 40$'s it allows u to bolt any 90* bellhousing pattern transmision to the 60*v6 i.e. th350 th400 2004r t5, t56 t10 etc
Old 09-29-2011, 11:26 AM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

Originally Posted by project89
speedway motors sells a trans adapter for the 2.8/3.1/3.4 engines.
i belive its 40$'s it allows u to bolt any 90* bellhousing pattern transmision to the 60*v6 i.e. th350 th400 2004r t5, t56 t10 etc
Wasnt able to find it on their site, but the major problem with that is my v6 transmission needs rebuilt as it slips and leaks like crazy. So, the cost of rebuilding it and the adapter i would be right at 700-900 when i can get a monster transmission v8 model for $900 with a 3 year warranty.

The next question is then, will a v6 computer not hooked up to the engine (carbureted car) be able to control TCC on either the original v6 or a new v8 700r4? What signals would the ECM need from the 350? Would i need a v8 ECM to control it?
Old 09-29-2011, 11:48 AM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

if u swap to a v8 700r4 the ecm will still control the lockup ill see if i cant find u a link to the adapter plate, a few of us in the v6 section have used them
Old 09-29-2011, 11:51 AM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Chevy-...ates,3280.html
works for all transmissions not just the th350
Old 09-29-2011, 04:06 PM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

I think in the interest of keeping it simple a V8 700r4 is the way to go. I know of a couple craigslisters who have rebuilt units for $600-$700 so i may go that way. Wonder if the v6/v8 cables are the same?

for all the help!
Old 09-29-2011, 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by James76
The next question is then, will a v6 computer not hooked up to the engine (carbureted car) be able to control TCC on either the original v6 or a new v8 700r4? What signals would the ECM need from the 350? Would i need a v8 ECM to control it?
Originally Posted by project89
if u swap to a v8 700r4 the ecm will still control the lockup
The ECM needs engine speed (from the distributor), vehicle speed, and throttle position to operate the TCC. Doesn't matter if the ECM is V6 or V8.

If your carburetor is a non-computer type, you'll be using a non-computer distributor as well. I don't know of anyone who has set up a non-computer distributor to feed the ECM engine speed. The throttle position sensor is built into the computer carb, but you can hook up a stand-alone TPS if you like. The VSS doesn't have to be disturbed when going to a non-computer induction.

But...

A stand-alone TCC lock-up kit would be a lot easier to get to work.
Old 09-29-2011, 06:20 PM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

crap lol
Old 09-29-2011, 06:31 PM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

Here is the engine so far and a video of it running before paint and chrome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxvFl0LY_ps

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Old 09-29-2011, 10:32 PM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

I recently did the swap in an 82 Firebird that had the same engine but a th200c. You will need a kit for the torque arm. B&M sells the kit for $100 that will let you use your torque arm and 700r4 cross member. If you have a 9in tailshaft you can reuse your driveshaft. If you have a 6in you have to find a th200c driveshaft. Its straight forward after that.
Old 06-11-2012, 02:30 PM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

Well, I think I have decided to keep the v6 700r4, and adapt that to my new 350. Would this work? Will that speedway motors plate work?
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Chevy-...ates,3280.html

Is the v6 model strong enough for a 290/260 horse 350? Not lookin to tear asphalt up with it, just as a cruiser.
Old 06-11-2012, 03:04 PM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

Geez why is this so complicated?! lol The bell housing will not house the 350 flywheel. States that on their site under the reviews.

I am gonna have to sell the car or, wait until next year!
Old 07-02-2012, 12:32 PM
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Re: 2.8-700R4 to 350-TH350 swap

Get a junk yard 700r4 from ANY v8 car/ truck/ van and swap over the camaro's tail stock and speedo gears. Really realy easy to do.
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