I have this TCI Super Comp TH400. The car it was in had a bad crash and broke the trans right off the back of the engine. The converter, flexplate and bell housing stayed on the engine. The converter is junk. It has a big dent in it. I havent checked to see if the input shaft is straight yet. If it is and the internal parts are still good. I was wondering if I could fix this with a JW Ultra Bell housing?

 

looks salvageable , use this as a ref.

http://www.banningcohen.com/buick/th400/index.htm

 

Awesome link. Thanks

 

input shaft is probably bent. better check that.

 

The Ultra Bell can be used on any transmission that looks like that and can also be used to adapt a transmission to a different type of engine. Ford users can use a GM tranny etc.

You can also buy an Ultra Bell from Jegs, Summit etc.

 

Ok thanks guys. Im gonna check the input and go for the ultra bell housing. My last resort was to find another TH400 case and swap the parts. I think the JW housing is a better upgrade.

 

But for $264 is it worth installing or is it cheaper to just put in another transmission?

 

I've yet to run an ultra-bell. If I upgrade, it will be to the complete new JW case.

Check the input and output shafts, as well as the intermediate case lugs at the center support. - If the trans hit backwards onto the driveshaft too hard it can break the internal case lugs out at the center support; as the output shaft and driveshaft held and the case was pushed back around it.

 

I figured if everything else was ok. A JW bell housing would be the cheapest fix. The trans was $1200 new and only had a few miles on it. I was trying to avoid spending $1200 on another new trans.

 

Since it's a built up transmission then as mentioned above, have at least the input shaft checked or just replace it then install the Ultra Bell. If the Ultra Bell that you buy is new then you won't need to install a flexplate shield if it's required but a tranny shield would still be required.

I'm with Shagwell. I have a spare powerglide case but the stock case still has it's limits. I'd upgrade my case and bellhousing to any of the aftermarket ones if it was in my budget. It's when it becomes a "need" and not a "want" that it will be eventually upgraded.

I don't even have a case saver in my glide yet.

 

I think the stock case is enough for my wimpy little motor. I could probably find an old th400 case for cheaper than the JW bell housing and swap the parts. I just figured it would be a good upgrade, and what the heck. Some of the work is already done.

 

I've seen north of 3k hp put through a stock th400 case, even w/o an ultra bell. Up until a month or two back there were no aftermarket 400 cases available.

 

I didnt realize the stock case could handle that kind of power.

 

****'s right! i have one of his old units...i love telling people it's been sub 1.2x 60's in an Outlaw632 car

 

I would find another case and have the internals swapped assuming the input is good.

 

How come?

 

I personally find cases for zero to 1oo$, so it is cost effective on my end.

 

^ agreed. It will need a trans sheild even if it has an ultra-bell, thus a stock case with the full CSI sheild is a hard to beat package.

 

Maybe I will just look for a stock case then. No better time than the present to learn how to build a th400.