I went to my local performance shop today and spoke to the owner. I have had problems adjusting my tv cable after switching to an aftermarket cable. I also wanted to look into them installing a shift kit for better shifts while drag racing. He said forget about the 700r4, no good for racing. He said he had personally trashed a number of 700r4 racing, don't hold up, also if the cable is not adjusted properly you can destroy the tranny just driving one block!!. He said this happened to him on a warrantied GM 700r4 and GM wouldn't honor the warranty, holy crap!!

Anyway he said I really need a Turbo 350. THis is apparently a good 3 speed tranny for racing. Is this the same as a TH350 that I see advertised on here? Would also need new torque arm (said Spohn was good) and lengthen the drive shaft. Cost me about $2000 for all

I would like to do this, but I see Turbo 350 trans on here for sale for like $250 to $300. Is this right? Where would be a source for a good one? I don't need overdrive for highway driving, I only drive it on weekends and at the strip.

opinions?

 

I think I would go looking for another shop.

 

Ditto...the 700R4 is not the most ideal trans for drag racing but it will hold up to plenty of abuse if built right.

 

Yeah? so you guys are saying it is worth it to invest in a shift kit and corvette servo, etc, in the 700r4 eh? This TV cable thing really bothers me though. Apparently it is real easy to trash your tranny by just having this thing a little out of adjustment. I take it there is not a similar cable in the TH350?

 

I don't know much about the Turbo 350 but if you already have your mind set on only drag racing your car then biting the bullet and coverting to a 350 (or maybe a 400) would be a wise choice. There's way more knowledgable people here that know what it takes to convert to a 350.

Like I said earlier the 700 will hold up very well if built right...for how long, I couldn't tell you.

For me I gotta have the overdrive because mine's a daily driver and the nearest track is 2 hours away.

 

If your willing to drop 2 grand then you might want to private message "pro-built-automatics, or visit the site at http://www.pro-built.net, from what I've read around here they build some really nice 700r4's. Shift kits, etc...is usually included in the build.

 

Lingenfelter's site shows a 4L60 that runs 9.22 @ 150 mph.

The 700 and 4L60 use all the same clutch packs, planets and gears.

My 92 Camaro runs mid 12s @110 with the factory 700R4 ( 105K old ) and a 12" converter and on monday I pick up a new Pro-Built 700R4 with a sleeved input shaft, 5 pinion planets and lots more. The converter I have for this trans is Yanks new SS3600
(Link http://www.converter.cc/super_stock.htm )

This trans will be tested by a new 413 Rodeck at about 625 HP and with N20 able to produce low 900s if needed.

The goal of this car is 10.00 that is the fastest you can go at the local track. (California Speedway)

Jerry

 

Not allowed to exeed 10's? Why's that? Seems kind of wierd.

 

2000 for a th350 swap is total.. Run...run fast...Do a search there are plenty of 700r4's...probuilts are good to 600hp..that guy doesnt know what the **** he is talking about!

 

My personal opinion is that the 700R-4/4L60/4L60-E series transmissions is the most common and the most popular GM RWD transmission, and therefore, has the most aftermarket parts available for it. I don't think there is a single piece aside from the case that isn't in one way "stronger" or "reinforced". Its not a parts reliablity issue that you have to worry about, its more of an issue of who knows how to build them, and what to use when building them. I have looked high and low at what "other" builders do to make a "high performance" transmission, and some are nothing more than stock, with a few parts extra that the average "joe" could install in their driveway. Some are well planned out, and pretty stout. The 4L60 transmission is an awsome (still my opinion) transmission, and I would reccomend them to anybody. However, the more power you plan on running, the more money you will spend (but that goes with anything, really).

 

The 700R4 can be made to handle high horsepower, but it's just more of a matter of who builds it. Obiviously the shop you went to knows nothing about them.
Read this old thread from www.turbobuick.com . It's a VERY good thread on hopping up the 700r4. Alan, 6PacktoGo can drop you knowledge on the 700r4. Bruce, WE4, is a moderator for the transmission section for www.turbobuick.com and is also a very knowledgable person on the 700r4.
No disrespect to the knowledgable people on the TGO transmission board, but the tranny builders on turbobuick.com might be able to take the knowledge a step further.

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/sho...ighlight=700r4

 

im running a probuilt for a yr now ran 12.4 on it last yr not a prob out of it i love it looking at 11's this yr

 

Yeah, definately find a new shop, that guy obviously doesn't know how to build trannies!

as long as you use the latest hard parts from GM (the sunshell has gone through various revisions and GM finally got it right), and a decent shiftkit (something that doesn't shock the hell out of the drivetrain at part throttle and doesn't slip at full throttle and upshifts), the thing will last.

i went with probuilt, which of course has the transgo stuff in it, and even though I'm only a 14 second car i must say i'm very happy with the trans. no doubts in my mind that it will hold up to my end goal - a 12 second 20+mpg machine with AC. ;-)

 

Agreed!!! When I get about 300$ more im gonna call dana and get me a pro-built. 700's are good for racing and street driving IMO. I wont change.

 

Are local track is a SLD only track. All cars must be street legal with current reg. and ins. to run.

Jerry

 

and if you like drag racing ( that was rhetorical ) you will love the high stall 9.5" converters they are super efficient and can take a beating. they make a HUGE difference around town too.

my th350 swap (From 700R4) cost me $400 including trans and shifter. super cheap. in stock form they hold alot more power than a 700 in stock form. but both can take a serious beating if built right. as everyone else said, ditto ditto.

Dana at pro built can guide you right. but thats been said too.

 

One thing not mentioned that may not matter to you is the 700 has a very step first gear which makes for a big drop in rpm' when shifting into second, not good for drag racing if that is all you want to do. The 350/400's have a closer gear ration so make better drag trannys.

 

Ya but you can use that to your advantage man. I got 3.73's in the rear with drag radials and launch like a raped ape. Granted there is a drop off at second, you still transfer the power, just at different points. Either way your not losing power and if the trans can take the abuse and shift fast then IMO it's great for racing. 350/400's are better for racing only, but for a daily driver you like to beat on the weekend, i'll take the 700.

 

The shop guy probably didn't think 700's were good for racing because he probably doesnt have much access to strongly built 700's. If you want to run an overdrive trans and race too, you might as well opt for a 200 4R. They have better gear ratios and can be built just as strong as a 700. I will however say this. If you are going to be running a VERY high horsepower car, TH350's, 400's and powerglides are the way to go. They are the strongest out of the GM auto trannies and have a massive aftermarket. I think you will be fine with a sturdy 700 or 200. If I were you tough I would go for the 200. Just my opinion.