fact or myth
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 18
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From: dallas
Car: 1989 camaro
Engine: 350 chevy tbi
Transmission: 350 lock up shorttail
fact or myth
is true that for speed a 350 tranny is the one to go with or basicly any tranny can get the job done?i mean isent 700 trannys for like highway driving because of the overdrive options?
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 654
Likes: 10
From: Windsor, Ontario
Car: 1987 Trans Am
The biggest downfall of the 700R4 for drag racing (besides the obvious strength issues that can be taken care of) is the large gap in gear ratios between 1st and 2nd gear.
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Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Pueblo Co
Car: 1989 C4
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 307
One extra gear makes the 700R4 more capable of reaching higher speeds. Provided it would stay in 4th gear. Which it wont so they would actually reach the same top speed both in 3rd gear.
Yes I know, friction, extra weight bla bla, the TH350 should be faster.
Yes I know, friction, extra weight bla bla, the TH350 should be faster.
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 1
From: louisville, ky
Axle/Gears: '01 3.42 10 bolt
700r4's can be modified to stay in 4th gear at WOT. the th350 is just lighter. a th350 can be modified to have the same 1st gear as a 700r4 fairly easily with a little machine work and some welding.
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 654
Likes: 10
From: Windsor, Ontario
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Why would you want the same first gear as a 700R4 for racing? The problem I see is that because of the spread in ratios between 1st and 2nd gear, it will drop you out of your power range.
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 1
From: louisville, ky
Axle/Gears: '01 3.42 10 bolt
never said he would want to, just that it was possible. you would need a broad power band to utilize that set-up. i don't have a problem with the 700r4 gear spread. i also don't do a lot of track racing. when mine shifts from first to second at 3/4 to full throttle, i don't have any power loss. it is only when light to about 1/2 throttle that i notice a significant loss. then it sucks......lol
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From: MD
Car: '88 IROC-Z medium orange metallic
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
700 if you drive it on the street a lot, or just want the overdrie, 400 turbo if you're making real power
The 700 can be built to take some good power though, many don't give it the credit it deserves. With the right convertor, gear and tire combo you can get rid of the 1-2 gap problem. I won't be getting rid of a 700 unless I'm making gobs of power.
350 turbo is lighter, but you'll lose overdrive. If I'm going through the trouble of getting a new crossmember, convertor, shifter and driveshaft I'm making it worth my while and going with a trans that will hold up to whatever i throw at it.
400 turbo, strongest of the 3. You can build a whole trans and not use a single original part. It's a little heavier than a 350 but still less than a 700 and the added strength makes it all worth while.
The 700 can be built to take some good power though, many don't give it the credit it deserves. With the right convertor, gear and tire combo you can get rid of the 1-2 gap problem. I won't be getting rid of a 700 unless I'm making gobs of power.
350 turbo is lighter, but you'll lose overdrive. If I'm going through the trouble of getting a new crossmember, convertor, shifter and driveshaft I'm making it worth my while and going with a trans that will hold up to whatever i throw at it.
400 turbo, strongest of the 3. You can build a whole trans and not use a single original part. It's a little heavier than a 350 but still less than a 700 and the added strength makes it all worth while.
Re: i agree with dailed in
Originally posted by blockbeeda
im with dailed in i think 400 is the best outta 350 and 700
im with dailed in i think 400 is the best outta 350 and 700
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