I decided against building a 700R4 and going with either a 350 or 400 turbo. What are the weak points in them? Going to be behind a 430hp 383. Not crazy power but more than I feel comfortable using a 700 with. It's a bracket car so I don't need a manual valve body, I'm more concerned with consistency and that it holds together for a full season.

 

2nd gear sprag. you can buy stronger aftermarket ones.

 

What's the method of choice for firming up the shifts? Will a TransGo kit do the job or do the servos need attention?

 

The TransGo is the way to go.

Other things you can do: stack the clutches on the tight side of specs (.035" or so); leave out the wavy plates, use flat ones instead; leave out the accumulator spring; use Type F fluid.

 

No, No, No, "do not leave out" the wave plates, as this acts as a shock absorber. On the 3rd gear clutch pack you want to run it loose & run the wave steel (.060 - .080). Install all of the accumulator springs, as this helps to keep the transmission alive, and provide smooth shifts at light throttle openings. On the intermediate clutch pack (2nd gear), leave the wave to absorb shock, so as to not break the lugs out of the case (common) when the wave is "eliminated". Stay the hell away from type "F" fluid. You are not running "asbestos" clutches, as they have not been made since 1977-78. Use a good quality Dexron III. Yes, the Trans-Go Performance Shift kit is the way to go.

 

Thanks Dana!