Hey guys I have an 85 Z28 and the time has come to swap the manual for an automatic. The HP is in the 375-400 range. 3.73 rear end gears. The original plan for the car was just a nice street very ocassional strip car. the plans have changed to being a nice strip car with only street driving to and from the track until I can afford a truck and trailer. I have done a lot of searching but I dont know anything about automatics. I have rebuilt some clutchless manuals for drag cars but id rather drag an auto. So now the questions I am looking into for opinions from yall. I dont have too much to spend.

1. What automatic? TH350, TH400, 700r4?

2. Do I need a complete console for an automatic or can I keep the console and just find a plate and boot for an automatic?

3. This compounds with #1. If I end up getting a 700r4, how can it be wired for lockup? Do all 700r4s have some kind of electrical action to them? There is no engine harness in the car.


4. Did the automatic cars come stock with coolers or are all coolers aftermarket?

5. Is there anything else electrical that needs to be done to make an automatic work?

6. What is a ballpark stall converter to start with?

7. If there is a write-up on this forum or any other that you know of for manual to automatic swap for thirdgens please let me know.

1) Depends on if you want overdrive, a 400 is probably overkill because they are heavy and they cause a lot of power lose. I would be torn between a built 700r4 or a th350. The 200-4r is another choice to consider.

2)You just need the top plate, you could probably sell your 5 speed plate for about 3 times as much as you pay for the auto.

3)There is a tech article on hooking the lock up to a switch.

4)The stock auto coolers were part of the radiator. In some cars they may have had add on units.

5)Reverse lights and neutral safty need to be rewired to the shifter from the trans and the clutch pedal respectively.

6)All depends on the Cam

7)There is an auto to stick tech article but I do not think their is one for your purpose, but the 5 speed swap article would be a good reference.

700R4 all the way. It was a factory trans for these cars, it has overdrive, and it will take at least 575HP when built right.

You need to swap the pedals too. I have an auto brake pedal and support, you're interested send me a PM. I have a crossmember and some other stuff too. I went the other way, auto to manual, but I kep the parts in case anyone wanted them in the future.