Hello all.

Been awhile since I've posted here but It's almost that time of year again.

Now since my improperly built (See specs on left side to know which trans shop to avoid) 700R4 blew the front seal out AGAIN, It's time to consider my options.

I'm torn between keeping my 700R4 and swapping in a T-56. I love the thrill and interactiveness of a manual but at the same time It's just nice sometimes to cruise and not have to worry about changing gears every 5 seconds.

What I HATE about my 700R4 though and is the one thing that would tip me towards the T-56, is the uneven gear spread between 1st and 2nd. It sucks, so here's what I'm asking:

I have seen a 700R4 modified with a planetary set that LOWERS the first gear ratio to more evenly spread the gears, but what I have never seen is a planetary set that RAISES the second gear ratio. Does such a thing exist?

Wouldn't this make more sense? Keep the low first gear and have the gearspread go something like 3.06, 2.08, 1, .70?

 

With the stock torque converter, the ratio between 1st & 2nd gear is very noticeable. When going to a 10" or 9.5" torque converter, the drop between the gears is hardly noticed, as the rpm's do not go down as much. The drop in rpm's between 1st & 2nd gear is almost indentical to the Powerglide, except that the 700R4 has less rolling and wind resistance and with the right torque converter it is not a problem.

 

Thanks Dana. I did not know that. I do plan on ditching the 12" converter and going with a 10" with a little lower stall.

And as you can see, Shane's work has once again gone belly up. This is the second total failure in only 10k miles. Unbelievable.