Best Automatic Transmissions That Can Handle A 383 Stroker 500HP/500TQ
01-30-2015, 08:50 AM
#2
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Car: 1990 Formula Firebird
Engine: 305 TBI (LO3)
Transmission: WC T-5 out of an 88 T/A
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, 3.42 & Torsen Posi
Re: Best Automatic Transmissions That Can Handle A 383 Stroker 500HP/500TQ
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/tci-371000/overview/
A 700R4 will be your best bet for an OD trans. It only has 4 gears, but GM has just recently started going with the 5 & 6 speed auto boxes, those extra gears would probably cost you a small fortune, and you'd need a PCM for the trans. The 700R4 would be a direct bolt in for an F-body and would come in way under budget.
As far as one's that are 'purpose built for the 1/4', TH350s & TH400s spring to mind, but they do not have an O.D. gear, which would bring me back around to the 700R4
A 700R4 will be your best bet for an OD trans. It only has 4 gears, but GM has just recently started going with the 5 & 6 speed auto boxes, those extra gears would probably cost you a small fortune, and you'd need a PCM for the trans. The 700R4 would be a direct bolt in for an F-body and would come in way under budget.
As far as one's that are 'purpose built for the 1/4', TH350s & TH400s spring to mind, but they do not have an O.D. gear, which would bring me back around to the 700R4
01-30-2015, 05:36 PM
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Car: 1988 Camaro
Engine: 355, 10.34:1, 249/252 @.050", IK200
Transmission: TH-400, 3500 stall 9.5" converter
Axle/Gears: Ford 9", detroit locker, 3.89 gears
Re: Best Automatic Transmissions That Can Handle A 383 Stroker 500HP/500TQ
Th-400 with a gear vendors unit.
Gives you a 6 speed auto with last gear being overdrive.
All off the shelf parts
Th-400 is/was GM's strongest transmission
Gives you a 6 speed auto with last gear being overdrive.
All off the shelf parts
Th-400 is/was GM's strongest transmission
01-30-2015, 08:42 PM
#7
Re: Best Automatic Transmissions That Can Handle A 383 Stroker 500HP/500TQ
Hi,
I am planning to buy a 383 stroker crate motor in the next few years and I need to know what is the best automatic transmissions that can handle 500hp/500tq are. I would prefer it be one off the shelf and not one that must be built up from scratch but also one that isn't $5,000+.
It is for a street/strip vehicle but mostly for the street. I would prefer it be with 5 or more speeds for better acceleration and at least one overdrive gear. So whichever ones are purpose built for the 1/4 and high hp and tq ratings is what I need to know. Just let me know when you can.
Thank you and Peace.
I am planning to buy a 383 stroker crate motor in the next few years and I need to know what is the best automatic transmissions that can handle 500hp/500tq are. I would prefer it be one off the shelf and not one that must be built up from scratch but also one that isn't $5,000+.
It is for a street/strip vehicle but mostly for the street. I would prefer it be with 5 or more speeds for better acceleration and at least one overdrive gear. So whichever ones are purpose built for the 1/4 and high hp and tq ratings is what I need to know. Just let me know when you can.
Thank you and Peace.
This way you'll get a killer off the line with the 3.06 first gear, and the OD.
Get a Vigilante 9" torque converter with a stall to match your motor build.
That's what I would do. About $2000 for the transmission already built by Dana and around $850-900 for the converter. If you get the kit, it's around $675, plus the price of a good core, around $200, then the rebuild and install for around $1000 if you have someone else do it.
Last edited by Ozz1967; 01-30-2015 at 08:46 PM.
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01-30-2015, 11:55 PM
#9
Re: Best Automatic Transmissions That Can Handle A 383 Stroker 500HP/500TQ
I will have 4.10 gears as mentioned not 3.06 gears. And I would prefer a th400 3 speed from JEGS over a 700r4 with OD from dana. And I plan to do it one thing at a time. So it will be awhile before I even get to those things.
First I must get all the other stuff done and out of the way for the handling, suspension, braking, cooling and etc. Then once all that stuff is done get the wheels and tires I want and get them put on.
Then get the new seat covers and seat belts for the front seats. Have the seats reupholstered and seat belts installed. Then remove all the wiring harnesses and parts for the ac/heater and radio and etc that isn't needed. Then add the console parts back in.
Then get the fiberglass body parts and lexan glass and fiberglass dash from VFN fiberglass. Then cut and drill the holes for the lights and gauges and etc in those parts. Then have everything painted and all the stuff reassembled.
Then once all the other mechanical, electrical and cosmetic stuff is done I will get the rear end from moser that they say is best for my application. Then get the transmission to match the rear end and the engine.
Then get the engine. Then install the engine with transmission attached and wire everything up. Then install the radiator, air cleaner, air filter, hoses, lines and etc and do all that stuff then hopefully I will be done with it.
In other words it will be about 5 to 7 years or so and $20,000 give or take. Most of which will be saving up the money for everything and then saving up the money to have it installed and etc.
Maybe sooner or maybe later. Maybe more maybe less. Don't know yet. Just going to take it one step and one part at a time and when its all done get out and enjoy it.
And I know I didn't mention everything that has to be done but I was just making my point. Its a long road ahead of me but hopefully someday within the next decade or so I will be done with this project and can move on to something else. Only time will tell.
Thank you and Peace.
First I must get all the other stuff done and out of the way for the handling, suspension, braking, cooling and etc. Then once all that stuff is done get the wheels and tires I want and get them put on.
Then get the new seat covers and seat belts for the front seats. Have the seats reupholstered and seat belts installed. Then remove all the wiring harnesses and parts for the ac/heater and radio and etc that isn't needed. Then add the console parts back in.
Then get the fiberglass body parts and lexan glass and fiberglass dash from VFN fiberglass. Then cut and drill the holes for the lights and gauges and etc in those parts. Then have everything painted and all the stuff reassembled.
Then once all the other mechanical, electrical and cosmetic stuff is done I will get the rear end from moser that they say is best for my application. Then get the transmission to match the rear end and the engine.
Then get the engine. Then install the engine with transmission attached and wire everything up. Then install the radiator, air cleaner, air filter, hoses, lines and etc and do all that stuff then hopefully I will be done with it.
In other words it will be about 5 to 7 years or so and $20,000 give or take. Most of which will be saving up the money for everything and then saving up the money to have it installed and etc.
Maybe sooner or maybe later. Maybe more maybe less. Don't know yet. Just going to take it one step and one part at a time and when its all done get out and enjoy it.
And I know I didn't mention everything that has to be done but I was just making my point. Its a long road ahead of me but hopefully someday within the next decade or so I will be done with this project and can move on to something else. Only time will tell.
Thank you and Peace.
I'm sorry but you misunderstood me. I didn't mean you had 3.06 gears. The 700R4's first gear is is 3.06. It's a great dig gear which is slightly better than the TH400 or 350.
If this isn't strictly a track car, I sincerely believe you'll regret not having an OD transmission, especially with 4.11's. I have 3.73's in my car and I'm running 3500rpm at 70 in 3rd and 2600 in OD. WIth 4.11's you'll be really revving that motor high while cruising.
All the same, best of luck on your build!
01-31-2015, 09:35 AM
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Car: 87 IROC
Engine: L31 350
Transmission: T56
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Re: Best Automatic Transmissions That Can Handle A 383 Stroker 500HP/500TQ
Something to keep in mind: the more power you have, the less gear youneed.
My recommendation is also for the 700r4 to get the OD. As mentioned, the 700r4 comes with a 3.08 first gear.
On the the rear end: Keep in mind, the factory "performance gear" was an upgrade from 2.77 to 3:23. With as much power as you are targeting, a 3:42 is a decent choice, with 3:73 being a maximum. If you go all the way up to a 4.11, you will have traction problems, and wind out of first gear VERY quickly. Since you are also looking at a 9", the "4.11 is a weak 10-bolt gear" topic does not apply.
My recommendation is also for the 700r4 to get the OD. As mentioned, the 700r4 comes with a 3.08 first gear.
On the the rear end: Keep in mind, the factory "performance gear" was an upgrade from 2.77 to 3:23. With as much power as you are targeting, a 3:42 is a decent choice, with 3:73 being a maximum. If you go all the way up to a 4.11, you will have traction problems, and wind out of first gear VERY quickly. Since you are also looking at a 9", the "4.11 is a weak 10-bolt gear" topic does not apply.
01-31-2015, 10:30 AM
#12
Re: Best Automatic Transmissions That Can Handle A 383 Stroker 500HP/500TQ
You reference doing parts of your car over time, matching the trans. to the rear gears and engine, making it a street friendly car.
You will find a lot of guys suggest keeping overdrive. I agree. The benefit also is that wider ratios of the 700-R4 give a deep first gear off the line. While the TH400 is an excellent drag race transmission, it doesn't give much gear off the line. And then, it has no OD.
It is really hard to beat a 700-R4 with 3.42 to 3.73 gears. If you go further, 3.90 or 4.11 gears aren't going to do much for e.t. and will hurt mileage and be less fun to drive a coupke hours to a car show.
Outside the box, there are 3.55 gears that would be an excellent choice. There is a 2.64 first gear set for the 700-R4. But since you are working with a sane budget, I would just stick with the 700 and a gear around 3.50 to 3.70.
If you go that way and have an excellent converter, you will have zero regrets.
You will find a lot of guys suggest keeping overdrive. I agree. The benefit also is that wider ratios of the 700-R4 give a deep first gear off the line. While the TH400 is an excellent drag race transmission, it doesn't give much gear off the line. And then, it has no OD.
It is really hard to beat a 700-R4 with 3.42 to 3.73 gears. If you go further, 3.90 or 4.11 gears aren't going to do much for e.t. and will hurt mileage and be less fun to drive a coupke hours to a car show.
Outside the box, there are 3.55 gears that would be an excellent choice. There is a 2.64 first gear set for the 700-R4. But since you are working with a sane budget, I would just stick with the 700 and a gear around 3.50 to 3.70.
If you go that way and have an excellent converter, you will have zero regrets.
01-31-2015, 12:21 PM
#13
Re: Best Automatic Transmissions That Can Handle A 383 Stroker 500HP/500TQ
Outside the box, there are 3.55 gears that would be an excellent choice. There is a 2.64 first gear set for the 700-R4. But since you are working with a sane budget, I would just stick with the 700 and a gear around 3.50 to 3.70.
If you go that way and have an excellent converter, you will have zero regrets.
01-31-2015, 08:00 PM
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Car: 92 RS
Engine: LT1
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Best Automatic Transmissions That Can Handle A 383 Stroker 500HP/500TQ
I have the 3.73 with the 700r4 and love it. Any lower of a gear in the rear and low gear is pretty much useless. I have ran a few new camaros and mustangs and they couldn't catch me until I ran out of gear in 3rd, by then the race is over.
02-03-2015, 07:01 AM
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Re: Best Automatic Transmissions That Can Handle A 383 Stroker 500HP/500TQ
The Pro Street 700R4 handles apx. 650-675 FWHP with 10" or smaller torque converter. And the Pro Street Elite handles apx. 750 FWHP w/10" & smaller torque converter. Both come with an 18 month warranty. Price: $2,135.00 + $150.00 for the Pro Street. Price: $2,475.00 + $150.00 for the Pro Street Elite. The Edge 9.5" torque converter goes for $555.00 + S&H. Comes with a 2 year warranty. The P. I. Vigilante 9.5" torque converter goes for $799.00 + S&H. Comes with a 5 year warranty. Both offer a one time re-stall in the first year with the Edge and the first two years with the P. I. Vigilante. Both are lockup torque converters. These transmission shift fairly smooth at part throttle with shifts getting quicker with more throttle. The gears to go with in the 9" would be most likely 4.11's and use 28" by 9" to 10" wide drag radials on a wide rim so that you get a good "fore & aft" footprint and can run more air pressure in the tires when using the wider rims. The torque converter stall would be based on what has been done to the motor such as the camshaft specs. at .050" lift, type of intake manifold, type of heads, type and cfm of carburetor, weight of vehicle, how you drive, any nitrous, etc. Call me in the afternoon or evening with any questions and I will be glad too help out. 909 795-1876. Dana
02-03-2015, 04:07 PM
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Car: 86 Z28 T-Top
Engine: Vortec 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: I think 3.73 open dif
Re: Best Automatic Transmissions That Can Handle A 383 Stroker 500HP/500TQ
A stock 4L80 with a manual valve body will handle that. The transmissions are good to around 450 HP stock and if you up the line pressure there good for a lot more. The hard parts are good for around 600. I am going to be running one behind my next project. I am building a 427 BBC that will be shifting at 6,500 running on alcohol. Only going to be doing a stock rebuild kit with a full manual valve body. Will have a 3,000 RPM stall, lock up converter and has an overdrive. The motor I just built for my Camaro will be going in a killer 4X4 truck and this will be going in my Camaro. The 4L80 is pretty much a TH400 with an overdrive.
02-03-2015, 04:14 PM
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Car: 86 Z28 T-Top
Engine: Vortec 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: I think 3.73 open dif
Re: Best Automatic Transmissions That Can Handle A 383 Stroker 500HP/500TQ
Nice part about the 4L80 is if you wanted to spend the extra money the electric controllers are the way to go for drag racing. You can adjust shift points and have it shift automatic so your ETs are more consistent. Either way you have to get a manual valve body to make it full manual or get a controller.
08-11-2015, 02:06 AM
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Car: 1991 z28
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Transmission: built 700r4 Yank 3600 stall
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