+19
m1dadio
Scott
hywaychild
64chevy
mo_1040
xjamesx
billski
VANagain
G-Man
joyrde
BILLS66
Nightmoves
gotavan
Kakster
BvrWally
DanTheVanMan
Digz
PolarBear2
donivan65
23 posters
Auto transmission swap
G-Man- Mayor
- Number of posts : 30743
Location : Fowlerville, MI
Age : 62
Registration date : 2008-05-06
- Post n°51
Re: Auto transmission swap
I thought Lokar said they could have one made????
billski- Number of posts : 262
Location : white lake, michigan
Age : 69
Registration date : 2008-05-20
- Post n°52
Re: Auto transmission swap
Sorry G-Man...thought you were offering a source. Lokar has longer cables, so does B&M, so does the local boat supply. Shifter came with a 4 foot cable - not long enough but still don' know the length I need yet. Will keep you posted.
xjamesx- Number of posts : 378
Location : Rural Maine
Age : 49
Registration date : 2008-05-14
- Post n°53
Re: Auto transmission swap
new question to revive this awesome thread. i just got a (used) 700r4 from an '89 van for a song and a dance. i already have a turbo 350 tranny installed and working that i will remove to put in the 700r4. i know i need to modify my hanger and shorten the drive shaft. my shift lever is just the stock 3-on-tree slightly modified to work as an auto shift. so...
my question is, what else do i need to look into? (excuse my limited mechanic skills and terms) will i have to modify the "vacuum lines" that are connected to turbo350 at all? will i need to look into a new "kickdown cable"? and lastly, where do i find out about the electrical plug on the tranny? it looks like a 4 post terminal and does it hookup to anything or do i just buy a wiring kit that deadends that circuit? in other words, what do i do with that?
james
my question is, what else do i need to look into? (excuse my limited mechanic skills and terms) will i have to modify the "vacuum lines" that are connected to turbo350 at all? will i need to look into a new "kickdown cable"? and lastly, where do i find out about the electrical plug on the tranny? it looks like a 4 post terminal and does it hookup to anything or do i just buy a wiring kit that deadends that circuit? in other words, what do i do with that?
james
Guest- Guest
- Post n°54
Re: Auto transmission swap
You need a "on computer" box for the trans. You can get it at any speed shop or online at Summit or Speedway motors.
Heres one trans kit
Heres one trans kit
Digz- Number of posts : 3794
Location : United States Six Lakes MI
Registration date : 2008-05-17
- Post n°55
Re: Auto transmission swap
I think there is a more economical way to do that with a toggle switch, but I have to find more out on it yet.
mo_1040- Number of posts : 645
Location : Hibbing, Minnesota...The land of 10,000 rednecks
Age : 53
Registration date : 2008-07-04
- Post n°56
Re: Auto transmission swap
billski wrote:I will need a longer cable. Haven't determined what length yet. I will let you know. Do you have a special source?
I used a 8' B&M cable for my 350 turbo...Fit perfect...any shorter would not of worked.
xjamesx- Number of posts : 378
Location : Rural Maine
Age : 49
Registration date : 2008-05-14
- Post n°57
Re: Auto transmission swap
oh yeah, and can i use the same torque converter (i think thats what its called) that is on there now? i didnt know if they differ from turbo350 to 700r4...
billski- Number of posts : 262
Location : white lake, michigan
Age : 69
Registration date : 2008-05-20
- Post n°58
Re: Auto transmission swap
Well my van is finally in the hands of the mechanic who is doing the trans swap - we're doing a swap. I rebuilt his shed, he's doing the swap with all parts and labor included, except for the shifter. So far he took out the 3-tree and installed the 200-4R, and as I type he's fabricating the trans mount. Going to see it later today. Getting anxious! Hopefully another week I'd it will be on the road. I post some pics eventually, including a shot of my Lokar shifter.
joyrde- Number of posts : 26
Location : ohio
Registration date : 2009-03-12
- Post n°59
Re: Auto transmission swap
[quote="donivan65"]Transmissions are not going to help,,,,whether they are a 2, 3, 5, or 27 speed, high gear is always 1 to 1, the only exception is if you get an overdrive one, which will drop it down in high gear to about .70 to 1. The real solution is the rear end, which there are at least 4 choices. The 3:08 and 3:36 let the engine turn slower for any given speed. And rule #4 is a guy needs to drain his differential, check his axles and see what gear ratio he has so he knows what he got. As a matter of fact, I unloaded the TreeVan differential today to see what I got and if it will be better than what is in my van right now,,,,,,,,,
I have to disagree, to a certain extent, with Donivan - - the 700R makes ahuge difference when operating in OD. With the .70 final drive gear ratio and lock-up converter the engine RPM/s will drop 900 - 1100 RPMs.
My '67 is running 3.73 rear gears, 28.5" tall tires, when it is running 65 mph the engine is running 2000 rpms - - which is just about perfect for a brick shaped vehicle.
With the same set-up running 3.08 gears the engine RPM would be 1700 at 65 mph - -which is way to low for aerodynamics of our vans.
if you would like to work out combinations, check out - - http://www.angelfire.com/fl/procrastination/rear.html
I have to disagree, to a certain extent, with Donivan - - the 700R makes ahuge difference when operating in OD. With the .70 final drive gear ratio and lock-up converter the engine RPM/s will drop 900 - 1100 RPMs.
My '67 is running 3.73 rear gears, 28.5" tall tires, when it is running 65 mph the engine is running 2000 rpms - - which is just about perfect for a brick shaped vehicle.
With the same set-up running 3.08 gears the engine RPM would be 1700 at 65 mph - -which is way to low for aerodynamics of our vans.
if you would like to work out combinations, check out - - http://www.angelfire.com/fl/procrastination/rear.html
donivan65- Governor
- Number of posts : 12220
Location : San Diego, California
Registration date : 2008-05-12
- Post n°60
Re: Auto transmission swap
Thats a lot of good information,,,,,,if you need it,,,,,,,it shows the variables,,,,,and how it affects the performance. My buddy here has the stock 3:08 rear end in his 2nd gen and he aint complaining,,,,,,(but he has the TH350 trans) and the original question was which stock transmissions would cut down on the high RPMs on his engine,,,,,,and the answer was NONE,,,,,,they are all the same except if you install one with an over drive,,,,,,or change the rear end gear ratio. I agree you are going to need more horsepower if you start changing to an overdrive, higher geared rear ends or larger tires. And a 700R4 with the 3:08 would probably be too much of a combination. But keep the information coming,,,,,,we can never have enough Van information,,,,,,
donivan65- Governor
- Number of posts : 12220
Location : San Diego, California
Registration date : 2008-05-12
- Post n°61
Re: Auto transmission swap
Hey John,,,,,,,,while you got your chart out, how about running off a couple of scenarios on what to expect with a 700R4 trans conversion,,,,,,the engine will be a 6 cylinder,,,,,and the rear ends will the 3:36,,,,3:73 and the 4:11. Tires are 14". But at least do some specs of what to expect from the most common, basic set up,,,,,,6 cylinder, 3:36,,,,,,14 inch wheels,,,, see what you think is the most efficient set up,,,,,,,,and if you would even notice,,,,,,I would like to know,,,,,,,
64chevy- Number of posts : 364
Location : Rocket Ranch Lompoc, CA
Registration date : 2008-05-18
- Post n°62
Re: Auto transmission swap
I'd like to know how a 200R4 would fit into this equation. Would it's higher overdrive of .67 be more or less favorable then the 700R4's .70 overdrive. Someday I'd like to change my Powerglide out with a 200R4 since it's suppose to be the same overall length.
joyrde- Number of posts : 26
Location : ohio
Registration date : 2009-03-12
- Post n°63
re:Auto transmission swap
There is a reason I do not weigh in on many discussions, whether it's on this great site or vcvc. The type of back to back replies to my thoughts is the reason why.
To answer your question the 700R is "my" transmission of choice for most GM applications. With its super low first gear and OD final drive it is a winner at both ends.
The first good news is the 3.06 first gear will help a the van pulling our, especially when towing.
The OD with lock-up converter will drop RPMs by 1000. So running a 700R a 3.73 gear and "stock" van tires with an outside diameter of 25.5" the engine will be turning 2500 RPMs at 72 MPH. With the stock 1:1 transmission output the same van will be running 51 MPH at 2500 RPMs.
Running a 700R in a van with a good running stock 194, 230 or 250 should be able to push a brick shaped van through the air at 65 MPG while turning 2250 RPMs.
Just as an FYI, I do not sell myself as an expert . . . just someone with a lot of experience - - - 50 years of working on all types of vehicles, a GM trained auto tech, 25 years teaching high school Auto tech and an ASE Master technician. All that said whatever I offer is just an opinion.
To answer your question the 700R is "my" transmission of choice for most GM applications. With its super low first gear and OD final drive it is a winner at both ends.
The first good news is the 3.06 first gear will help a the van pulling our, especially when towing.
The OD with lock-up converter will drop RPMs by 1000. So running a 700R a 3.73 gear and "stock" van tires with an outside diameter of 25.5" the engine will be turning 2500 RPMs at 72 MPH. With the stock 1:1 transmission output the same van will be running 51 MPH at 2500 RPMs.
Running a 700R in a van with a good running stock 194, 230 or 250 should be able to push a brick shaped van through the air at 65 MPG while turning 2250 RPMs.
Just as an FYI, I do not sell myself as an expert . . . just someone with a lot of experience - - - 50 years of working on all types of vehicles, a GM trained auto tech, 25 years teaching high school Auto tech and an ASE Master technician. All that said whatever I offer is just an opinion.
G-Man- Mayor
- Number of posts : 30743
Location : Fowlerville, MI
Age : 62
Registration date : 2008-05-06
- Post n°64
Re: Auto transmission swap
joyrde your opinions are very welcome, what better infor than from a GM tech. Your weighting in is good timing for me as I was on the fence to which to go with 200r4 or 700r4 for the 64.
donivan65- Governor
- Number of posts : 12220
Location : San Diego, California
Registration date : 2008-05-12
- Post n°65
Re: Auto transmission swap
Hey Joyrde,,,,,,we all come here to learn and to help,,,,,,,everybody can learn but not everybody can help,,,,,,,,,so we really appreciate and rely on anyone who takes the time to share with their experience and knowledge,,,,,,
Guest- Guest
- Post n°66
Re: Auto transmission swap
I wanna swap my non-overdrive transmission out with one With Overdrive!!! Like a turbo 350 or 400?? Power Glide would be nice.
How do I adjust the brake pedal rod?? Just replaced entire system....
How do I adjust the brake pedal rod?? Just replaced entire system....
donivan65- Governor
- Number of posts : 12220
Location : San Diego, California
Registration date : 2008-05-12
- Post n°67
Re: Auto transmission swap
If you add a 350, 400 or Powerglide transmission,,,,the only difference you will notice is there aint no clutch pedal,,,,,,,the only automatic overdrives are the 700 and 200,,,,,,,,,the brake pedal rod adjustment is the bolt that connects the pushrod that comes out of the master cylinder to the brake pedal itself,,,,,it has a cam shoulder on it that moves the push rod in or out of the master cylinder when you turn it. Then you lock it down with that nut on it.....but I expect you will have a problem with air in the system which will give you low pedal height,,,,,,
hywaychild- Number of posts : 389
Location : oxford,arkansas
Registration date : 2008-05-27
- Post n°68
Re: Auto transmission swap
boy did i come on the right day !! I was just about to ask the same thing al,ost . I want to rebuild a rear for my 64 because the old one works but it seems to have lots of backlash I wasn't sure what gears to but in it so now i'm thinking about a set of 308s .. The thing is now how hard might it be to find a set for a 64 axle ?? were would be a good place to start ??
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Digz- Number of posts : 3794
Location : United States Six Lakes MI
Registration date : 2008-05-17
- Post n°69
Re: Auto transmission swap
Im seeing a 12 bolt rear end? You might have to go shopping to find a smaller ratio for it. Im thinking from what Ive learned here is a 12 bolt in the vans might only be a 3:73 or a 4:11 ?
Guest- Guest
- Post n°70
Re: Auto transmission swap
I think mine has a 12 bolt also, maybe thats why it dont go so fast. As far as I can tell, the speedo doesnt work yet.
Digz- Number of posts : 3794
Location : United States Six Lakes MI
Registration date : 2008-05-17
- Post n°71
Re: Auto transmission swap
I sat down with a pot of coffee and a calculator one morning and came up with 2250 rpm @ 60 mph in OD with a 700R with the 4:11's, if it was gonna be a daily driver Id definatley be thinkin of changin ratios. Also I started collecting some parts for the lock up on the 700 today, scrounged a kick out switch for the brakes and got a 4 pin plug ( my trans is a 1982) need to order a vacumn switch that should run about 40$, sounds like a simple thing to do, only need 1 wire to the trans.
Digz- Number of posts : 3794
Location : United States Six Lakes MI
Registration date : 2008-05-17
- Post n°72
Re: Auto transmission swap
After getting stuff around for the converter lock-up, that Painless system isnt looking to bad, in theory you could run the lock up manually with a simple switch but I dont see that as practical at all. I have been layin' under the van looking at our long brake lever trying to figure out a way to rig up another brake switch to it (like the painless kit supplies) or if there is a switch available that could tap into the brake system? Has anyone already done this ?
Scott- Number of posts : 1651
Location : Anoka, MN
Age : 54
Registration date : 2008-05-20
- Post n°73
Re: Auto transmission swap
Good Hemmings artical on PowerGlides..
http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2005/07/01/hmn_feature18.html
http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2005/07/01/hmn_feature18.html
m1dadio- Chevy Guru
- Number of posts : 1778
Location : north saanich
Registration date : 2008-10-06
- Post n°74
Re: Auto transmission swap
I have the 7ooR4 with a 3:23 rear gear and the tire rolling high is 24.4", The tire measures 26" unloaded and the axle stands 12 off the ground loaded, when rolling, the tire is subject to centrifical force and becaomes 24.4" rolling high.
At 50 MPH in fourth gear TCC engaged my engine turns 1850 RPM
M1D
At 50 MPH in fourth gear TCC engaged my engine turns 1850 RPM
M1D
m1dadio- Chevy Guru
- Number of posts : 1778
Location : north saanich
Registration date : 2008-10-06
- Post n°75
Re: Auto transmission swap
Digs: I did the $12 brake switch, easy. Its a popular switch from any parts place. a spring loaded push button to on with a wether sealed button. wired right into the power wire from a 10 amp fuse going to the TCC solinoid.
It breakes the power when you just touch the brake pedal so the TCC disengages,
]
You just drill one hole. It stands only 3/4" high on the inside so its not in the way.
Out side I located it so the brake arm pushes the brake light switch lever against it. That way the TCC disemgages at the same time the brake lights come on.
Make sure the brake pedal return spring is tight enough to return the pedal and click the switches.
works great, I can touch the brake pedal while driving to hear and see on the Tach if the clutch disengages and re-engages when I let the brake pedal back up.
M1D
It breakes the power when you just touch the brake pedal so the TCC disengages,
]
You just drill one hole. It stands only 3/4" high on the inside so its not in the way.
Out side I located it so the brake arm pushes the brake light switch lever against it. That way the TCC disemgages at the same time the brake lights come on.
Make sure the brake pedal return spring is tight enough to return the pedal and click the switches.
works great, I can touch the brake pedal while driving to hear and see on the Tach if the clutch disengages and re-engages when I let the brake pedal back up.
M1D
Last edited by m1dadio on Thu Oct 29, 2009 10:03 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : photos)