Burb Needs a New Transmission

[Rusty Nail]

Ya know they used to have th-350s and turbo 400s in em?

Either of those are cheaper than anything that any of you has mentioned...I put a turbo 350 in mine, mother duck a 700r4.

Re-Built the 1988 Blazer to 1986 spec with a turbo 350/ turbo400 torque convertor.
Bolt-in.

Like it used to be and like I want it.



$2400 installed, three year warranty, I didn't touch it.

 

[Camar068]

a 700r4 rebuilt here locally at a very reputable shop stock is going to run $1,200'ish. Upgrade internals guessing max another $200. That price is dropping it off and picking it up...so they pull it for you, rebuild it, reinstall.

There's bound to be a reputable shop in your area. Just ask around. Locals here have said I took it to this place or that place that was cheaper, but they all had to take it back because of a leak somewhere on it.

 

[bucket]

What's the gear ratio in this rig? 3.73 perhaps?

I'm going to go completely against what I always say, but in this case, a property built 700r4 should work just fine. A 6.2 is certainly no powerhouse and low cruising rpm won't be as bad as with a TBI 350. But absolutely install a trans temp gauge.

Prices must have gone up. I had mine done by a nice trustworthy local shop for somewhere around $2100. That included the R&R, using a bunch of upgraded internal parts, replacement of the rear main seal and oil pain gasket, and resealing of the transfer case. That was back in '07-ish.

It did have a couple issues in the first year or so, including a catastrophic failure and they basically had to go all through the trans again. I'm not sure it was even their fault, but they insisted it was not my problem and it never cost me a dime. Finding a shop like that is the hardest part.

 

[SquareRoot]

Ya know they used to have th-350s and turbo 400s in em?

Either of those are cheaper than anything that any of you has mentioned...I put a turbo 350 in mine, mother duck a 700r4.

Re-Built the 1988 Blazer to 1986 spec with a turbo 350/ turbo400 torque convertor.
Bolt-in.

Like it used to be and like I want it.



$2400 installed, three year warranty, I didn't touch it.

Headers and dual exhaust. Nothing like the sound of a SB Chevy screaming, limping along at 55 mph.

 

[bad_idea]

I feel the need to emphasize 'wife approved'. This build is for her. It needs to be pretty and somewhat comfortable to run down the road. She ain't having a manual, she can't drive one. She ain't listening to the motor screaming down the road either.

I'm not looking to spend the amount of money or effort it will take for a 4L80. Think I'll stick with the 700R4. I'll have to shop around then. I was hoping for a reputable company I could order one from and then ship mine back to them.

Thanks for the input everyone.

 

[yevgenievich]

FLT (Finish Line Transmissions)
Performabuilt
RPM Transmissions
Bowtie overdrive

 

[GMFORLIFE]

Prices today are high.
I just use the old turbo 400 and pay as I go.
New transmission will be $2000.
Why not swap a tremec for another $1000.
Shouldn't take long to recoup the savings in fuel..

https://americanpowertrain.com/shop...hevy-gmc-squarebody-trucks-5-and-6-speed-kit/

 

[Curt]

Reliable/simplicity is a attribute I would take more than fuel economy.NV 4500s are nice,4L80s are nice.

SM-465s and Turbo 400s aren’t nice,but reliable and super long lasting.

If this vehicle isn’t a daily driver and cost is obviously a concern,why spend the money for nice?

 

[bad_idea]

http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/catalog/catalog_inc/viewitem.php?ITEMID=503

The 'Level 2' transmission from bowtie overdrives looks like a good deal. I am sorry to say, all of the improvements to the internals might as well be in German. I don't know what all of that means. BUT, the price and HP rating both seem fair to me. Anyone have first had dealings with bowtie overdrives?

I'm not interested in going to a TH400 because I plan to use this vehicle mostly for road trips. As said earlier, manuals are out - wife can't drive them and this build is for her.

 

[Dutch Rutter]

@bad_idea I've heard and read good things about bowtie overdrive. I have no personal experience with them.

Finding a local shop is nice if you can, because if something isn't quite right you have an actual person to hold accountable. But I dont think you'd go wrong with bowtieOD.

Definitely add a large stacked plate aux trans cooler and an electric fan for use on slower ground speed roads. A trans temp gauge is also a good addition.

 

[yevgenievich]

A friend had bowtie overdrive 700r4 with a built sbc 400 in a 70's camaro. Worked good for him and seen the track often. But it is a light vehicle

 

[SirRobyn0]

My 700R4 has some quirks, but it still holding on, however one day I know I'll be in the same boat. I've thought about going to a TH350 cause I hear it's an easy swap. I don't wanna steel the OP's thread but I do want to ask @Rusty Nail when you went from the 700R4 to the TH350 did you notice much of a mileage change? I do spend sometime on the freeway and also like the low first in the 700R4, but to me reliability is most important.

 

[Bextreme04]

Ya know they used to have th-350s and turbo 400s in em?

Either of those are cheaper than anything that any of you has mentioned...I put a turbo 350 in mine, mother duck a 700r4.

Re-Built the 1988 Blazer to 1986 spec with a turbo 350/ turbo400 torque convertor.
Bolt-in.

Like it used to be and like I want it.



$2400 installed, three year warranty, I didn't touch it.

I mean... diesel squarebodies have had the 700R4 in them since what... 1982? The TH350 isn't any stronger and the TH400 would need almost all the same changes as switching to a 4L80E. There is literally 0 benefit to switching to a 350 from a 700R4.

 

[shiftpro]

What's the gear ratio in this rig? 3.73 perhaps?

I'm going to go completely against what I always say, but in this case, a property built 700r4 should work just fine. A 6.2 is certainly no powerhouse and low cruising rpm won't be as bad as with a TBI 350. But absolutely install a trans temp gauge.

Prices must have gone up. I had mine done by a nice trustworthy local shop for somewhere around $2100. That included the R&R, using a bunch of upgraded internal parts, replacement of the rear main seal and oil pain gasket, and resealing of the transfer case. That was back in '07-ish.

It did have a couple issues in the first year or so, including a catastrophic failure and they basically had to go all through the trans again. I'm not sure it was even their fault, but they insisted it was not my problem and it never cost me a dime. Finding a shop like that is the hardest part.

You're the first to mention the gear ratio and then what happened? He wants to run 33" tires. Absolutely needs to gear down. You know how the 700 doesn't like to be lugged. Even with the lower first gear is too much strain on it, and nuclear temps will cook it. AND he want to tow... eesh. Gear down brother!

 

[SquareRoot]

Get a new wife and then you wont have the nice vs cost constraints to deal with.