700R4 selection

[gwcrim]

I'm planning on using a 700R4 in my build. The truck is a 1980 C10. The engine will be a 406 pushing 450-500 HP. Rear end is 3.73 with 26-28 inch tires. I want a 700R4 to keep cost low but have an overdrive.

As I look around at choices, they run anywhere from around $1000 on up. What do I need to look for to make sure I get something that will hold up to a little street hooliganism and a rare trip to the drag strip?

There are no local shops to use. At least none that are known for high performance work.

Are the mail order B&M or TCI pieces worthy?

The Summit/Jegs branded ones?

Gearstar isn't too far away and I'm sure they build a good trans but are they worth the money?

I've always been a 4 speed guy. This is my first slush box. Help!

 

[350runner]

Cheap 700r4 and 450- 500 hp don't go together very well. If you plan to roast tires and do wot in overdrive with lock up engaged. I recommend you spend some good money so you don't end up stranded

Sent from the dust in front of you!

 

[bucket]

There's only so much you can do with a 700r4. How many miles do you plan on driving the truck when you get it done? Where in Ohio are you?

 

[Smith]

Monster Transmission

http://www.monstertransmission.com/Heavy-Duty-700R4-Transmission_c_4044.html

http://www.monstertransmission.com/Super-Sport--Super-Duty-700R4-Transmission_c_4046.html

 

[gwcrim]

I'm on the river near Steubenville.

The truck will only see a few thousand miles a year at this time. Mostly running errands or light hauling. Maybe an occasional light trailer. But I will be using it as my hot rod too. Streetability is my main goal. I'm grown up now and know how to treat my equipment and I've also learned it's cheapest to do things right the first time.

 

[bucket]

With the use you are describing, you should get at least a few years out of a fully built 700r4. I wouldn't expect much more than that though.

 

[Irishman999]

Just gonna throw this out there, TH400's are:

-Cheap
-abundant
-tough as ****
-simple
-good aftermarket parts

I rebuilt mine for under 500 bucks, the secret is not ordering one of the easy kits from Monster or TCI. I got a heavy duty Reybestos kit with all steels/frictions and gaskets for around 100 bucks on ebay. I put a Transgo reprogramming kit in it and a B&M adjustable vacuum modulator.

my 454/th400 will break the tires loose on its 1-2 shift easily, im really happy with it.

 

[gwcrim]

Gotta have the overdrive. I want it to be interstate friendly.

I traded a few emails with Monster. They are certainly nice to deal with so far.

 

[MadOgre]

4l80

 

[MadOgre]

Do it!

 

[350runner]

Interested in seeing the results you get from monster...

Sent from the dust in front of you!

 

[cobra20]

Yeah I'm interested in hearing what you also think of monster trans. I'm thinking of possibly getting their rebuild kit for my 4L80E

 

[77 K20]

:tracking: I've also pondered getting their Super Duty 700R4 for my truck. The overdrive would be great, and the lower 1st gear would be nice... but isn't as low as the granny low of a manual. Having a low crawl gear would be great, but converting to a manual seems like more of a hassle.

Good to daydream and plan ahead if/when my TH350 fails.

 

[gwcrim]

I just ordered heads from Promaxx so that's settled. Next is cam selection. I'm leaning toward a 1800-2000 stall for the converter. I really don't want to go crazy with this. Once I choose a cam, I'll get to the details on the trans.

 

[gwcrim]

Today's update. I'm at the cam selection phase now. I called Howard's to get a recommendation. I had not really considered the overall top gear ratio. They pointed out that my combination of 3.73 gears and 26-28" tires wouldn't really work with an aggressive cam. If the trans goes into overdrive at 45 MPH the RPMs would drop to 14-1500. If it wasn't for the overdrive, I could run nearly any cam.

So my decision now seems to be, either scrap the idea of overdrive (and I don't want to do that) or maybe keep the gear selector in drive except when out on the open road. I guess I want it all but we all know that compromises need to be made.

I did talk to Wyatt at Monster. Very enthusiastic and very anxious to sell a transmission. I was assured that they can build one that will suit my needs. I'm sure they can. The external lock up converter would be good, since I could only use it when I want.