...you would put behind a 383" GMPP crate engine for a tag along towmobile vehicle. Now, some may think this is not Corvette related, but, do you really care? Tow vehicle, for inquiring minds, is a '57 Nomad. Thanks, Dennis
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Re: C1. Opinions please on which Auto Trans...
Dennis-----
My very first choice would be an Allison 1000 series (M74) 5 speed automatic. However, this transmission is super expensive, hard-to-get, requires SIGNIFICANT adapation and requires an electronic interface for non-PCM vehicles. If you want to go "all out", though, this is THE one to have. Your friendly, local GM dealer might be able to order you one under GM #29537663 but the current GM list price is $3992.86. Expect a back-order on this piece.
For all practical purposes, my first choice would be a Turbo-Hydramatic 4-L-80 or Turbo-Hydramatic 400. The 4-L-80 is the four speed (i.e. overdrive) equivalent of the THM-400 and it's the best one if you can find it. Most 4-L-80's are actually 4-L-80E which is the electronically controlled version. That's terrrific if you have a PCM (i.e. computer) to tell it when to shift. Kits may be available to allow the use of the 4-L-80E on non-computer controlled applications, though.
My second choice would be the Turbo-Hydramatic 700-R4 or 4-L-60.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: C1. Opinions please on which Auto Trans...
i guess when ya get too old to cut the mustard, ya throw away the clutch pedal. i'd put a turbo 400 in the nomad.mikieComment
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Re: C1. Opinions please on which Auto Trans...
From howling rear ends to "Slushboxes". What's next fer the Dipstick? How to install cupholders in a '57??? ONSTAR?Dick WhittingtonComment
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Re: C1. Opinions please on which Auto Trans...
400 Turbo hands down if it were mine. You can get these worth the money and they rebuilt MUCH cheaper than all those newer compuder brained units.Comment
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Re: C1. Opinions please on which Auto Trans...
I'd look real hard at the 700 R-4. The pickup truck versions are an upgraded(stronger) version than regular pass car, as I believe the Corvette versions were also.Bill Clupper #618Comment
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Thanks Guys... *NM*
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they all tell you NOT to tow in overdrive
because it keeps the TC unlocked and because of the slippage the trans fluid will overheat.Comment
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Re: C1. Opinions please on which Auto Trans...
There is a beefed up version of the 4L60E called a 4L65E available.Comment
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Clem, that's interesting...
I have heard the same thing several times about not towing in overdrive. I bought a new 1992 454 SS pickup which now has 70K miles on it. Probably 60K of those miles were pulling a 3,000# trailer with a 3,000# car in it - usually on cruise control at 70+ mph in overdrive. I had the trans fluid flushed once. Of course maybe I'll blow the tranny next trip, but so far not a single problem.Comment
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Re: Clem, that's interesting...
when i got my new 1988 2500 silverado with a towing package GM sent me a letter to take the truck to the dealer to have the dip stick changed to a lock in type to prevent it from allowing fluid to come out and the vent tube on the trans was lengthen to prevent the fluid from getting on the cat convertor and causing a fire. the letter also said to tow in 3rd gear not OD because of the overheating. i installed a temp gague in the trans sump and it would go over 350+ degrees if i towed in OD on hilly country. my buddy did not listen and he had his truck catch on fire pulling his race car up the mountains. the truck burnt to the ground but he was able to unhook the trailer with the race car because the truck was insured but the race car was not. they may have improved the 700R4 by the time you got yoursComment
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Re: Clem, that's interesting...
Dennis-----
I think that the 1992 454 pick-up used a 4-L-80 transmission (i.e. the overdrive version of the THM-400). If you can post the transmission code (it will be found on your service parts identification label and it will be a 3 character code beginning with an "M"), I might be able to confirm this.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Popped over the Indio hill eastbound
a number of times in a 454 in overdrive at 75 - never even downshifted - check Amgwert for confirmation; have also ridden in a 350 700R4 that coughed it's guts out going the other way - downhill - at 70 mph.Comment
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Re: Clem, that's interesting...
Clem, I think that they changed some internal parts in the early '90's to improve the reliability of the 700R4. I know that the passenger car versions had the truck clutch packs installed. I am very familiar with the fires, we burnt two company trucks in the mid to late '80's. Transmission would start swapping gears at 55-60 mph and the next thing that happened is that they went up in smoke on the side of the road.
Dipstick, I would definately go with the 700R4, install a good shift kit, and RV converter from A-1, B & M, etc. Also an auxiliary cooler the size of your referigerator, and it should outlast the rest of the tow rig.Dick WhittingtonComment
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Re: C1. Opinions please on which Auto Trans...
There is also a 4L85E which GM is touting as being able to take the 620 ft lbs of the ZZ572 BB.Comment
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