Turbo 400 Automatic

[Steve Miller]

Was a Turbo 400 automatic available in any year Corvette? If so, which years? Thanks for any responses.

[Joe L.]

Re: Turbo 400 Automatic

Steve-----

Definitely. The TurboHydramatic 400 was the ONLY automatic transmission used in Corvettes from 1968 through 1975. For 1976, either the Turbo 400 or Turbo 350 were used. For 1977-79, the Turbo 350 was used. For 1980-81, I'm not sure what the automatic transmission was; it may be a Turbo 350. For 1982, the TurboHydramatic 700R-4 was used.

No TurboHydramatic 400 transmission was EVER used for a C2, though. ALL 63-67 with automatics were Powerglide. Even the 1967 models equiped with automatic and 427 engines.

[Steve Miller]

Thanks Joe. "NM" *NM*

[Duke W.]

Re: Turbo 400 Automatic

My understanding is that the Powerglide is pretty beefy. Torque capacity is typically limited by the amount of multiplication in the lowest gear,
and, as I recall, the Powerglide first gear is only 1.76:1.

Didn't guys used to use Powerglides in dragsters or altereds back in the sixties and seventies?

Duke

[Clem Z.]

Re: Turbo 400 Automatic

they still do but there are no parts used including the case made by GM. they are used because of the light weight of parts let the engine accelerate faster. although the THM 400 is the stronger than the THM 350 the heavy weight of the parts of the THM 400 make the car slower. the alumimum PG has the fewest and lightest parts so it is the quickest. a customer has a 400+ cu in 700+ HP in his drag race camaro and it uses a race PG. they now use race PGs up to 1000 HP

[Jim T.]

Re: Turbo 400 Automatic

Powerglides also have a push to start capability about 30mph.

[Craig S.]

Re: Turbo 400 Automatic

Joe - I owned a new from GM 77 L48 car that did have a turbo 400 right from the factory...I know since I have overhauled both types. It was a late 77, built in July of 77 and had some 78 features....like the new alarm setting switch in the door lock versus fender, it was VIN 1Z37T7S441367....sticks in my mind....oh, my wife bought it before we met...I would never personally buy an auto tranny car....Craig