Future plans

[JaimeC85]

i have an 85 C1500 with the 305ci. im currently saving up to purchase a GM crate motor 350 preferably. i wanted to get your guys opinion on the best place to get a tranny. or should i just have mine rebuilt.

i was looking on getting your basic gm 350 crate motor nothing to fancy, i can always build it up later. but personal opinion on the tranny would help. that way i know how much more to save up.

[truckdude239]

if it was me I'd find a good local shop and have yours rebuilt, it be alot cheaper then buying one on the internet

[60ratrod]

that and you're playing russian roulette with those companies, like monster. sometimes you get a good trans, sometimes you don't. but then again its like that with some of the local shops too. just make sure to check on the shops reputations before you commit to any of them.

[stich626]

your truck is an 85 so I'll guess it's a th350c (lock up converter) if automatic..
or a th350
I'd have it rebuilt local and if it's a lock up get a new converter..
if not, you can get your flushed if you want, or get new. ask the shop that rebuilds it.
a used converter might void any warranty they'd give you..
or you rebuild it.. after you know whats under it. get a core out of a yard, and a rebuild kit (tci's with shift kit,filter,etc it 280.oo) and get a book on it (amazon)
it's not all that hard, take pics as you take it apart will help if you get stuck..
good luck.
as for gm's basic 350 pace sells it for 1900.oo but this is a better buy g.m. Part Number: 12530282 it sells at pace for 1999.oo
This engine can serve a multitude of purposes. A completely new GM engine from top to bottom, built as the factory replacement for the 1996 2002 5.7L equipped pick-ups and SUVs, is equipped with the now infamous cast iron Vortec heads for unbelievable power and torque. This engine also makes a great starting point for any project car where the fender wells will be filled with a small block Chevrolet. With a just a few performance parts and a good exhaust system this 5.7L Vortec will push over 350 horsepower without blinking! So whether you have a street rod project in the garage or your wifes 1996 Suburban needs new power with a warranty
you'll get a roller cam, vortec heads and 9.4 compression..
you'd have to run an electric fuel pump and a melonized gear on your hei but.. it's 10 times the engine that that basic gm 350 is..
fyi change the last number in that part number from a 2 to a 3 for 4 bolt mains
it'll add a 100.bucks to the cost

[Clyde65]

your 85 could have a TH350 or a 700r4, which one do you have?
I agree with the others, find a reputable local shop, do not pay until it is completed and you are satisfied with the work.

I would throw an LS motor in that bad boy! better mileage and will go easily 200K miles. $2k will get you there on the motor for used motor, under say 50K miles.

[bundeber]

My dad owns a transmission shop.... He rebuilds th350 transmissions with a shift kit, new converter, and a warranty for about $750.00. For an early model 84-85 overdrive transmission, TH700r4, you're looking at about 1200.00 Same deal, new converter, and warranty. The only thing I would say here is make sure they update the one way sprag in the center section with a corvette sprague. The standard one is made for low revs and doesn't hold up as well. Also the center section support should be updated to a larger one to support the larger one way sprag. You're still only looking at about 1500 dollars for a quality rebuild. I'd go with the 700 r4 for gas mileage. The overdrive will save your engine in the long run too.

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by bundeber

My dad owns a transmission shop.... He rebuilds th350 transmissions with a shift kit, new converter, and a warranty for about $750.00. For an early model 84-85 overdrive transmission, TH700r4, you're looking at about 1200.00 Same deal, new converter, and warranty. The only thing I would say here is make sure they update the one way sprag in the center section with a corvette sprague. The standard one is made for low revs and doesn't hold up as well. Also the center section support should be updated to a larger one to support the larger one way sprag. You're still only looking at about 1500 dollars for a quality rebuild. I'd go with the 700 r4 for gas mileage. The overdrive will save your engine in the long run too.

On a TH350 im a firm believer that the intermediate sprag race is weak, Not so much the sprag itself. Buying a custom 36 element sprag & direct drum is a waste of money on a mild build.

On a 82-86 700R4, The 26 element Forward/Input sprag is very weak....Update to a "Borg Warner double cage 29 element sprag"

[JaimeC85]

thanx for the input guys, very helpfull. Lets see how soon i can get that new power into this truck.

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by JaimeC85

thanx for the input guys, very helpfull. Lets see how soon i can get that new power into this truck.

So..What transmission do you have?

[bundeber]

Originally Posted by clinebarger

On a TH350 im a firm believer that the intermediate sprag race is weak, Not so much the sprag itself. Buying a custom 36 element sprag & direct drum is a waste of money on a mild build.

On a 82-86 700R4, The 26 element Forward/Input sprag is very weak....Update to a "Borg Warner double cage 29 element sprag"

I wasn't talking about putting a sprag in the 350, however I ran one of these behind my 454 in my stock car for a couple of years with NO issues. In fact we pulled the transmission and put it in another stock car without a rebuild after my car was destroyed.

I was suggesting the update for the 700 r4. I would also recommend a shift kit for the 700, the updated springs in the valve body make a world of difference.

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by bundeber

I wasn't talking about putting a sprag in the 350, however I ran one of these behind my 454 in my stock car for a couple of years with NO issues. In fact we pulled the transmission and put it in another stock car without a rebuild after my car was destroyed.

I was suggesting the update for the 700 r4. I would also recommend a shift kit for the 700, the updated springs in the valve body make a world of difference.

Oh, Had to re-read your post. Your talking about the "Low/Reverse roller clutch". The TH350 & early 700R4 use the same low/reverse roller clutch & center support. 87 & up 700R4/4L60E use the a wider roller clutch & center support. Has nothing to do with a Corvette.

Start with a 87 & up core, Then the low/reverse roller clutch is no longer an issue.

[allengator]

Phoenix Transmission in Weatherford Texas!

[Pop's C-10]

If there is nothing wrong with tha trans & you getting a basic crate. just leave it alone till it's needs to be fixed. Change tha filter, front and rear seal, pan gasket & maybe add a shift kit & call it good..