700r4 swap

[idvette]

Well, spring is in the air, and although my car is still frozen to the ground, I'm getting geared up for my tranny swap. I have the trans and a rebuild kit on the way, just wondering what's needed to make this swap as smooth as possible. I know there's crossmember and possible driveshaft issues, could someone enlighten me on these and any others that might hold me up? I'd like to get everything together and ready so I can do the swap in the shop after hours. Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[minifridge1138]

Find a cross member and tail shaft from a 1982 corvette.
They came with a 700R4.

The cross member will fit on your frame (i don't know if you'll need to drill/tap anything) and the tail shaft should attach to your stock rear end.

Good luck!!!

 

[idvette]

By tailshaft, do you mean tailstock or driveshaft? Do the '82s run a short 700r4 or a shorter driveshaft than my '80?I thought I would have to modify my crossmember, didn't know they came stock in the '82. Thanks for the info!

 

[6880 Mike]

If memory serves, you need a computer to go with the 700R otherwise you will not get torque converter lock up.

 

[idvette]

The 700 operates it's overdrive much the same as the 350c, without a computer.

 

[lars]

The overdrive is without the computer, but converter lockup is ECM-activated. There is an aftermarket harness available to make the converter lock up without the ECM.

 

[idvette]

I looked into that harness in the fall, and decided to wire something myself for the price of it. (Think it was 250 bucks at my cost for it) I'm still questioning the tailshaft. " and the tail shaft should attach to your stock rear end" is this the driveshaft mating with the rear diff, or the tailstock (as I've come to know it) bolting between the trans and driveshaft? Is the spline arrangement\count the same? Again, any clarification would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[minifridge1138]

The 700R4 is longer than the 350, so your stock driveshaft will be too long.

You need a driveshaft from an 82 and then it should bolt right up. At least that's my understanding.