Automatic Transmission for 76

[Wayne B]

I have a 1976 with a 300HP GM crate engine, several years old. I still have the original transmission. I want to replace this transmission with a later version that would fit easily, give better performance and if possible better mileage. Except for the engine, the car is stock. What transmission should I use?

 

[bossvette]

try a 700R4 or a 200R4 is supposed to be able to be built to handle the 350 I think there are several vendors that make kits to retro fit them.
If you are a DIY type the 700R4 is redily availabe and Painless Wireing for one makes a lock-up wire harness some mods to the crossmember and shorten the driveshaft and away you go.

Where is Enon I am in the extreme NW corner of Ohio and welcome to CAC

 

[fl_rider]

Here is a link

Bowtie Overdrives
http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/index.shtml

I have looked at these guys for a trans for my 78.
They have developed quite a bit of hardware that facilitates the easy installation of either of the transmissions they feature.

I spoke with a local shop that builds transmissions for a lot of people in the local street rod community and they can build a competitively priced trans for me as well.

2004R - driveshaft is stock length, needs crossmember modification
700R4 - driveshaft 3 inches shorter, needs crossmember modification as well

For a 300 HP engine either trans will do nicely. The 2004R gear ratios are spaced more evenly. The 700R4 has a lower 1st gear and will get you out of the hole quicker. Both transmissions give you approximately .7 to 1 overdrive in 4th gear and will help with fuel economy at highway speeds.

Chris B

 

[Wayne B]

Thanks Chris,
Are these GM Transmissions? I'm new at this.

 

[Wayne B]

Thanks, Enon is near Dayton and Springfield.

 

[bossvette]

They are Gm transmissions used from early 80's to mid 90's any Chevy V8 or 4.3 V6 rear wheel drive application would work behind a mild motor. It all boils down to how much do you want to spend and can you do the work yourself?
Bowtie overdrives and others refresh/mod the trannys gather up/fab the parts needed to make the job easier for you to do; but you pay premium for it. Sometimes that is the easier way to go.

On my 76 I bought a kit for a Tremec TKO 5 speed cost $3000 back in 2000
now that I have the C5 I am going to put an auto and small motor in it so the Wife and boy can drive itI'm buying a wrecked camaro for $250 for the engine/trans I already have a painless harness but may go with the complete stock computer setup so I can keep the Holley setup for my next project.

So you see it can be done both ways.

 

[fl_rider]

Wayne,

Talk to some of the guys in your area that are into Vettes, Muscle Cars and Street Rods. Beleive me, they will know of a good trans shop near your home that will set you up for the same price as TCI or BTO and then if there is a problem you have someone local to help you out.

From everything I have seen in the forums and on the internet I am strongly leaning towards the 2004R because it entails less modification of your existing hardware.

I intend to get a crossmember and the TV Made EZ from BTO but I will get my trans locally.

Good luck with your mods!!

Chris B

1978 L48 Mahogany w/Light Beige interior
Here is a link to some pics of mine:
http://photobucket.com/albums/y297/fl_rider/

 

[THORIN]

I just put a 700r4 in my 76. Haven't driven it yet. Minnesota. You do need a new crossmember. My mechanic considered the kit aftermarket crossmember to be too flimsey, considering the flex in the body. He designed and built a box type crossmember that looks great. There was also an issue about hooking it up to the carburator. But it all will come together looking and running great.

 

[bossvette]

Get a TV cable from a Camaro with a Carb, you may also need the bracket that mounts on the carb flange