1966 Chevelle Project

I have two complete trans and a bunch of parts. I bought out a trans shop when they
went out of business. Bob has one, if he doesn't use it, that would be a 3rd possibility.

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Read thru my 200-R4 build, it's quite complete. They are getting hard to find, but they
do have better gear ratios. The 700-R4 is easier to find, but like I said the ratios are
not nearly as good. Especially between 1st and 2nd gear, it's a big jump.

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I am torn between what to do.. On one hand, I like the 200-4r because it does not require electronics.
But to build it up to hold any sizable torque will require a couple thousand dollars.

On the other hand... I already have a built TH400 that will handle over 2000 hp. I have about $3000
in parts alone into that trans.

I see the Gear Vendor priced at $2800 that would replace the tailshaft and turn the TH400 into a six speed.

Going this route would allow me to install a 3.73 gear in the axle for around town fun, and would give me a 3.20
gear ratio in overdrive for the highway.

Being honest with myself....I might be stupid enough to remove my race engine from the truck and install it into the chevelle
(just for fun) while I build a street friendly engine. Looking at the costs vs power....an LS engine swap is not out
of the question yet. Nothing is in stone yet...

The other option is going with a 4L80E... But I am understanding that it won't fit in the tunnel
without cutting the tunnel and raising it. What I am understanding is the tail shaft has to be raised in order to gain proper driveshaft angles.

They are heavier than a TH400 and will have to be rebuilt to hold more torque.


This year is about replacing the cash I took out of the savings account,
along with making a solid plan and direction to abide by. Time of all things is a major factor in this build.
Because of our age factor, I really don't want to go over 4 years.

I am FULLY open to any suggestions you men might have.

Worst case scenario that the trans would be subject to are these numbers.....

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Of coarse I think it would be smart to lower the boost, which would lower the power levels.
But still....There is alot of torque to deal with.
 
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Great news. After getting a good look at the cowl post ... I found that the VIN tag was indeed there!! It was covered
with paint so thick that the plate was damn near 100% covered.
I can't wait to start on this car. ( I say that now) :D
 
Yes, but you also have to take into consideration the wear and tear on a higher revving engine.
Our son and his family are an hour and half away from us. those are trips the car would make
at least once every other week. It all adds up.

But... My trans guy is not a big fan of GV so it most likely is out.. But the 200-4R is still
in play. I like it because it is a direct fit in the tunnel of the car.
From what I have been researching... The 4l80-e might fit but the 4l60-e will not fit with out modifications
to the tunnel. I believe it had something to do with the length and had to be raised at the tailshaft to make the u-joint angles
correct.

I am a long way from the final decision as far as the trans. But My goal is to make the 200-4R work
for our application.
 
WHOOPIE !!!!

I just scored a lift for my barn.
A co-worker bought this lift 4 years ago so he could change the tires and brake pads on his C7 corvette.
I was talking to him about buying one for the chevelle project, and he said he would sell his to me cause
he does not use it. Said he may have used it 4-5 times since he bought it. His brother and he own an ice plant,
and they installed a full size lift in the plant for their big ice trucks. So, he just pulls his vette into the plant
when he needs to do anything with the vette. The portable lift is just sitting in his garage at home taking up space.
He offered it to me for $1800. and I pick it up this Saturday.

Here is a picture of the lift on the Jegs site :
https://www.jegs.com/i/MaxJax/670/5...MIv6utlP6j7wIVqfLACh30lgUcEAQYBSABEgJhEPD_BwE

I am quite sure this is going to help me alot!!
I'll post some pics this weekend when I get it home.
 
 
Grumpy said:
keep in mind a slab should be about 6"=8" thick for anchors to provide max strength
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Yes Sir.. We installed a 2 post lift in a buddies barn a couple years ago. We cut an area 3' x 3' x 3' and filled it with rerod for each post, then had a truck bring in the cement mix to fill the holes. It was a bit overkill , but when you think about being under all that weight above you....OVERKILL becomes a warm feeling.
 
Indycars said:
What will you have to do to install the lift ?
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LOL ... Clean my barn! LOL..

I walked into it last weekend with the wife, and she said it was going to take me all summer just to clean it, let alone start another project.
 
Night_Stalker said:
Ya need a plate on them light switches.
Click to expand...

If I did that ..then I would not have a power source to light the bulb in my head.:D;)

Actually...I am installing another switch ...so there will be 4 total. Just got to damn cold out to finish the job.
I only got as far as taking the plate off..o_O
 
Grumpy said:
I hope it proves to be in easily rebuildable condition and your not faced with a great deal of hidden rust damage
Click to expand...


No such luck for us!

As of last night.... I have taken apart every bolt on the car.. then removed everything down to a shell. Except for six body mounts.. going to cut them out because of the cage nut spinning.

I informed the wife that we were in for a long project because the only thing salvageable is the vin tag...

I will get some pics soon. I'm too damn depressed at the moment.
 
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