The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop big block with 700R4

i know it's probably been asked before, but do you guys think a 700R4 transmission out of a '84 Chevy 1 ton van with a 350 would last behind a 454 in my '47 2 ton?

Probably not for long unless you drive like Mr. McGoo.
It would do fine if you had it beefed up for that strong an engine.
Check out these guys. I got mine here.
http://www.phoenixtrans.com/html/gmtrans.html

Oh, and where are your pictures. You do know we like pictures?

this is all of the pictures i have so far, there's some of my other trucks in there too


http://good-times.webshots.com/album/566266796krtyLu

Exhaust header headaches I see. Looks like you will need to be pretty creative there. Keep us updated as it goes forward. I will be interested in how it works out.

I talked with a pretty experienced transmission guy about using a 700r4 behind a 454 and he talked me out of it. You might get away with it for quite a while, but you're talking about a heavy truck and a big torquey motor. Apparently some of the parts inside that transmission just aren't designed for that kind of load.

I looked at your pictures. I love the tow truck!

yep header issues i think I'm going to try to build my own headers. i was already going to use lots of fluid coolers.

OldSub thanks for the comment

What gross weight do you intend to have? If the 700R4 was OK for a 9600 GVW van with a GCW of 16K+ then you might be just fine with a lightly loaded 2 ton. All depends on what your going to do with it.

I wouldn't use a 700R in that combination unless you buy a very expensive reworked 700 they are not known to be the strongest transmissions.
As for your headers I am using a set designed for 67 to 72 one ton BB and they seem as if they will work great but my truck in a 56 6100.

[IMG]http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/43850/2660843520096773078S600x600Q85.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/42864/2621987970096773078S600x600Q85.jpg[/IMG]

If you can find the right electronics package, the 4L80 transmission would be a lot wiser choice. We've got one behind a 454 in a 35 foot motorhome, and I'm constantly amazed at how bulletproof it is!

The 700R4 got a name change to the 4L60 to avoid all the bad press the early ones got. Back when I was building a bunch of those early units, the fix was to put the "Corvette" overdrive clutch assembly in them, the one with the deeper clutch drum and more clutch discs. Toggling in and out of overdrive was the problem, resulting in overheating and slippage. The biggest fluid cooler you can find is a must, and stay FAR away from any shift kit type modifications. The throttle pressure adjustment is critical, and monkeying around with the factory shift sequence is an exercise in frustration.
Jerry

It all depends on how you plan on using it. If you want to drive it nice and easy the 700R4 will do just fine.If your gonna kick a$$ with it have a good trans.guy go thru it and beef it up a little.The 700R4 in my 55 was built up for the 1/4 mile track,and I have the option of driving it normally or kicking a little a$$ now and then.I am running a healthy 350 engine in mine.As for big blocks there are big blocks,that run OK then there are the big blocks that are really putting out mega power.A lot of factors to consider.

OK, I rest my case!

OK then I'll keep the th400 that's in it right now and maybe try to find a overdrive unit for it. that sound like a better plan?