The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Powerglide or turbo transmission????

I have a 65 Short wide with 350 and 3 on tree. I plan to upgrade some engine parts for performance parts. Hopefully to get about 400 horses. A friend has suggested getting a powerglide instead of my original idea of a 350 or 400 turbo transmission.

Any thoughts, ideas, or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Well the powerglide if built right is a usual use for drag racers. But for daily driving I think the 350 or 400 with a shift kit will handle the job plus give you a 3rd gear. That will be easier on the rpms. Good luck.

you will get the best accelleration from a built turbo 350.

Here's the advice I got from TCI(not Total Cost Involved but from Torque Converters Incorperated). A properly built 350 will take 450 HP, same built 400 will take 600 HP, anything more and it takes a powerglide since they have been run in 5000 HP fuelers and survived. He also stressed that the torque is more of a facter than the HP and that the stall rating on a stall converter means nothing if on a low torque engine.

I agree!Stick with the THM-350.The 400 is bullet proof but very heavy.The Powerglide doesn't have the gear ratios(only two)to keep the engine in the power band.I have a two speed in my Studebaker V-8 and I am always looking for that next upshift.

You don't say how you plan to drive this truck. If you plan to use it to tow or haul heavy loads the T400 is probably the right answer.

If you are building a drag racer then a built Powerglide might be the answer.

If you are just building a fast driver the T350 would be a good choice, but a 700R4 might be better yet.

It will not be a drag racer. It will be a fast daily driver, that will occasionally (once every month or two) haul a heavy load. Powerglide is out. Now it is between the 350 and 400.

I appreciate everyones input. You all have been very helpful.

Only the old cast iron PowerGlides are desired by racers. Very hard to find anymore and bring big bucks when you do. Stick (no pun intended) with the THM's.

There ya go then! Case solved.

I would consider getting a beefed up TH700R4. Initially the tranny had a reputation for burning up under load, but with the improvements made after a few years they are a very durable tranny. And you get an overdrive, great on the highway. But there is nothing wrong with the TH350 or TH400 if you son't need the overdrive.

I have a TH350 behind my 468 in my 4X4. It's about the only part I haven't broke (yet)
Scott

Automatic transmissions use consume power.

I don't recall the exact difference, but in a small block powered truck that wasn't being used heavy all the time I'd go with the TH350 because it uses a lot less power than the TH400. Better mileage and more umph to the ground.

I'm building a 454 powered 1/2-ton using a TH350. I haven't driven it yet, but don't expect to have any problems with it.