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| | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 35 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 35 | Which transmission (350, 400, 700R4) would be the easiest to swap with the Hydramatic that I have behind a 265 v8? I am concerned about linkage, driveline, clearance for the bell-housing, cooler, adapting the the 265 or anything else I am missing. I spoke to one transmission expert who said there was no chance the hydramatic would still work after 30 years of being parked. Comments on that welcome as well. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,844 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,844 | You need to find another "expert". The dual-range HydraMatic was one of the best-engineered automatic transmissions ever, but it takes someone familiar with it to make it work right. There are still plenty of repair parts available, and more than a few qualified technicians who can make it run right. For repair parts and references to someone able to work with you on it, try Fatsco Transmission Parts in New Jersey. They have a pretty good website so just Google the company name. It would be a real shame to scrap that unit on the advice of someone who probably wasn't even born when they were in production.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
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| | | | | Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,887 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,887 | the hydramatic would definitely need an overhaul, but no reason to write it off out of hand .... the 350, 400, 700R are about the same physically, any would fit and will require the same changes, but the OD on the 700 would make it my choice if all are available
Bill | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,101 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,101 | You also need to be aware that the starter is mounted to the bellhousing on the 265 and early 283 engines. There were no provisions to bolt the starter directly to the engine. Therefore you will need a special adaptor plate to use the later transmissions. They can be purchased from several aftermarket sources but will add to the cost of the conversion. You also will need to modify the driveshaft, install an oil cooler, and install a rear crossmember.
Fred
Last edited by rfs56trk; 10/02/2011 4:54 PM.
1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes
1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes
2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans
1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine
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