The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Transmission swap

I am debating on putting in a powerglide in the place of the three speed standard. Would the rear-end still work? Also, would I need any additional parts? I have a powerglide on standby. Any thoughts?

A Powerglide has two speeds- - - -too low and too high. The same amount of work is involved in swapping to a Turbo 350 or a 700R4/4L60 with 3 or 4 speeds.
Jerry

Hy 66fairlane, could you please tell us what year, size, and engine you're asking for an opinion about.

I apologize. I should've put that in. It is a 1962 C10 step side with the 235 straight six. My dad has a rear-end from a 57 chevy that I can use to replace my stock one.

Unless you just got to have a auto, why not a T5? Lots of us run them. You should have 3.90:1 rear axle, perfect for 5th gear crusing!

Hy 66fairlane, if it were mine I would go for a 700R4 and leave the rear axle alone. While it is true that there are parts out there to bolt a Powerglide up to a 235, I agree with Hotrod Lincoln, that if you're going to convert to an automatic anyway then why not go to an overdrive right away, and make your truck more enjoyable, and cheaper to operate. It is your truck, and as I said the parts to convert to a Powerglide are available, I'm not sure what support is needed at the back of the engine (if any) or if the support at the rear of the transmission is what's used in that year. Good luck whatever you decide to do, and please keep us informed of your progress.

Rear mount positions for GM autos found here: http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/identifying_gm_automatic_transmissions/

I'll throw another vote for the 700R4 and keep the stock rearend. The 3.90 rear end gear with a .75:1 overdrive gear is just about perfect for the 235, depending on what size tires you're running.

Anyone here run a 700-R4 if so how do you set up the TV cable on the 235 with a Rochester? Yon need to get the geometry correct to keep the trans pressure up.

What's the opinion on a 200-4R

Can't really give an answer on the TV cable. As far as the 200-4R, wouldn't waste my time with one. They aren't rated for Truck use, the 700R4, however, was used in Trucks up to 3/4 ton, as well as behind Chevrolets high output engines in Camaro, Impala SS/B9C, and of course the Corvette.

Well I checked into it and the 200R also requires a tv cable set up like a 700R. True a 200R was not originally built for high performance but it depends on who you have build it. Art Carr builds them for over drag racing and can handle over 750 HP. A freind of mine put one in a Chevelle with a 502 and has not broken it yet. Not a cheap trans however.

you don't really think a 235 is gonna be capable of breaking a sound stock 700R4? or even a stock 200R .... the TV cable isn't brain surgery, easy enough to find info about it, and bowtie overdrives should be able to set ya straight on what's necessary to do one on a 235 and sells either trans at reasonable prices for the street version if ya don't want to just go with a good used

Bill

True, a "built" 200 can be made to be strong, but for what one of those costs, you could buy several 700s that you don't have to do anything to. Plus the 700 is much more common.

700r4 is the way to go, but on a 235 you will need an adapter to get the 700 bolted up, the adapters are expensive, $600 ?

The adapter is $350 from Langdons, that also includes the flexplate.

I also have a '62 C10, which I am also considering going to an automatic trans. Just some thoughts:
1. The six you have in there now has two motor mount supports in the back for the three speed bell housing, and one in the front of the engine. The automatic has only one center mount.
2. The automatic must clear the torsion bar support in the back and and also line up so the drive shaft can go thru the center of the X frame.
3. The floor board cover will have to be modified.
4. If you use a floor shift, it must be able to clear the front of the seat.

So, I've gotta ask? What did you do? I'm in exactly the same situation...'62 C10, 235 six with nose mount and side engine mounts attaching to the bellhousing on each side as you described. With the 200R4, will I need to change to the block side engine mounts that go to the front crossmember and then do a new rear crossmember to mate up to the 200R4? I'm told the 200R4 is not going to be too long to fit in front of the X frame. Modifying the floorboard is not a problem, nor is using a floor shifter...it'll clear just fine.