I'm having problems with my original 1957 Pontiac Hydra-matic. I was told that some of the later, 58-60 transmissions were better, and that they would bolt right up. Does anyone know if this is true. I believe the rear motor mount situation changed 1959 and later.
The '55 & 56 slant pans also have a super reputation, more so than the '57. Not being a trans expert, some of the subtleties are lost on me...
55/56 4spd slant pan trans (dual range) is totally different than the 57 4spd trans (dual coupling). The latter is not a bad trans but can't really be modified for performance applications. The 55/56 trans does not have a park detent whereas the 57 and later dual coupling does. An easy way to tell the difference when looking at the shift quadrant on the steering column of a car. The 57 style dual coupling actually was introduced on some models during the 56 model year.
I just read an article about interchanges for the 1955 -1960 Pontiacs as I have a '55 Cheiftain san engine and tranny. I believe it was at pontiacsafari.com
Exactly what do you want to replace your existing 57 trans with.....the 58-60 versions of the same trans or something else? Try going to the Ames Performance website...cool links.....Pontiac forums. Scroll down to the 1960 and earlier section. And search around. Tons of Pontiac info on this site as it's all just Pontiacs.
The “slim Jim “ is a crummy trans. I’d recommend going with a ‘60 and back hydra Matic Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Until last month I was running a 287 and '55 slant pan hydramatic in my '57 wagon. Found a stock 347 bolted to a '57 dual coupling trans. I have the '55 trans and motor up for sale, but the deal is with the '57 trans, you need to pull it apart and upgrade some of the components. It uses sprag clutches. No expert here, although I have rebuilt a slant pan, but when redone, the '57 trans is great. 4 speed. And it shifts so smooth. When in low "D", third, and I drop it into high, there is no noticeable shift drop. It glides so smooth into 4th and the rpms just settle into place. I dunno. I like it. I wouldn't hesitate to open it up if needed. Mine came with signs of being rebuilt. Get a kit and spread it out on the bench. A guy on utube has a vid of him doing it. Check it out.
The 57-64 Super Hydra matic isn't a bad transmission at all. I had one behind a 450 horse 462 Pontiac once. When I would floor the go pedal and down shift from third to second all hell would brake loose!! lol I like how they cruise making that lugging sound, its like having a stick.. If racing one, put it in L and leave it there and let the governor do all the shifting.. Mine used to shift at 5200...
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