I've got a '64 Chevy Belair w/powerslide tranny.Does anyone know if a 700 R 4 tranny might bolt up to a '64 Chevy 6 cyl , or what it takes to make it work?If anybody has done this swap PM me please. Thanks, Bill
I am not sure what year the 6 cylinder blocks changed to be able to use a different transmission. I will try to find out over the next couple of days.
I believe it is 1958 and above went to the new standard bell housing. You should be good. But I have also been told you want the 200r4 behind such a torquey (sp?) engine.
Personally, I would also prefer the 2004r because of the difference in gear ratios. I think that the 700r4 is too widely spaced, but that is just my opinion. Here is a comparison of the ratios in GM automatic transmission (except powerglide) Transmission 1st Gear 2nd Gear 3rd Gear 4th Gear OD Turbo 350 2.52 1.52 1 N/A Turbo 400 2.48 1.48 1 N/A 2004R 2.74 1.57 1 0.67 700R4 /4L60 3.06 1.63 1 0.7 4L80E 2.48 1.48 1 0.75 Kael
I know that in 57 the V8 engines adopted what has been the standard bellhousing, but I think the inline 6 didn't change until the 230/250/292 group of engines became available. Kael
The Chevy I6 "Blue Flame" (235 cid, etc.) used from 1950-1961 use a different engine block pattern. However, the Chevy 265 cid (and its following 250 & 292 variants) from 1962-1990 use the Standard Pattern.
37-62 inline 6 (216,235,261) is its own pattern. 55-up V8 and 63-up inline 6 (194,215,230,250,292) all use the same pattern. The 700-R4 is going to be longer and have a different mount location than the PG, and possibly the spline count on the tailshaft. You'll need to come up with a way to properly mount the TV cable also.
Actually 62-90 inline 6's (and even the 153 inch 4 cylinder) will bolt up. (194 6's and 153 4's came out in 62 for the Chevy II) I believe that the full size Chevy's still used the stovebolt 235 for 62 and this WILL NOT hook to the newer trannies (has a totally different bolt pattern). I also agree that the 2004R might be a better trans, since it has a higher ratio first.
I've got a 62 235 in my hardtop. I have found several adapters that will allow you to bolt the later bolt pattern to this motor. One is made by Walton fabrication, Patrick's offers one and Buffalo enterprises has one as well. The first two have websites, Buffalo is located in Arlington, WA. There is alot of advise out there about what transmission to use, I've come down to the 350 or the 200r4.
Heres some info, cutted from somewhere......: "/ Yes, an 83 700R4 will bolt up- as they only came in the chebby pattern. They aren't computer controlled, either. That would be the 4L60E that came out later in 96. Unfortuneately- the trans is longer by a bit, so you'll have to cut the driveshaft down. Should be easy & relatively inexpensive. The TV (throttle Valve) cable he's referring to adjusts line pressure based on throttle position- it is critical to get it right. You'll probably have to affix some type of bracket to your carb to get the 'radius' proper. Also- For lockup, you can get a simple kit from many vendors, but I've used TCIs 376600; it allows you to manually control your lockup, as well as having the converter unlock when you step on the brakes. Easy install & much needed. The stock Iron Glider has a tall first gear, and a tall diff ratio. The use of a proper modern THM 700R4 will make a huge differnece on take off. The older 2004R is a similar kind of transmission and is lighter and has a less savage first gear. They are getting older. The 307 Olds, Buick V6's and lots of other GM cars used it, but you need a SBC bell pattern, so a THM 700 is a better option. The THM 700 first gear is a savage 3.06:1 rather than shallow 1.73. 2nd on the THM is first on the Power Glide. 3rd THM is top on the Power glide. Over drive is an absolute moonshot! My 83 th700 I had years ago the plug on the side of the trans had three wires going to it . One goes to the lockup converter (apply +12v it locks up) The other two go to a 4th gear switch. It is possable to look up the wiring diagrahm and put a switched 12v into the 4th gear switch and then come out and go back in to the converter. /" a link to a install : http://www.classictrucks.com/tech/0412cl_transmission_install/index.html or best check out the article:FEATURE ARTICLE from Hemmings Muscle Machines<!-- Writer --> GM TH200-4R Transmission ConversionsHemmings Muscle Machines - JANUARY 1, 2006 - BY JIM O'CLAIR or here: http://www.chevelles.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-66102.html
What I said is correct. When discussing these engines in general terms, its normal to say 62-earlier and 63-later. I was trying to keep things simple, but yes, the "new" inlines debuted in '62 in the Chevy II only. Then everything else in '63. However, The 261 was still used in some early '63 4x4 trucks. I agree that the 200-4R is a better fit, but the mount will still need to move and the TV cable is still an issue. These trannies are easier to come by and cheaper to get, but cost the same to rebuild. They have a deeper overdrive and not as deep of first gear as the 700-R4 has. http://www.maliburacing.com/auto_tranny_id.htm
I think a 700 will well compliment the post 62 inline. No question it will fit. I have no doubt that the ratios would produce fuel mileage around 20 and unlock torque you never imagined. Ratios mentioned may well compliment quick small blocks more than the slow winding torquer you have. If it's not a race car I highly recommend it especially if it is a pickup. Might find a drive shaft the right length and swap yokes/u-joints too. We recently upstroked a 305 to a 334 with a 700. Got 16 mpg town pulling a loaded dump trailer for a week. End of week 10,300 lbs on the scale at the dump. got 22 hwy still do. Add TBI later and have a nice machine for real.. dirt
I realize now it's a Belair. Heavy as a late model pickup with a small load. I'm still sticking with the 700 for fuel mielage and leaving a stop light too. Matter of fact, light to light in the city, I still go with the 700 ratios, if you're keeping the stock rear end. 15% city mileage improvement....... or better. wait and see. Dirt
The Jalopy Journal
