Curiosity, What sort of adapter would I need to run the trans from a blazer 4.3, on my cad 390? Is that a possibility, or completely out of the question. Reason being, I've got a blazer, 4wd, with a blown engine, and I just got another engine, with a rwd trans attached. So... I don't need the rwd trans, and yet... my caddy sits... with a blown hydro trans. So... what would it take for me to hook up this other aod trans, to my caddy??? Thanks
Basically You need to look up the many companies that make adapters. Bendstens (sp?) is the only one I can think of off the top of my head but there are others. The will list what motors they make adapters for and what trans will bolt up to it.
just so you know , the bolt pattern on the back of the block for the tranny on a 4.3 chevy V-6 is the same as any small block chevy
http://www.wilcap.com/cad.html and http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/techinfo/700R4p1.html And bowtieoverdrives.com have a look there
You just need an adapter from Cadillac to Chevrolet bolt patten to bolt the trans on the motor. Check with or alliance vendor Riley automotive he sell's them. But you should take in to account that the adapter is like $495.00, and you will still need a new starter for the setup, and modify the trans. mount and driveshaft to put it in. Not to mention you need to wire for the lockup converter ( there are cheap kits sold ) and hook up the TV cable , which are both pretty easy to do. But all of this should be cheaper than rebuilding the hydro since you already have a transmission. I am not tring to scare you, I think it is a great idea and it will drop a couple of pounds off your engine/trans. setup that hydro is heavy. Just my 2 cents on it, CBB
The mechanical attachment is not the problem. When you spend all the time to get it adapter you will probably find the gears aren't strong enough, the clutches are not big enough, it doesn't cool enough etc. When they put the transmission in the Blazer I am sure they didn't design one strong enough for an engine twice the size of the one they were using. Charlie Stephens
From what Ive read, and not to say that I am correct or a trans pro, the transmissions are the same save for the number of clutch plates. When manufactured, there was 6 plates in the v-6 model and 8 in the v-8. If it was rebuilt the chances are they put in the other 2 plates. Not to mis-inform Please correct if this is wrong.
Got my adapter (390 to 700R4) here : http://www.transmissionadapters.com/index.htm Article here http://www.modifiedcadillac.org/articles/Cadillac_700R4/Cadillac700R4.html Gary
I would definitely get a 700R4 for a V8 and not waste my time. But my preferences are the old dual range hydro, which you should be able to get a 55 Cad trans, with bellhousing that will fit. You will love the 1st gear, put your passengers in the back seat.
I loved the dual range hydro that came in the 60. that granny 1st was unbelievable. but now that it's gone out... it'll be at least 1500 to put it back in running condition, whereas the other trans.. is here... and working... and uhm.. I dunno. it was just a dumb idea. I do like the idea of the 700r4. gotta still do some thinkin on this one. thanks for all the input
The 60 transmission is strong, but not as strong as the early (single coupling) hydro used up to 55. Biggest issue is that 55 is the only year that the Cadillac block had no extended bell housing when used with the early hydro, so if you want to use the earlier hydro you will need to get the earlier hydro from a 55 Cad. I have a 54 Cad hydro, which will probably work, but will need a 55 bell housing for the transmission. I do know where I can get a 59 Olds dual coupling hydro, that will probably work if you exchange bell housings from your 60 hydro. Only issue is the extension housing length, Cad probably had a long one and Olds a short one, dunno. PM me if you want to explore the above options.
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