I've been doing some reading here about transmission options for my Dodge Truck (hemi swap project). I was leaning towards a 700r, but read a lot about the kick-down cable adjustments and how if it's off, you can kill the trans. I found a TH350 that's complete and was running well when pulled. Is that trans as easy as bolt it in and go or are there other issues to be concerned with? I was talking to a local transmission guy and asked his opinion, and he said if he were working on the project for his personal use, he wouldn't go through the h***le of making the 700r work. Tried a search, but didn't find what I was looking for answer wise. I'm not worried about having an overdrive gear...this truck won't see much highway use at all.
1957 354 Chrysler Industrial Hemi. I see that Wilcap and hotheads both sell adapters that will mate this trans to the engine. There are so many adapter options...I want to install the trans that will be the easiest to install (and have the starter on the p***enger side...which pretty much limits me to a Ford t5 or a Chevy)
Well turbo 350 are surely a dime a dozen. There are loads of parts available for them, and they can handle a good amount of power when they are built right. As far as easy bolt in... I have no clue. I dont see it being any harded to bolt in than a 700r. I would sugest calling Wilcap and asking for their opinion, since they make an adapter.
The 700R4 actually has two advantages...in addition to the overdrive, it also has a lower 1st gear ratio. To use it, you need to worry about three additional things (over the Turbo 350)...the lockup converter; the TV cable; and the additional length (if that's an issue). You also need to be somewhat concerned with its longevity; they generally need some work to survive behind a healthy engine, especially the earlier versions. That's not to say the Turbo 350 is the strongest trans out there, because it isn't, but in my experience (for what that's worth), the 350 is surprisingly reliable when it's not being outright abused. The input shaft is one weak point. So far as the TV cable on the 700R4 is concerned (it's not a kickdown cable as such), you need to do two things...(1) get the cable adjusted properly; it's best to do it with a pressure gauge, but it is possible to do it with some effort and a bit of luck; and (2) you need to get the cable geometry correct. If you are using a common 4-barrel carb, like a Holley, you can buy aftermarket brackets designed to do exactly that. Most aftermarket trans companies, like TCI, have the TV cable procedure on their websites; or you can look in a service manual, or on the Net. It's pretty easy to do and I wouldn't let that be the deciding factor. You will of course have the adapter and driveshaft issues with either trans; note that the 700R4 has a longer length, and the rear trans mount is located further back, in relationship to the front flange of the trans. This needs to be considered in terms of driveline angles, though your wheelbase is probably long enough to avoid any problems.
I found a rebuilt TH350 not too far from home (couple hours). Also came with a new converter (still in the box). It was rebuilt about 2 years ago. I paid $260 for it, so seemed hard to p*** up. I'm able to find some cutaway diagrams, but really can't find anything online with detailed installation instructions. Step by step would really help me out. Here's a couple pictures of it. Any ****** experts here?
The Jalopy Journal
