opinions on my setup

This is still new for me so any input would be greatly appreciated... Im going to get this done pretty soon and I want to make sure I am going in the right direction. I have a 51 styline deluxe and will be taking out the 216 and replacing it with a 78 250 and will be going with a s10 rear end. I have read and read about the different transmissions. Which tranny would be best for this setup? I have found t5,th350,400 all at a good price. The car will be driven around town and maybe local highway but not long trips. If you guys here can help me out please.

 

Do you liketo shift gears?

If you like to shift gears then the T-5 is your best bet. if you don't you shoild probably go with the T-350. The T-400 is overkill for your little motor and a heavy pig to boot.

 

I have a 50 chevy with 261, s-10 t5, running 3:36 gears in the dif, works great for me. TH 200 4r would be better than TH350 and the Th400 robs to much power for a 250 six especially one newer than 1970.

 

I put a 250 with a th350 in my 50 Sedan. If I had to do it again and it was available I would have gone with a stick trans. I used a S-10 4x4 with 3:42 gears. If you need any help during the install let me know. It is a easy swap but their are a few things to know. Todd

 

I would lean towards th350, low cost- light- simple, make sure you hook-up kick down cable and adjust if you go that way. Good luck

 

Hot Rod Works in Nampa idaho has some T5 crap for these 49-52 Chevys. Might want to check them out if you go with the T5

 

Can you run speed-0 with the t5? Don't think so

 

The pre 88 T-5's had a mechanical speedo. The later ones were electric.

 

Yes, ya can run a speedo. Our T5 to flathead is mechanical speedo and we used a Harley (just for the cool looks) "Police Special" and had a special cable made at a speedo shop. Works great. We were going to use a elec. speedo but changed our minds.

 

thanks for the info everyone, I found out that the s10 rear is a 3.73 gear, i think I am leaning towards the t350 for this setup.

 

with 3:73 run the 200R4-where did you locate numbers that shows the S10 rearend to have 3:73 gears?

 

Yup.
If you can get a T5 cheap that overdrive will be very nice for anything over 55mph.
The 200r4 would be a good auto choice.
The truth is that 20 years ago we all woulda ran a 3.73 with a turbo350 and not thought twice about it but modern overdrives spoil us into thinking engines should be turning 2k at 70mph.
When I drive my '52 (216,100% stock) I don't like to get over 50mph!
Btw. If that 216 is any good at all please don't scrap it!

 

Jalopy, I have not verified it yet, I found one at a local junkyard online, called the place and asked what ratio and that is what he told me. It is already pulled off the vehicle so I dont know how I can verify it.

LDG the only thing wrong with the 216 is the rear main seal is leaking so once its out I will replace that and store it in the garage until it drives my wife crazy for me keeping it.

 

S-10 tail shaft the speedo works fine.

 

what vehichle does the 200R4 come off of, I tried to look on craigslist for one but cant find anything so I will try to look for specific car tranny.