I am looking to swap out my powerglide with a th400. I understand that the 400 mount is approximately 5 inches back from the powerglide. Any suggestions on what crossmember would work, or what I would have to do to existing crossmember to make it work. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Would consider a T-350 instaed, lighter, uses less HP to run, and has the 3 speeds. Unless you need the strength? Crossmember just needs to be moved. Harry
It's been a while, but I'm pretty sure there is a different crossmember that works with the 400. Frame is basically the same as later models that came with Turbo 400's in them. I put a 700R4 in a 65 396 El Camino (No SS396 El Caminos in 65, but you could order the 396 in one) several years back. Worked out fine.
There was a TH400 that was the same length & mounting as a PG. It may have been a Chevy-only deal. I ran across them in '67-'69 Impalas. There was a longer Chevy one, possibly '71 and up, used in station wagons only. I happen to have one sitting on the floor of my garage and it is a lot longer. Bob
The crossmember will slide back in the frame bracket. The same crossmember will be fine. And if that's all that you have a T400 will be fine.
If you use a T-350, I think the trans yoke will slip right in, same as P/G. T-400 is fine spline and bigger so will have to be changed. I put a 396 and a 400 turbo in a 67 el-camino back in the day. It was a 327 and a glide originally. If I remember right I had to pound a small spot in the trans tunnel for the 400 to fit., Not much though. I believe you need the correct oil pan for a BB- chevelle also. Lippy
Lippy beat me to the punch, I was going to say that the 400 is fatter and may need some clearances adjusted in the floor pan.
If the frame is boxed you may have to weld a short flat iron piece further back as the 400 is longer. if the frame is not boxed you can usually slide the cross-member back to the correct place and drill new holes for the bolts. As long a s the cross-member is the one with the double hump and goes cross car it will work wherever you put it.
Not to question your wisdom as much as I'm just curious. Why are you getting rid of the powerglide? IMHO the powerglide is very underated and the TH350 /400's are overrated. Powerglides are lighter, stronger, more efficient (less rotational weight) and are in just about all applications bulletproof when built right and cheaper to find and rebuild. Had one in my 70 Chevelle and loved it. A little gutless off the line and not any good for burnouts but that meant a better hookup with street tires, more consistent times and more HP to the wheels when you need it. Are you looking for a quicker response, more top end speed, gas mileage or just sick of hearing your buddies say swap it out? They were a great tranny for 60's chevelles. Can't say as much for the earlier models. The also have that cool whine in P/N and you can push start them to boot! whats not to like? LOL
gee in this day why would you change a trans that is 1 to 1 for another one that is 1 to 1 ratio? 700r4 2004r 4l 60 just as nice can hold up and od.
El Camino frames are boxed from factory. You may have to do a bit of fab work to put that trans in. Not too bad a job
turbo 350 bolts in place of glide and no driveshaft shortening ,400 move the mounts back crossmember is same shorten shaft, 700r cut mount in center of crossmember off and weld new metal plate with correct 700r trans mount hole to top of crossmember and adjust side mounts to fit and shorten drive shaft and use early 700r with cable .
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