I need everyones advice about my 29 ford Roadster. I am thinking about changing my Saginaw 4 speed to a Turbo 350 that came out of a 69' Camaro. What do you guys think
A built 200R4 would be a better choice with the lower gear for launch,OD for cruising and it is smaller in size than the 350 Turbo which in your case is a plus.
WHY ?? The 4 speed and the Turbo 350 have the SAME ratio in high gear A Turbo 350 can be nice in a small roadster. A lot of times when at a show or a cruise in the traffic is BAD and you end up riding the clutch a LOT. A automatic ... is a LOT easier on the driveline also.
If you are changing to an auto trans , get an overdrive trans ! If you use the 350 you are just swapping parts with no gain . You will be much happier with an overdrive trans and watch that gas mileage go up on the highway ! Retro Jim
Then use a 5 speed trans but what I am saying is if you are going to change your trans , at least upgrade to an overdrive trans ! Retro Jim
Converter slip at speed. Extra heat. Less mpg. More weight. Leaks. Complicated by too many parts. Besides, real hotrods have 3 pedals.
I'd have to Imagine keeping the 4 speed is the best option, just leave it. However, I do understand your left foot getting tired from pushing the clutch in on your 1000 mile road trips you do every other week? If your not doing alot of those keep the 4 speed and have some fun!
either way will work fine, just depends on whether you wanna shift or not, same final gear ratio, doesn`t matter a whole lot if you are running generally tall www`s, so, just make a decision....i can tell you this, if you channeled your car the 3rd pedal can be a pain to package, thats why i put one in mine......lol
"if you channeled your car the 3rd pedal can be a pain" Yep pain in my leg. thats why I want to change to Auto. I can get the a Turbo 350, 1800 stall & B&M shifter for 350.00 Would like to have a 700R4 but more money.
If you're talking about pedal pressure, maybe you need a different style clutch. If you want to think about an overdrive, I'd really consider the 200-4R. Size wise it's about the same as a 350. The 700R4 is a lot bigger, probably too big for the room in a 29. Larry T BTW, I ran a 10" 3000 stall converter in my 2500 lb/454 powered/4.56 geared Int pickup. You really couldn't tell it was slipping in "normal" around town driving or road trips (I guess the longest was about 250 miles). Just flashed when you really nailed it.
If you change out to a auto, use the 4 speed shifter handle on the auto and leave the clutch pedal, use it for a foot rest on long trips, I did in '54 Ford half the people won't know the differance anyway some my notice when you drive away.
"If you're talking about pedal pressure, maybe you need a different style clutch." The angle of my leg when pushing in and holding the clutch. I'm an old guy!
Don't know if I can get a 200R4 for 350.00. I don't need a it for racing just for cruising around town. 265 SBC with 280 Comp cam and 3 Holley 94's not a lot of power.
a TH350 needs the starter bolted to the block. i'm not sure if your 265 has the holes , you better check
All the cool kids will only drive a hot rod with 3 pedals, but since your an "old guy" as you say, put in the th350 and put your 4 speed in the classifieds here and make back some of your money for the swap.
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