Best turbo 400 case?

[karolko]

I was wondering if there is such a thing a surperior casting from the turbo 400's.

I am aware the the short tail shaft is prefered, but what cars came with short tailshafts?

I also read somewhere that some turbo 400's came with provisions for a 8 bolt pump? is this true, and if so what vehicles commonly came with them.

Are there any other things i should look for when searching for one in the junkyards? Optimal years?


Thanks guys,

Adrian

 

[matt69olds]

Some 400s have 8 bolt pumps, some with 6. You can use a 6 bolt pump in a 8 bolt case but not the other way around. Some BOP cases do have some extra webbing in the bellhousing area, Im pretty sure the factory quit useing those cases in the later years when saving weight and material cost became very important. Basically, look for a 69 to 71 core, that will have the upgraded center support and good direct drum. They factory changed direct drums in 71, you cant upgrade the sprag to a 34 element in the later drum.

 

[karolko]

i heard that the 4l80e also has a similar drum to that of the early ones as well and they are interchangable. Is that correct?

I am assuming that an 8 bolt would be nicer to have simply becasue of bolt strength. Correct?

i just want to verify that the 69, 70 and 71 turbo 400's used a 34 element spragg, and 72 and newer did not?

 

[karolko]

on a side note, if i find a shortshaft turbo 400 , would i be able to pull the whole thing apart right there, or would i need any special tools?

what would i have to keep in order to swap the short tailshaft and rear aluminum housing onto a different 400? Is it just the two parts, or will i need anything else from the inside?

Thanks

 

[matt69olds]

I believe the 4180E drums will interchange, Im sure somebody can verify. There are some very knowlegeable poeple on this forum. The 71 and older trans have a 16 element sprag from the factory, you can upgrade to a 34 element with a aftermarket sprag. The 72 and later drums have a roller cam style clutch that cant be upgraded. The 69 and later cores have a center support that is .040 (?) thinner, they use a thin snap ring to prevent the support from wearing the case. The earlier trans the center support rides directly on the aluminum case and they wear in that area. The snap ring and thinner support is a factory fix for that problem. As far as converting a long shaft trans to a short all you need is the output shaft and extension housing. You can disassmble a trans in the junkyard, you need a pump puller (a slide hammer with a 3/8-16 theaded end) long screwdrivers for removing snap rings, a 3/8 12pt thin wall socket to remove the center support bolt and regular hand tools. To reaasemble requires other special tools. Hope that helps!

 

[BandAid]

can anyone confirm this...i heard/read that the TH350 was just as strong as the TH400 and used less energy than the th400..so i was leaning towards the th350 built strong...any thoughts...

 

[overkillphil]

can anyone confirm this...i heard/read that the TH350 was just as strong as the TH400 and used less energy than the th400..so i was leaning towards the th350 built strong...any thoughts...

Stronger? No way. Uses less energy? Correct, but you are splitting hairs unless you are chasing every last gnats eyelash at the track.

 

[karolko]

Matt that helps ALOT.

I have a BOP turbo 400 siting in my backyard, but i will not be home until thursday to look at it. I do not remember what i pulled the trans out of, but i remember a tag on the side of the transmission. Do you know how to decode this tag or if there is a webiste you stumbled upon?

Thanks for all your help. If anyone else has any helpful pointers that would be awesome.

Adrian

 

[matt69olds]

The metal tag will tell the year and original application. Hopefully it will be something you can use.

 

[quickt]

Turbo 350 is not even close to a 400 in the strength department. Faster??? dont think so.

 

[chris718]

Hybrid 350

350 VR4 Racing Transmission