TH400 swap tidbit for ya, w/JW Ultrabell

[FastRegalWE2]

When installing a TH400 with a JW Ultrabell, the bellhousing will hit the seam on the firewall, 2nd bolt hole hole from the bottom, drivers side, needs to be beat flat about 2 inches across. Also, when using the stock crossmember and the HR Parts poly mount with the JWUB, the hole for the stud mount sits too far back. I had to take the die grinder and a deburr type bit to make the hole a bit longer.
That is all.

 

[norbs]

I don't think mine hits on the seem, but i may have bent it before so i could get better access to the 200r4 after changing it yearly.

 

[Super6]

thanks

for the tip...i will be glad when i get this thing started.................Bob

 

[norbs]

Your putting in a gear vendors Bob? Just a tip forget about using the stock x member without extensive mods and its too weak to support the extra weight. I made it work but i still have to add some re-enforcement to it. The driveshaft loop wont fit either Also the floor has to massaged very little near the back of the unit. Your better off to make a whole new x member.

 

[Super6]

Your putting in a gear vendors Bob? Just a tip forget about using the stock x member without extensive mods and its too weak to support the extra weight. I made it work but i still have to add some re-enforcement to it. The driveshaft loop wont fit either Also the floor has to massaged very little near the back of the unit. Your better off to make a whole new x member.

Yes, i guess it will be next month before i start on it. thanks for the tip. i figured it was going to be involved. do you think chrome moly tubing will be strong enough? i was thinking of gettting the tubing and making it myself...how do you like the gv od? thanks Bob

 

[Super6]

crossmember

i was looking through the Jegs book and found a universal crossmember made out of 1 1/2" x .134". you can get a 40" or 56" and i guess cut to fit. it's like $80 . Do you think that would be strong enough Norbs? thanks for any help. Just got a call and my trans is ready. should get started on this next week...Bob

 

[norbs]

Chromemoly tubing would be a good choice, but it appears the frame is bending from the weight at the attachment points, i can see it flex, so i may do something there. I will get you some pics when im done. I had to angle the engine more down to make it fit, there's jkust not enough room in the tunnel otherwise. I need about another week to get it running.

 

[Super6]

Chromemoly tubing would be a good choice, but it appears the frame is bending from the weight at the attachment points, i can see it flex, so i may do something there. I will get you some pics when im done. I had to angle the engine more down to make it fit, there's jkust not enough room in the tunnel otherwise. I need about another week to get it running.

thanks Norbs i would greatly appeciate some pics to give me some ideas.....Bob

 

[norbs]

This might help you with the install of the JW bellhousing.

TH400 and J.W. Ultra-Bell

 

[norbs]

Here's a pic GV install:

 

[Super6]

thanks for the pics Norbs...gives me a few ideas as what to look for. i have a welder and my dad loves making things so i will keep in touch so we can share so info....................................Bob

 

[norbs]

Its hard to get good pics under the car. You also will need a 1 15/16" frost plug to plug the speedo hole in the trans case. I just hope the gears vendors holds up to the transbrake. It says on the website thats its for racing, but i think the limit is low 9s personally. I see the section that could be in the weigh on the ultrabell, but with the gear vendors, all my angles are steeper so its not that bad.

 

[ttypewhite]

That looks real good Norbs. How long til you can take it out for a spin? When I put my T400 in I rolled over the lip on the firewall so all boltholes are easily excessable from underneath the car using a impact gun with a long extension.

 

[norbs]

Its still going to be a while, I ordered some parts from G body parts and since he is moving/moved my order is delayed.

 

[Adam Connell]

Ok So what would a 400 with a GV unit on it cost? I thought the point of using a t400 was to be a cheaper/stronger alternative, but arent the GV units pretty pricey? I really like the idea of a t400 with overdrive, but if its going to cost more than 2 grand then whats the point? Dont get me wrong Im not bashing the idea, I was just wondering what the major advantages are for going this route?

 

[Super6]

Ok So what would a 400 with a GV unit on it cost? I thought the point of using a t400 was to be a cheaper/stronger alternative, but arent the GV units pretty pricey? I really like the idea of a t400 with overdrive, but if its going to cost more than 2 grand then whats the point? Dont get me wrong Im not bashing the idea, I was just wondering what the major advantages are for going this route?

i will take a stab. you are looking at 5k to 6k to do this..400+gv is a hard combo to beat for reliablity if you want to drive the car. if you are in the 11's stay with the 200 but i want to drive to the track 1 hour away and click off low 10's without having to worry about breaking the trans. the 400 is one tough trans and can be built most anywhere but the 200 has to be right and only a few know what they are doing. get a 200 to handle the power that a 400 will and you will spend 5k to 6k and might have to freshen it up every couple of years. it is my understanding that the 400 will not need freshening up for quite sometime. i don't have any experience with a 400 behind a Buick but i had one behind a big block chevy with nitrous that was built in the back yard and i loved that trans. i tried to tear it up but it never gave a minutes trouble.............hth..............Bob

 

[norbs]

Your best bet is to find one on ebay. Most are for a turbo 400 anyway. The average price is 2200-2400 from any tranny shop who is a gear vendor dealer. I just got tired of building the 200 and guys up here charge $500 just for a freshen, and you beat on it a few hard blasts and it starts to either take out the band or the 3rd gear clutches or the converter breaks even. If its built right its a great tranny. But with a electric transbrake its going to cost you 3k or more with billet parts.

The gear vendors is a bit tricky to install and is heavy 46 lbs on top of the 400, i know i had a struggle to put it in. You have to decide on what you plan to do with the car and how strong you want to make it. But spending $500 a year to fresh with the hassle is not worth it to me anymore.