I would like to put an overdrive trans in my Jimmy and was wondering how a 700r4 would hold up behind the 454. I would also be doing some towing with it as well. I've heard that they're weak when it comes to towing.
thats a good question grump. i had a shop here build one up for me for a stout 454 in the chevelle at the time and he says it would of took the power but i dropped a valve and went another route. my guess is the heat would be the big factor while towing.
I have the 4L60e in my pickup, its an electronic 700r4. I was told that when towing to leave it in 3rd as the OD is weak in these and the heat will burn the clutches up. I have a temp gauge on the trans and it builds more heat using OD. Wants to downshift on the slightest hill.
depending on what you're towing, you might want to check into the 4l80e or 4l85e. i understand that there are stand alone controllers available for them. those transmissions were the replacement for the th400 in heavy duty applications.
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don't walk in like you own the place..........walk in like you hold the mortgage.
I run a full manual 4l80 (no e) in my 496 Nova pushing 600hp. You might want to look into a TH400 with a Gear Vendors set up if you are doing a lot of towing. Pricey but bullit proof.
Thanks guys. I'm going to look into the 4L80E with a controller. I like the idea of the gear vendors and turning the TH400 into a 6 speed but it comes with a pretty heavy price tag.
