I am building a nostalgia altered. It is expected to weigh in at about 16-1700 pounds. I am using a 261 Pontiac 6 cylinder rated at about 275 hp and about 260 ft. lb. of torque. I am running 9" by 29" slicks. I was going to run an aluminum Powerglide, but I don't think 1st gear is low enough. I don't want to spend a fortune, I expect to run a 3500 stall convertor with a 4.11 9" rear. I don't know a lot about the 200, 400 or 700 trans other then they would give me a lower 1st gear. I understand they are all heavier then the powerglide but I may have to sacrifice some weight to get the gear. Remember, we are not putting a lot of power to the tranny, but I do want a nice positive shift. With limited resources, what would you use balancing between weight, cost and shifting? Another option might be to install a 2.20 low gear in the powerrglide, again not a inexpensive option, but it might give me the gear with weight reduction. I am sure others out there have far more experience in this area and could shed light on my dilemma. Just remember, this is no 4-500 hp big block so appropriate solutions would be appreciated.
warren i would be inclined to use the glide. a car as light as yours is ideal for it. the launches will be consistent and the parasitic load is less. with a 3 or 4 spd auto at that weight i think the car would be prone to lift and have excessive wheelspin. my studebaker weighs in at 2600 lb and has a glide with 3500 stall and 4.56 in a 9 inch on 30.5 x 10.5w slicks. the car probably makes 400 hp and depending on conditions runs the 1/8th in the 7.6 - 7.7 range. i love the way the car launches and runs within 2 -3/100th's.
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I really don't have a clue about auto transmissions but no matter what you are going to need an adapter plate so don't limit the search to just Gm products. the only thing that will bolt on directly would be an iron power glide.
That sounds pretty good. I have a full adaptor kit from Langdon's to mate a 235/261 to any V8 style GM automatic. I like the weight of the aluminum powerglide, which I have, and I really only wanted 2 gears. Based on what you have and how it performs, I think I will seriously look at a lower first gear to get a little torque multiplication.
warren i would be inclined to use the glide. a car as light as yours is ideal for it. the launches will be consistent and the parasitic load is less. with a 3 or 4 spd auto at that weight i think the car would be prone to lift and have excessive wheelspin. my studebaker weighs in at 2600 lb and has a glide with 3500 stall and 4.56 in a 9 inch on 30.5 x 10.5w slicks. the car probably makes 400 hp and depending on conditions runs the 1/8th in the 7.6 - 7.7 range. i love the way the car launches and runs within 2 -3/100th's.
7.6-7.7 is respectable for a small block hobby car i'd think.
