I've searched thru all the previous postings and have decided that a TH350 TO 700R4 conversion would be a good idea considering that most of my driving is on the highway.
Does anyone know where I can find a step by step description of this procedure. I just want to make sure I know about all the little gremlin problems I've heard about, like speedo gears and TV cable problems. Thanks in advance.

------------------
74 Camaro
350,350 new paint
No money.

From what I've read, it sounds like it can be an almost straight forward bolt-in if you get the right combination of parts. I have some articles that I could possibly scan and e-mail to you if you can give me a few days. Basically it boils down to using a TH400 crossmember and modifying it by elongating the mounting holes. The tailshaft housing from a Caprice or early Impala seems to be the key. Supposedly the Caprice cop car tranny has the same heavy duty internals used in the 'Vette and Camaro. The only diffenernce was the cop car tranny didn't use the same valve body so 3-4 wide open gear changes couldn't be made. That can be swapped in though, or you could start with a 'Vette/Camaro tranny and swap over a Caprice tailshaft housing. You also have to consider changing the detent on the shifter, but that is made easy by several companies offering a kit (if you have a floor shifter). The driveshaft has to be shortened about 3 1/2" and you will probably need a new tranny yoke. I don't remember what is involved with the speedo gearing. Also, as you mentioned before, it seems that tv adjustment is crucial for proper operation.

As a side note, I was going to go this route too but changed my mind and now will be going with a manual tranny. I have a firewall mounted dipstick tube and a kickdown cable for a 700 from Lokar still in the packaging that I need to sell. If you're interested, send me an e-mail-I'll be in your neck of the woods this weekend (Buffalo NY) for a wedding, I could just bring them along! Bret.



[This message has been edited by bretcopsey (edited 10-11-2000).]

You might want to play around on www.700r4.com (http://www.700r4.com) They are a good reference when considering this change

Brad
'68, 327, TH350 (some assembly required)

I've based the cost vs payback of this project on a "theoretical" gain of 25% in gas mileage. Anyone care to offer their actual gains in this conversion? Thanx guys.

Yea Crash,

My turbo 400 and 396 were getting around 10MPG. After R700 conversion, I am hitting around 12-13 MPG which is pretty significant since I am running Premium Gas.

75MPH RPM range went from 3500 to 2600. I took the car on the Power Tour and it was VERY NICE!!!

I installed the 700r4 in my 67. All I did was modify the crossmember, and shorten the driveshaft about 3 inches. Thats to get it to fit. Now to make it work (mine didn't work so I took it out, but thats another story) You have to adjust the tv cable properly (this makes it shift acording to your throttle position I think) and you will need to get a lockup converter selonoid kit from TCI. This lets you manually lock up your converter, To get better gas millage. You want to keep it unlocked when you are racing because it will slip for you and you wont break anything. But, you dont want to do this all the time because it gets hot. I think I got this right, or I might have it backwords. Talk to Art Carr or TCI.

I decided to go with a 200-4R. TCI has raced Grand Nationals 9.0 sec 1/4's and 900 HP I think. Anyway the 2004r doesn't have such a wide gear change from 1st to second and the 700. The 700 has a real low 1st gear and and NOT low 2nd gear so it bogs down when you shift. The 200 is closer geared. Also the 700 is 70% overdrive and the 200 is 67% overdrive. So the 200 has a higher overdrive=better gas milage.

Hope this helps.

Tony

------------------
obnoxious 67 camaro under construction. TH350/383 stroker w/ aluminum Eldlebroc RPM heads,cam, and carb.

The turbo 350 drive shaft yolk fits the 700 also.

If you leave the cross member in the stock location,you will need to cut a notch on the pass side to clear the trans pan.After I cut the notch I weld a plate over it to keep it strong and still look good.

Larry