Hi:

I just bought a 68 base model with a 327 and the 2spd Powerglide. I'd like to step up to a GM 502. I know some people use the Powerglides for drag racing but will it bolt up to a 502 block (I plan on overbuilding the tranny). I'll also need to change the rear end. Which do you suggest?
Thanks

It will bolt up actually a powerglide is pretty strong if built right. A friend of mine put one behind a real good 509ci in a 64 chev and it works fine

Hey thanks for the info:

Any idea on what kind of rear end I should try. I'd like to have 3.73's in back or something a little steeper. Frame twist is a concern.

My friend put in a 9in with 3.70s and didn't like it he said it worked better with 3.36s
You are not going to believe the amount of torque the 502 will put out. His was his spare Super Comp. motor that he milled the pistons and put in a milder cam it still had an excellent set of heads. I don't know if the factory stuff runs like his does but if it does lookout

Like Oger said, a powerglide will handle the power if done well, but I don't think your stock PG tranny will take it. Mine didn't even take my 327 after doing minor work to it. As for the rear, again Oger is right. A 3.73 gear isn't necessary with the huge torque the 502 will make down low. Go with something closer to 3.31. The stock 10 bolt may not be able to take the 502 either. You could probably build it to, but then again you might want the assurance of a 12 bolt just to be on the safe side.

Glides are great transmissions. You can build them to handle goobs of torque and horsepower. The real downside is the first gear. It has a worse first gear ratio than the turbos and a much worse ration compaired to the 700. This is a curse and a blessing. On the street and at the track, it helps with traction. The downside is that they are performace recommended for cars 3000 lbs or lighter. The gearing hurts heavier cars. That torque of a 502, though, could make up for these downsides.



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Mark

1992 Firebird 355/Six Speed (Soon to be LT1)
1991 RS 350 / 700-R4
1987 Toyota Pickup 383 / 500 + HP 10.963 @ 119.95 Slicks / 11.997 @ 114.23 Radials
"Speed KILLS, so drive a FORD and live forever!"
http://personal.lig.bellsouth.net/~racer383/

Member of the "unwanted" 3rd Gen group.

Guys thanks for the info:

I spoke with my motor guy and hey told me I was nuts going to a 502. He slowly brought me back to earth and I think it's going to be a ZZ4 with a nice cam.

Thanks again for the help.