I've posted on Team Chevelle and done searches on Team Chevelle and Camaro. Not trying to waste anyone's time or duplicate effort but I am still undecided on which trans to get. Sounds like B&M and TCI are the most popular choices in the "mid-price" range if you can call $900 mid-price. I have also thought about the new Summit offerings for TH350 or 400 but have heard nothing good or bad about them.

This car will be street driven only, but will sometimes get driven to its full potential - around 475hp, 500ftlbs. Rear end is currie 9" 3.70, shifter is the new magnum B&M street bandit.

The guy helping with the rebuild says he likes 400's better than 350's because the 350 downshift linkage tends to be a maintenance problem and the 400 has an electric switch for downshifting.

Anyone have any suggestions on what trans/company I should go with? I hear so much about broken this and crappy that - I have absolutely no idea what I get from B&M or TCI that would make it better than a rebuilt from the local trans shop. But...since I have invested significant dollars into to doing most things right on this car (sometimes 2 or 3 times to get it right), I'm not about to scrimp on the trans - but I also don't want to throw down $1000 for a trans that is not right for my application.

And then there's the whole converter discussion. I'm thinking 24-2600 stall, but that's just because it is the most mentioned street range in my searches.

As always, help, comments, opinions, pointing and laughing appreciated.

Mike

You may know this, but here goes two cents. Both are good transmissions. I personally like the way the 350 shifts a bit better than the 400. But the 350 won't live much beyond 400 ft*lbs modified. The 400 is a stronger transission (and heavier) but can withstand about 500 ft*lbs modified.

Now about which is better. If you're planning on testing the limits, expect both to break / burn out in time. Given that, I'd find a good rebuilder in your area and have them build you one. For one thing, you'll get local service. Transmissions are expensive to ship. I'm not just talking about AAMCO, but rather performance rebuilders (although AAMCO might do the job, but I doubt it).

You say you are from Texas. How close is Dallas, Ft Worth, Austin, SanAntonio, or Houston to you? I bet you'll find some excellent rebuilders right here in the state which are competitively priced. Use your TCI and B&M prices to negotiate.

-dnult

Thanks for the input. I think I like the local idea as well - if it breaks for some weird reason I'm not having to deal with someone across the country - btdt on the crate motor stuff.

Best,

Mike

You can e-mail me if you want to see what I can do on the TCI units. You may be surprised!

I agree with dnult.

You should go to the drags and ask the fast and or consistant guys what tranny shops they recommend. Long distance shops may or may not have a warantee, but it still won't pay for shipping and time.

Lonnie

I was reading through one of the other posts and someone said it cost them $200 bucks to ship a tranny. :eek: You could just about have a rebuilder build a two average transmissions for that price and still be miles ahead (depending on your tourque).
-dnult

I usually try to steer people to me locally instead of shipping one in as Dnult said. The truck freight to ship a TH400 has been in the $125-150 area in the last few months to go from TCI to either coast. You can start from scratch and only have $600 into a 400 build if you have a good core with a late-model drum. If you have the early drum in it, then that knocks the price to $460. This is what I get to do a 400 if you bring it in, and includes the overhaul kit, manual/auto valve body, sprag, rear Torrington, etc. that will make it just as nice as the TCI Streetfighter is.