700R4 Trans Modifications - Required?

[Driver_WT]

I am putting a 700R4 trans in my 53 Chevy Truck (S10 frame, 350 SBC). The 350 SBC will have 350 to 400 lb-ft of torque. My research seems to indicate that this kit will make getting the TV cable adjusted properly easier http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/cata...php?ITEMID=217

What about the TCI constant pressure valve body kit - is this required or desired? https://www.summitracing.com/search/...ion-type/700r4

Truck will be used for cruising and the odd bit of abuse of the rear tires

I did a search, but could not an answer to this.

Thanks.

Wade

[fisherman420]

proper TV cable adjustment and proper cooling are two basic keys to the life of the 700. I have no experience with the constant pressure valve body, I reused mine and installed a shift kit.

I'm no expert but I talked to a few different trans guys before rebuilding mine and with 350-400ft/lbs you will want to make sure (at a minimum IMO) that the trans you use (87-93 cores are the most desired) has:
-ALL new bushings and seals
-inspected planetary gears (stock 4 pinion will hold up fine if in good condition)
-new Borg Warner sprag clutch
-high energy 3-4 clutch pack with kolene steels (replace all clutch packs and inspect steels, full good quality rebuild kits are cheap on ebay)
-new sonnax shell
-inspected and checked input drum with new seals
-inspected and deglazed or new reverse input drum (where the band rides)
-new band, new pump with hardened rings and a 471 or 490 boost valve
-corvette servo
-valvebody (shift kit or perhaps the constant pressure setup??)
-and of course a new filter and oil (straight up DEXIII is fine)

Off the top of my head that should do ya as long as everything from the donor trans is in good condition. There is a lot of good info over on the Engine and Drivetrain section on the 700r4 rebuild process and components for different power levels. here's the link http://http://67-72chevytrucks.com/v...d.php?t=634121

[Driver_WT]

Thanks Fisherman. I will probably add in the Transgo shift kit as well. I am new here and did not even see the Engine and Driveline section. Rebuilding a 700R4 trans looks like a complex undertaking.

[Matt_50]

×2 on using 87-93 cores for rebuild and using a corvette servo

[jjzepplin]

Originally Posted by Driver_WT

Thanks Fisherman. I will probably add in the Transgo shift kit as well. I am new here and did not even see the Engine and Driveline section. Rebuilding a 700R4 trans looks like a complex undertaking.

I did mine (first ever) 17 years ago with B-M guts and all the goodies. Used a video from JC Whitney. Still works great. My first torque converter blew up so make sure you get a good one. My replacement was custom built by a reputable local guy. He cut my old one open in front of me on a lathe. Said it was a stock unit for sure. I paid about $400 for it from TCI. Suppposed to be for towing and low end torque. Oh yeah- I did put an Art Carr 13 vane pump in it after the cleanout from the converter issue.

[Driver_WT]

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

I did mine (first ever) 17 years ago with B-M guts and all the goodies. Used a video from JC Whitney. Still works great. My first torque converter blew up so make sure you get a good one. My replacement was custom built by a reputable local guy. He cut my old one open in front of me on a lathe. Said it was a stock unit for sure. I paid about $400 for it from TCI. Suppposed to be for towing and low end torque. Oh yeah- I did put an Art Carr 13 vane pump in it after the cleanout from the converter issue.

I will probably put in a higher stall torque converter to get matched with the cam too.

[jjzepplin]

It's been a long time but I also remember drilling out a few holes making them larger for better lubrication to areas. I think one was the rear shaft bushing and somewhere inside the case for something else. I have some-timers so it may come to me or not. Clinebarger is on here and is the tranny guru.

[whitedog76]

I will agree with Fisherman and his parts list. That pile of parts will make a rock solid transmission. With a Transgo shift kit, you may not need a Corvette servo though.

Updating to a 10 or 13 vane front pump may be something to look at also. The only other thing I can think of is an updated throttle valve and sleeve to help keep it from hunting gears when in overdrive.

[Driver_WT]

Thanks for all of the input guys. Greatly appreciated. How many hours do you think it would take a trans shop to rebuild my trans using the parts that you all have identified? I think that rebuilding this trans myself is outside my capabilities and comfort zone.

Wade

[jjzepplin]

Outside of my comfort zone too. Now my comfort zone is bigger and I am more comfortable.