So I finally made up my mind and bought a built 350sbc for my 63. Now I need a transmission. I had originally thought about the 700r4, but have heard that the swap is a ton of work with the overdrive switch and cross member. Is the 350 a better fit/install? Or is there a better solution. Also, what motor mounts will i need? thanks
Its about the same amount on work. I put the th350 in mine and i wish i would have put the 700r4 in for the over drive. Only think differant really is hooking up the lockup/over drive. I think they make a kit or something for them? And i removed the cross member for the front of the tranny in mine.
Shortbed is correct, you`ll still have to pull out the old crossmember, you have two options, for both th350 or 7004r, get a cossmember from an mid seventies to mid eighties suburban, those will fit like they were made for it, you`ll have to drill new holes in your frame and line it up with the trans mount, or buy a new one from Bowtie overdrives. Same crossmember, you can get the overdrive switch from bowtie over drives as well. http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/catalog/
A different Way I'm sure for 99 % of people , the 700r4 is the way to go as the overdrive is really necessary in to - day's use . I'm unwilling (perhaps stubborn) to drill the frame holes so I went with the TH50C , this is the regular TH350 with a lockup torque converter , a simple way but not really over drive , just 100 % direct drive when it;s locked up . The relay for either is dead simple , try to remember to include the vacuum switch so you don't lug it in town or going up hills , when heavily loaded etc. .
An option many overlook is the 200R4 overdrive automatic. It fits in without crossmember hassles and a well built one is good for around 350-400 lb/ft of torque. Horsepower means NOTHING when selecting a transmission and torque is EVERYTHING. If your "built" 350 has a long cam in it then it's probably not above the 350-400 torque figure. If it is fairly wild it's not going to like shallow gearing.
